Leadership

Friends and Alumni Network Board 2024-2025

 

Max Daniller-Varghese, Ph.D. ’19

President  

The Center for Space Research at the University of Texas at Austin

Max is currently a Research Associate at the Center for Space Research at the University of Texas at Austin. Prior to his research appointment he worked as a data scientist in both healthcare and geospatial companies. Most recently he was a Senior Data Scientist at CVS but he has also wrangled large-scale point-clouds of the Earth’s surface, and forecast weather at the seasonal scale. In his doctoral work he studied how the Earth’s surface changes its shape through time by moving sediment in rivers, coastlines, and marine environments.

 

 

Kathryn Young, M.S. ’06

President-Elect

Sharp Reflections

Kathryn gained her MS in Geophysics from the University of Texas at Austin. She began her career with EOG Resources in South Texas where she participated in the full evolution of the Eagle Ford play, from the early lease acquisition to rigorous field development. She then worked on technical projects in BP’s central upstream technology team for 10 years, supporting asset teams globally, in various geological environments, all with their unique challenges and complexities. Kathryn has been with Sharp Reflections since 2022 as their Business Solutions Manager for the Americas. She relishes the opportunity to collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams to overcome the oil & gas industry’s biggest challenges. Her success at the Jackson School was due to supportive staff and the invaluable friendships that she still enjoys today. In her sparse free time, she enjoys spending time with her kids on the beach and cooking all types of spicy dishes.

Favorite Jackson School Memory: Not favorite, but most memorable: Standing in 30F, windy weather in New Mexico in McKittrick Canyon and listening to Charlie Kerans talk about clinoforms and 1 degree dip for hours, wondering why I was the only one who couldn’t seem to concentrate on anything because of my chattering teeth.

 

Nysha Chaderton, M.S. ’05, Ph.D. ’09

Past President 

ExxonMobil

Nysha joined ExxonMobil in 2008 and is currently working as a Portfolio Advisor. She has held several positions across the Upstream, including Supervisor (Stratigraphy, Guyana Geoscience), Technical Team Lead, Commercial Advisor, Exploration Geologist, Development Geologist, and Production Operations Geologist. Prior to joining ExxonMobil, Nysha spent two years working as a Geologist for the Government of Barbados. She received her academic training at The University of The West Indies, Jamaica (BSc Geology, 2002) and Geoscience degrees from the Jackson School at The University of Texas at Austin.

 

 

Katherine Garcia, M.S. ’23

Networking Director

Exxon Mobil

Katherine Garcia became a geoscientist at ExxonMobil in 2023. She earned her master’s degree in Energy and Earth Resources from the University of Texas at Austin, building on her undergraduate studies in Geosciences at Franklin & Marshall College. As a proud GeoFORCE alumna, she attributes her success to the program that first ignited her passion for geology and STEM careers. Katherine advocates for initiatives empowering the next generation of geoscientists.

 

 

Sebastian Cardona, M.S. ’15

Outreach Director 

ExxonMobil

Sebastian is originally from Medellin, Colombia. He completed a B.S. in Geology from UT San Antonio. He then completed a M.S. in Geological Sciences at UT Austin in 2015 working with Lesli Wood and Sean Gulick. He really enjoyed working with Lesli, so he decided to join her at Colorado School of Mines for his Ph.D. in Geology. After his academic career, Sebastian joined Equinor in Houston as an exploration geologist. He then worked for Tellurian LNG in its newly formed Low Carbon Initiatives team. In 2021, Sebastian joined the Low Carbon Solutions organization in ExxonMobil as a geoscientist.

Favorite Jackson School memory: The world-class people I got to interact with on the daily basis. 

 

 

Emilie Gentry, B.S. ’15

Colorado Chapter Director

Teverra

Emilie Gentry graduated with a B.S. in Geological Sciences from UT in 2015 and a M.S. from Colorado School of Mines in 2018. She started her career in oil and gas working for Ovintiv in Denver. In 2021, Emilie pursued a life long dream and landed a career in geothermal energy with a startup called Teverra. She is Senior Geothermal Geoscientist at Teverra and works on subsurface modeling, resource assessments, and exploration projects for geothermal around the globe. In her free time, Emilie enjoys hiking with her dog, spending time with friends, and traveling lots!

