Lorena Moscardelli Ph.D. candidate, stratigraphy and seismic interpretation Caracas, Venezuela "I am conducting research in the offshore area of Trinidad and Venezuela, where I have been working with more than 10,000 sq km of 3-D seismic data, and at the Bureau I have access to all the resources I need in order to successfully manipulate that huge data set. This capacity is something that you will only find in few places, and UT is one of those places."
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Ph.D. advisor and area of interest:

Dr. Lesli J. Wood (Bureau of Economic Geology); stratigraphy and seismic interpretation

Other degrees:

B.S., geology, Central University of Venezuela

Title of dissertation:

Mass transport processes and deposits, and their role in continental margin development.

What sparked your interest in geology?

I have had this wonderful inclination for natural sciences since I was very young. I always wanted to know more about natural processes and how they work. First, I thought I wanted to be a biologist; then I thought I wanted to be a chemical engineer, but when I finally discovered that in geology you can be, and you need to be, a little bit of everything: Bingo! I knew I was in the right place. I also love to travel, to meet new people and to go to new places, so I can’t think of a better career than this one in order to do that.

Why did you choose the Jackson School’s UT Department of Geological Sciences for your studies?

While I was working as a geologist in my home country I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Lesli Wood. She was my first contact with UT, and she is now my supervisor. I always wanted to pursue a Ph.D., so I started to do some research on several universities worldwide. I have to say that I was astonished when I noticed the huge range of possibilities and options that are offered here at UT. You can do whatever you want in the Jackson School, from vertebrate paleontology to petroleum exploration. I didn’t find that anywhere else—it was not too hard to make the final decision.

What do you enjoy the most about your studies or research? About working at the Jackson School?

I am currently working as a GRA (Graduate Research Assistant) at the Bureau of Economic Geology, which is one of the branches of the Jackson School, and what I enjoy the most is the availability of resources and the freedom I have as a student to take advantage of those resources. I am conducting research in the offshore area of Trinidad and Venezuela, where I have been working with more than 10,000 sq km of 3-D seismic data, and at the Bureau I have access to all the resources I need in order to successfully manipulate that huge data set. This capacity is something that you will only find in few places, and UT is one of those places.

Want to share any highlights such as awards, special events, or professional presentations of your work?

As a student at the Jackson School I have had the opportunity to present several technical talks associated with my research in national and international meetings. I have also been exposed to the industry because they fund part of our research, and there is an active interchange of technical knowledge between academia and companies. Because of all the opportunities I have found here at UT, my research has been recognized by several organizations, including the 2004 L. Austin Weeks Grant from the AAPG Foundation, the Thomas R. Banks Memorial Scholarship from the San Antonio Area Foundation in 2004, an Outstanding Student Paper Award from the Hydrology Section of the AGU in 2004, and a Graduate Student Research Grant from the GSA in 2005. All these, thanks to some hard work and the support of the Jackson School and my advisor.

What one research tool could you not live without?

The only single thing that I cannot live without is creativity. That is my favorite tool, and it has proven to be very effective in critical times. I don’t think a researcher can survive without that.

What are your career goals?

It is my objective to become a geologist specialized in stratigraphy and seismic interpretation. I seek to obtain experience in multidisciplinary teams exploring new frontier areas. Right now, I have a particular interest in the application of new quantitative seismic geomorphological techniques in shallow- and deep-water deposits and in reservoir modeling and development.

Where are you from?

I was born in Caracas, the beautiful capital city of Venezuela. My country is located in northern South America. Venezuela is famous for its wonderful beaches, its success in beauty contests, and its oil. We also have produced great baseball players, including Galarraga, Vizquel, and Ozzy Guillen (Go Sox!). My heart will always be at home, but nowadays I consider myself a citizen of the world!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

There are a variety of things I like to do in my spare time, including reading novels, going to the movies, and cooking. I also like to exercise, and Austin is the perfect place for that because you can take your bike and go around without too much trouble, or you can just go to the lake and swim. There are no excuses here for being a couch potato!

What is your favorite rock and why?

It depends! If we are talking about money, my favorite rock is a high-permeability and high-porosity sandstone. If we are talking about beauty, then my favorite rocks are carbonates, but only in thin sections!

What fun activity would you recommend to an incoming UT student?

There are a lot of fun things to do in Austin. You can go to the famous Sixth Street, which is our version of Bourbon Street and is up and running from Thursdays to Saturdays every week. You can also enjoy hiking, climbing, biking, camping, and swinging in all the parks that are within Austin and surrounding areas. This is a beautiful and diverse city with an interesting cultural and musical scene in the heart of Texas. Of course, I know you guys will enjoy going to the football games! “Hook ’em Horns!”

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