Testimonials

I have a very diverse job that includes modeling subsurface reservoirs, creating field development plans, conducting technical workshops, and even leading occasional fieldtrips. The years I spent at the School of Mines were a big part of my preparation for this role. I came to the Black Hills to study some of the best outcrops in the world, and left with a comprehensive set of skills in geology, engineering, communication, and teamwork that provided the foundation for my success.

Creties Jenkins (GeolE 83, M.S. Geol 86)
Vice President, DeGolyer and MacNaughton

 

I currently serve as a vice president of Barr Engineering Co. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which now employs nearly 400 scientists and engineers. In addition to my “day job”, I moonlight as a geology professor at the University of St. Thomas and I have a side-business making replicas of vintage electric guitars. I’ve been fortunate to attract to my company a lot of good talent from the School of Mines, including two of my graduate-school colleagues. The friends I made at the School of Mines have been friends for life. I now understand how unusually close and unique the relationship was between students and professors and how important that relationship has been to my career.

Ray W. Wuolo, PE, PG (M.S. GeolE 86)
Vice President, Barr Engineering Co.

 

I am a registered engineer and geologist in several western states including British Columbia and have about 37 years of varied experience.  I came to the School of Mines as an officer on a graduate program sponsored by the Army and returned as a hydrologist and an engineer. After retiring from the Army, I joined Kleinfelder, a nationwide engineering firm that focuses geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, and materials testing. The M.S. geological engineering degree that I earned at the School of MinesSchool of Mines provided the critical building blocks of the foundation of my professional career through the practical training and lasting relationships that I have developed with the professors and my fellow classmates. was the most difficult academic degree in my life, but worth it. Moreover, the the School of Mines provided the critical building blocks of the foundation of my professional career through the practical training and lasting relationships that I have developed with the professors and my fellow classmates.

William Gates, Ph.D., PE, PG  (M.S. GeolE 85)
Senior Principal Professional, Kleinfelder

 

I have been with Halliburton 10 years and currently serve as general manager of all Halliburton activities with BP in the world. I am an industry veteran with over 25 years experience. I have double BSc. degrees in geology and geophysical engineering from University of Istanbul, a MSc degree in geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines and a doctorate in geological engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. I have also completed Rice University executive management program,  published twelve articles, and edited two books. I served on executive committees and am active member of AAPG, SEG and SPE. My years at the School of Mines have been critical in what appears to be a successful career I have been having in petroleum industry.

Ibrahim Palaz (Ph.D. Geol/GeolE 89)
General Manager, Halliburton

 

The five years I attended the School of Mines served me well on my path toward a career in paleontology.  The paleontology program goes beyond providing the essential classroom knowledge.  Many hours spent in the fossil preparation laboratory not only provided me with much needed funds for survival as a student, but gave me the specialized technical knowledge I needed to acquire my first job as a fossil preparatory for the T-Rex Sue at Chicago’s Field Museum. Most importantly, the numerous opportunities to undertake paleontology in a field environment provided a practical sense of what the discipline is all about, and awarded me the refined field skills needed to acquire my present position.  Through it all, I honed my ability as a geologist, and continue to find opportunities for involvement in a variety of earth science-related projects beyond paleontology.

Bruce Schumacher (Ph.D. Geol/GeolE 97)
Regional Paleontologist, United States Forest Service