West Texas Oil & Gas: Rebecca Jones conducts regional sedimentological and stratigraphic studies in West Texas using core, thin sections, and wireline logs

September 20, 2007

Rebecca Jones recently rejoined the Bureau of Economic Geology. She worked as a research scientist associate from 2001 to 2005 and returned to this position in May 2007.

Her interests include stratigraphic and seismic interpretation and reservoir characterization. She has primarily studied the Permian Basin region of West Texas. She is currently working on regional sedimentological and stratigraphic studies using core, thin sections, and wireline logs as part of the Permian Basin Geological Synthesis Project. She also participates in regional studies for the STARR program, with a focus on the geology of West Texas reservoirs on state lands.

“One of the things that I’ve really enjoyed is working with different experts at the Bureau,” Jones said. “My role as a geologist is working in a team with geophysicists, petrophysicists, and engineers to construct a comprehensive model of a stratigraphic interval. There is an incredible amount of expertise here and, as a junior scientist, the interdisciplinary mentoring I receive is very valuable.”

After earning a B.A. from Dartmouth and an M.S. in geology at the University of Wyoming in 1999, Jones joined ExxonMobil where she explored for oil and gas in West Africa, conducted regional studies in the Middle East, and worked in production in West Texas.

“For me, the Bureau provides a very nice niche between academia, public service, and industry,” Jones said. “We are conducting studies that not only utilize the large data sets common in industry but also contribute to the public domain literature.”

For more information about the Jackson School contact J.B. Bird at jbird@jsg.utexas.edu, 512-232-9623.