Favorite Jackson School memory: Field camp

 

 

Dr. Rania Eldam Pommer, B.S. ’13

Colorado Chapter Director

bpx Energy 

Rania is a geoscientist with bpx Energy in Denver, CO. She is a champion of DE&I ambitions in STEM fields and works to drive equity at all levels in industry and academia. Rania was one of the co-founders of G.L.O.W., the Geosciences Leadership Organization for Women, in the Jackson School in 2011, and she published two STEM-focused children’s books while in graduate school. She currently lives in Golden, CO, with her husband Max, daughter Nailah, two dogs, one cat, and nine chickens.

 

 

Alessandra Millican, B.A. ’11

Colorado Chapter Director

LandGate

Alessandra received a B.A. in Geosciences and Business, and has worked in the energy industry for more than 10 years. She started her career as a geologist focusing in the Eagle Ford Shale and became an industry-expert in LDAR audits to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations. As an executive of the LandGate team, Alessandra manages the existing client base and a team that supports energy companies across the world. Before joining LandGate, she worked as the Renewable Energy Lead for Esri and developed Esri’s global renewable energy strategy by successfully growing the industry while building an unprecedented renewable energy location intelligence community. She has been featured in multiple publications, was chosen as a renewable energy thought leader, and was selected to be an international keynote speaker for her work in the renewable energy community. Alessandra is passionate about enabling renewable energy companies to operate more efficiently by utilizing groundbreaking technology.

 

Marcy Davis, M.S. ’01

Austin Chapter Director

University of Texas Institute for Geophysics

Marcy is currently an Engineering Scientist at UTIG, a position she has held since receiving her M.S. Degree in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin in 2001. Marcy supports research staff and students in the field and in the lab and is the Program Manager for the Marine Geology and Geophysics Field Course.

 

 

 

April Duerson, B.S. ’07

Houston Chapter Director

Schlumberger 

Started my career as a field hydrogeologist and transitioned to a field engineer with SLB. 15 years later I have been blessed to have various opportunities. Today, I am the communication manager or OS&IT. Outside of my career, I’m the owner of Peachez Eatery Event and catering company.

Favorite Jackson School memory: High Heel hike on a field trip

 

Matt Ramos, M.S. ’16, Ph.D. ’18

Houston Chapter Director

Chevron – CTC

Matt graduated with a Ph.D. in Geology from UT in 2018. His dissertation focused on quantifying mechanical anisotropy of fractured and layered rocks. Since graduating, he has worked at Chevron CTC, where he is currently a Geomechanics and Natural Fracture Subject Matter Expert, supporting exploration, global business units, and performing R&D. Prior to the Jackson School, Matt also earned a M.S. in Petroleum Engineering from UT, a M.S. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Tufts University, and a B.A. in Geology and Physics from Bowdoin College. In his free time, Matt enjoys woodworking, cooking, traveling, and hiking/camping.

 

 

Sam Shrull, B.S. 16

Houston Chapter Director

Crescent Pass Energy

Sam went on to complete his M.S. in Geology at Louisiana State University in 2018. After a stint mud logging in the Delaware Basin, Sam returned to Houston in 2019. He has worked as an Engineering Tech and Geologist for Crescent Pass Energy since January 2020

Favorite Jackson School Memory: Winning the chili cook-off during field camp (we used some field gathered sage as a secret ingredient)

 

 

 

Patricia Ascanio-Pellon, M.S. ’23

Houston Chapter Director

ExxonMobil

Patricia joined ExxonMobil in 2023 and is currently working as an exploration geoscientist in the West-Africa Established Areas team. She first became interested in the oil and gas industry after a mudlogging stint in Colorado and west Texas. She was impressed by the diverse and vast amount of geoscience knowledge applied within the oil and gas field. Patricia continued pursuing a career in oil and gas by interning with ExxonMobil’s Low Carbon Solutions organization in 2022 and was hired after completing her M.S. from the Jackson School. Her thesis focused on Cuban detrital zircon geochronology and Caribbean tectonics. Outside of work, Patricia enjoys playing sports (volleyball, basketball, pickleball) with her husband, traveling, and going thrifting.

