HGS November General Lunch

HGS November General Lunch

Giving Back, Moving Forward: Building Networks Through Geoscience Volunteering

By Ryan Ruppert, Robert Merrill, and Amanda Johnston

Wednesday 19 November | 11:30 am - 1 pm

5 Greenway Plaza (Oxy’s office), Houston, TX 77046

Directions: Park in visitor parking in the garage; proceed to security desk on Plaza level for registration; parking validated by security

Cost:

• $30 Members
• $35 Non-members
• $25 Students

Abstract

Ever wondered how volunteering can enrich your career, expand your network, and make a real impact on the next generation of geoscientists? Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring geoscientists who have volunteered their expertise to support students and colleagues around the world.  You’ll hear how volunteering opened doors, built skills, and fueled passions.  Discover how to get involved, balance commitments, and make a difference.  Also, connect with like-minded peers and leaders in the geoscience community.

Whether you’re an experienced geoscientist or just starting your career, you’ll leave with actionable ideas for giving back and a renewed motivation to support the next generation of talent.

Bios

Ryan Ruppert

After receiving his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of Iowa, Ryan has pursued a 26-year career with ExxonMobil, including roles in exploration, development, production, and research. Most recently, Ryan was the was the Subsurface Technical Team Lead from Gate 1 to Final Investment Decision on the Payara Project, the third development in ExxonMobil’s Guyana portfolio. He’s currently the Senior Geoscience Advisor to the Guyana Stabroek Block, working technical and strategic initiatives critical to the venture’s success. In his free time, he can be found with his wife and two teenage sons, watching sports, enjoying the outdoors, and traveling.

Robert Merrill

Dr. Robert Merrill brings more than 48 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing in domestic and international exploration. Over the course of his career, he has held technical and staff positions with companies including American Stratigraphic Company, Cities Service Company, Occidental, Unocal, and Samson. In 2005, Dr. Merrill founded Catheart Energy Inc., an independent exploration and consulting company dedicated to pursuing both conventional and unconventional oil and gas opportunities. He continues to maintain a consulting practice focused on portfolio evaluation.

Alongside his industry work, Dr. Merrill has been deeply engaged in professional service and humanitarian initiatives. He has served on numerous committees and boards, including the American Geological Institute and the Houston Geological Society. He has been a member of the SEG Geoscientists Without Borders Committee since 2015 and currently serves as its chair.

Dr. Merrill earned his B.A. in Geology from Colby College, and both his M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology from Arizona State University. He is an Honorary Member of the AAPG, a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and a Fellow of the Geological Society of London. He served as Secretary and President of the American Institute of Professional Geologists.

Amanda Johnston

Amanda Johnston is a dedicated exploration geologist with a strong passion for volunteering. Amanda is currently serving as an exploration geologist at TotalEnergies.  Previously, she previously spent five years at Hess Corporation, where she gained valuable hands-on experience in exploration, development, and operations across a variety of basins.

Amanda has been deeply committed to volunteerism and professional development. A longstanding member of the Houston Geological Society (HGS), Amanda served on the Student Expo Committee for over seven years, culminating in leadership roles as Vice Chair (2020) and Chair (2021-2023). She is the Education Coordinator for the AAPG Imperial Barrel Award Competition and she organized the AAPG Bufalo Bayou Educator’s Hike, a program that provides K-12 teachers in the Houston area with tools to enhance geoscience education.