Michael GaskinsExxonMobil Exploration CompanyWest Africa Operations Manager

CCE – Bite of Science March 18, 2013

ABOUT ME• Degree in Geology – Oklahoma State

University (first in my family to go to college)

• Employed by ExxonMobil ~30 years• Current position• West Africa Operations Manager• ExxonMobil Exploration Company

• Married with 3 kids; youngest in high school

What is GEOLOGY?Study of the Earth, the materials of which it is made, the structure of those materials, and the processes acting upon them

What does a geologist do?

o Study the physical aspects & history of the earth

o Analyze seismic information to identify the location of oil, natural gas, minerals, and underground water

o Study, preserve, and clean up the environment

o Examine chemical and physical properties of specimens in laboratories• May study fossil remains of animal and plant life• Use two or three-dimensional computer modeling

to portray geologic layers

o Apply geological knowledge to engineering problems in constructing large buildings, dams, tunnels, and highways

Current Assignment What do I do?

Exploration - West Africa Operations Manager

o Evaluate geologic opportunities in the West Africa region in the pursuit of new Oil and Gas deposits• Evaluate seismic / geologic data• Identify and drill prospects; evaluate economic potential

o Maintain relationships with partners and governments

o Travel, learn new cultures

Past Assignments• Began my career in Oklahoma City, OK working

the Midcontinent and Rocky Mountain areas of the US

• Moved to Houston, worked Texas, Gulf of Mexico and the Gulf Coast

• Worked Russia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the Caspian Region

• Moved to London, England as Manager over Russian exploration activities

• Returned to Houston, Manager over our US production geology activities

• Currently Manager of our exploration activities across West Africa

Path• College degree in geology or geophysics

o Bachelor’s degreeo Master’s degree may be needed for some jobs

• Skillso Solid background in mathematics, chemistry and physicso Effective oral and written communication skillso Computer modeling, data processingo Ability to think independently and creatively

• It is impossible to see inside the earth so geologists leverage other sciences & techniques to predict what lies below the surface of the earth – explain to others why this is important

Questions?