Utah State University

Wheaton College

The International School of Stavanger

Graduate Student

Calgary, Canada Area

- Worked towards completion of thesis project•	Maintained and processed 229 samples•	Became an expert user of an Elemental Analyzer and Isotope-Ratio Mass SpectrometerMy funding through USU has been through various Research and Teaching Assistantships. As a research assistant, my focus was on completion of my thesis work. This involved organization and management of 229 shale, carbonate, and phosphatic samples, and all powders derived from them. Analysis of these samples required me to become proficient in the use of an Elemental Analyzer and CF-IRMS (Continuous Flow - Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer), and further reduction and analysis of the data obtained.

Research Assistant

- Key contributor to high-profile unconventional oil exploration play•	Interpreted and mapped over 500mi2 of 3D seismic in a month, far ahead of expectations•	Became an expert user of IHS Kingdom Suite interpretation software•	Integrated well data to de-risk seismic interpretation and map faciesMy contribution to my team’s success was the interpretation and mapping of an enormous 3D seismic survey covering 500mi2 in north-central Oklahoma’s Anadarko Basin.  This was part of Newfield’s unconventional STACK play in the Pennsylvanian Red Fork, Mississippian Chester and Devonian Hunton formations.  I finished the summer project in less than a month, leaving my supervisor scrambling to find me more work for the rest of the summer.  By interpreting horizons, incised unconformities and seismic attributes, I was able to save the company a large number of dry wells by identifying the channel facies areas, which presented a mud-loss risk, and guiding the drilling program into the interfluve areas that respond well to unconventional completion techniques.Although I did not have much well log interpretation experience, I borrowed a textbook, taught myself the basics of gamma and electric log interpretation, with some guidance, and integrated the geologic tops and facies with the seismic.  This increased the reliability of the seismic interpretation. Being part of a successful exploration effort at a major oil and gas company convinced me of my ability and passion to pursue this as a career.  Newfield provided me with a wonderful opportunity to experience virtually all facets of exploration, visiting drill rigs and corporate HQ in Houston, attending operations meetings and reservoir seminars and presenting my work to both peers and corporate management.

Newfield Exploration

Geophysics Intern

- Worked 20 hours/week while pursuing M.S. degree•	Taught Introductory Geology and Historical Geology laboratories•	Leadership – Field trips to Logan Canyon, Canyonlands National Park and Arches National ParkNothing forces you to really understand a discipline like having to explain it to others.  I learned to give interesting lectures, to be prepared for students’ questions and to be meticulously organized with grading.  I went beyond what was expected by involving myself in the planning of these courses, updating old labs and figures, creating teaching materials and selecting rock samples.  Students learned geology and achieved good grades because of what I did.

Teaching Assistant

- Seismic processing of 3D surveys with major Calgary processing house•	In-depth learning of seismic acquisition methods and geometries•	Rapidly learned how to use proprietary software and contributed to project profitability		I was responsible for front-end seismic processing work on land-based 3D seismic data received from oil and gas company clients.  Most of the seismic surveys I worked on were from west Texas.  I picked first breaks, applied inversions, and did velocity analysis; also applying filters to post-stack volumes.  I had the opportunity to visit an acquisition company in Calgary to see first-hand how data are acquired.  My biggest challenge was successfully correcting a survey with thousands of corrupted receiver locations, a task which had my team members placing bets on when I would give up.    Communicating the processing flow to the client was critical, and I created organized, professional PowerPoint presentations that did that well. These presented Arcis in a good light and were essential to good client relations.  At the end of the summer, my supervisor told me that they would be happy to hire me back, if I was ever looking for a similar position in the future.

Arcis Seismic Solutions

Intern - Front-end Processing

- Worked 10 hours/week while completing my B.S. degree•	Introductory Geology•	Prepared for and answered myriad questionsAs a Geology lab assistant at Wheaton, I graded labs on time, correctly, and efficiently. My duties also included attending the lab sections and being very well prepared and familiar with the material so that i could answer any on-the-spot questions from students. This was excellent preparation for my position of Teaching Assistant at Utah State University.

Lab Assistant

- Worked 10 hours/week while completing my B.S. degree•	Interacted with diverse customers daily•	Maintained an organized and efficient workspaceAs a barista at the college cafe, I received and filled drink orders quickly and accurately. I gained experience running the cash register and interacting with customers, as well as being responsible for leaving the business clean, following health standards, and finally, locked the cafe up at night.

Katherine Paukert

Katherine Paukert