Favorite Jackson School Memory: Beers on The Patio and lab meetings at Crown & Anchor Pub.

 

Thomas Etzel, Ph.D. ’20

Houston Chapter Director

ExxonMobil

Thomas received a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 2020. His dissertation focused on reconstructing the tectono-metamorphic history of western Turkey during the Alpine Orogeny. After graduating, he started a fulltime position at ExxonMobil where he is currently a basin and petroleum systems analyst supporting exploration and new opportunities. Prior to attending UT-Austin, Thomas attending the University of Utah, earning a B.S. and M.S. (both in geology). During his time at Utah, Thomas gaining experience in mineral exploration and geothermal energy through internships and thesis research.

Favorite Jackson School Memory: Meeting my wife!

 

Enrique Reyes, B.S. ’16

San Antonio Chapter Director

Abre.io

Enrique, B.S. ’16, is from San Antonio and is representing that city as the chapter director. He looks forward to connecting with alumni at various events this year! Enrique is a former science educator and currently works for an EdTech company as a Professional Learning Specialist. He is a GeoFORCE Texas alumni, and Enrique is deeply passionate about education and improving outcomes for students in all communities. Enrique is deeply committed to UT Geology, having taught the Geo HS dual credit course for 4 years and creating curriculum with professors at JSG. For fun, Enrique spends lots of time seeking new, fun experiences with his wife and daughter.

Favorite Jackson School Memory: Field camp, probably. Submitting your final project is a euphoric feeling unlike any other. 

 

Keelan Umbarger, B.S. ’15

San Antonio Chapter Director

EOG Resources

Keelan is a proud graduate of the University of Texas where he received his B.S. in Geology in 2015. After graduating from UT he continued his education and received his M.S. in Geology from the University of Kansas. After school Keelan began his career at EOG resources where he has been for over 6 years. Keelan has held several positions at EOG, but has spent the majority of his career scouting for new exploration plays in Texas, New Mexico, and Lousiana. Since May 2024, Keelan relocated to EOG’s San Antonio office and is now working as a development geologist for their Eagle ford play in South Texas.

Favorite Jackson School memory: Popping champagne as the aluminosilicate triple point at field camp.

 

 

Marcus Chroback,  B.S. ’10

Midland Chapter Director

EOG Resources 

Marcus is currently the Exploration Manager in EOG’s Midland division, where he joined through their college recruiting program in 2013. He holds a B.S. Degree in Geology from the University of Texas at Austin, an M.S. Degree in Geology from the University of Houston, and an MBA from the University of Texas of the Permian Basin.

 

 

Cristopher Marshall, B.S. ’97

Dallas Chapter Director

Earth/Space Science Teacher
Frisco Heritage High School

Christopher graduated in 1997 with a BS in Geophysics and worked briefly for Unocal (Sugarland) in their potential fields group. He got certified to teach HS Earth Science in 1999 and is now in his 25th year of education. Christopher worked 10 years at The Colony High School and 15 years in Frisco ISD, currently at Heritage HS. He has two sons, both in HS, and they participate in marching band so that takes up a lot of their time during the fall semester. Christopher and his wife recently celebrated 20 years of marriage. She is a HS counselor also in Frisco ISD. He loves to travel, hike, scuba, trek, and run. Christopher has climbed several of Colorado’s 14ers, and in the summer of 2021, he achieved a dream he’s had since his days back at UT in the Geology department—he summited Mt. Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, elevation 19,341 feet!

 

Gabe Garcia, B.S. ’08

Corpus Christi Chapter Director

Colson Properties, Ltd.

Born and raised in Corpus Christi, Texas. Graduated from the Jackson School of Geosciences with a B.S. in General Geology in 2008. After graduation worked as a consulting geologist along side operators and independent exploration companies in South Texas putting together drilling prospects in the Gulf Coast Basin. Started working at Colson Properties, Ltd in 2016 with a focus on evaluating outside prospects for non-op working interest participation