Letter from the President
Houston Geological Society
January 2026
Dear HGS Members,
As we begin a new year, January offers a natural moment to reflect, reset, and—most importantly—renew our sense of geological curiosity. For me personally, exploration was the greatest puzzle of all. The challenge was never having all the data you wanted but having just enough to provide glimpses into what might be possible. From there, the real work—and excitement—began; building on those possibilities with other creative geoscientists, engineers, and commercial advisors to turn ideas into actionable business opportunities.
That journey did not end with an idea on paper. It continued through the anticipation of watching—and hoping—for those ideas to become reality as prospects were drilled. Along the way, we learned to celebrate successes and to learn quickly from failures, so we could begin the process all over again. I was reminded of this recently during an HGS lunchtime technical talk, when I recalled a conversation with a commercial engineering manager who once expressed how amazed he was that geoscientists could live so comfortably with so much uncertainty—especially when the probability of success was low. That willingness to embrace uncertainty, driven by curiosity and the possibility of what could be, is what pushes us to keep moving forward.
In many ways, this mirrors the experience of students and early-career geoscientists today. They, too, are navigating uncertainty—assembling limited data, testing ideas, learning from setbacks, and building confidence through experience. By sharing our stories, our questions, and our lessons learned, we help them see uncertainty not as a barrier, but as an invitation to explore.
At HGS, fostering geological curiosity remains central to our mission. One excellent example this month is Case Studies Seminar II on January 15. HGS and GSH are teaming up for this premier one-day program—the second edition of a highly popular seminar last hosted in November 2024.
The Case Studies Seminar is a unique, all-day technical workshop in which twelve experienced geoscientists will recount how they found oil and gas during their careers and what they learned from their exploration and production experience. By sharing real-world successes, challenges, and lessons learned, these speakers provide insights that strengthen our ability to think critically, ask better questions, and apply experience-driven knowledge to new geological problems. This kind of shared learning is often where curiosity is sparked—and where professional growth begins.
January also provides an opportunity to look back and appreciate the visionaries who built the foundations we stand on today. Legends Night on Monday, January 12, will feature Richard Stoneburner, whose career and contributions exemplify the curiosity, leadership, and dedication that have shaped both HGS and the broader geoscience community. Celebrating voices like his reminds us that progress in our profession is built not only on technical skill, but on imagination, persistence, and a passion for discovery.
As we look ahead, I am also pleased to share that in the new year we will be deploying an updated HGS website. This refreshed platform is designed to better serve our members, improve access to programs and resources, and make it easier for potential members to explore what HGS has to offer. The new site reflects our commitment to accessibility, engagement, and continued growth as a professional community.
Thank you for being part of the Houston Geological Society. I look forward to a year defined by curiosity, connection, and a shared commitment to advancing the geosciences—together.
Best regards,
Patty Walker
President
Houston Geological Society