Alumni Highlight: Dr. Hector Garza
May 14, 2026
Dr. Hector Garza made history last year after graduating as the first GeoFORCE alumni to receive a doctorate from the Jackson School of Geosciences. Garza was part of GeoFORCE’s Young Geoscientists program from 2008 to 2011. He went on to receive his Bachelor of Science in Geology from The University of Texas at Austin Jackson School of Geosciences in 2016. He then got a job at Premier Oilfield Group managing a mineralogy laboratory where he applied geochemistry to reservoir characterization.
“During that time, I learned from experienced oil and gas professionals, which ultimately influenced my decision to pursue geochemistry when I returned to graduate school. “
He returned to the Jackson School of Geosciences to pursue his PhD, completing it in 2025. While working on his PhD, he had several work experiences including an internship with Chevron and a national lab. In the summer of 2023, he was awarded with a research fellowship with Sandia National Laboratories, located in New Mexico. That evolved into a year-round internship that he continued for two years. This was a full circle moment, as it was his senior trip to New Mexico that made him decide to pursue the field of geology.
“During the GeoFORCE trip, the field stops sparked my interest in geology, and interacting with a Jackson School professor and industry professionals opened my eyes to the wide range of career paths in the field.”
He states that returning to New Mexico in a professional role with Sandia National Laboratories gave him a completely new perspective.
“Looking back, that early experience clearly helped shape my path and showed just how impactful those first field experiences can be”
Even after completing the GeoFORCE program, he continued to give back by finding meaningful ways to support our students. Over the summer, he has served GeoFORCE as a counselor, educational coach, and instructor. In 2022, he graciously stepped into the instructor role for the Southwest 11th Grade Academy when the original instructor became ill, despite having originally been hired as an educational coach. While attending graduate school at UT Austin, he remained involved by attending numerous GeoFORCE Longhorns alumni events and volunteering to speak with students during the annual American Geophysical Union conference.
Not only has Garza’s journey helped GeoFORCE students and shaped his own career, but it has shaped the careers of others as well. Post-graduation, Garza found a job working as a Geochemistry Development Lab Manager and Geochemist at ElementUSA. The startup works with secondary waste products to extract resources that can be utilized, such as aluminum, iron, or gallium. Although his team is on the smaller side—around 20 people—two other GeoFORCE alumni work alongside him!
When asked how his current role compares to those he has had previously, Garza described his position as much more dynamic and people-centered. He emphasizes that while many students still gravitate toward traditional paths like the oil and gas industry, there are growing opportunities in less visible areas of geoscience that are just as critical. These roles often offer new ways to apply geoscience skills and make an impact.
Garza encourages GeoFORCE students to think broadly about their futures: where their skills are needed, and where they can carve out meaningful careers.
“There’s this whole side of things that people aren’t really looking at,” he says. “And it’s really [where people are] needed.”
Written by Eleanor Cote & Jas Atobajeun
