Students from the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources and College
of Engineering and Physical Sciences recently participated in a field trip to one
of Devon Energy’s active drill sites. On the tour were, from left, Preston Farnsworth,
advising landman; Taylor Basso, senior drilling engineer; Toby Campbell, drilling
superintendent; Daniel McFayde; Derek Smith, senior staff landman; Madylynn Gower;
Kendall Klos; Aiden Temple; Addison Taggart; Connor Seely; Harper Pollock; Cass Lolley;
Lars Quinlivan; Ryan Fogg; Connor Fleming; Dylan Salgado; Will Baker; Jack McKinley;
Jason Moody; Titus Timbers; and David Meraz-Ordonez. (Heather Chandler Photo)
Students from the University of Wyoming’s School of Energy Resources (SER) and College
of Engineering and Physical Sciences recently participated in two educational programs.
The 17 students attended the March session of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation
Commission (WOGCC) and visited an active drill site to gain firsthand insight into
the regulatory framework and operational realities of Wyoming’s oil and gas industry.
The annual attendance at the WOGCC meeting, coordinated with the commission, allows
students in the energy resource management and development degree program to participate
in a full day of activities, including examiner hearings, a tour of the facilities
and the chance to observe the full commission deliberating on issues related to oil
and gas development in the state.
The field trip also was optional for any student enrolled in the SER section of Federal
Public Land Law.
Students attending the experiential learning opportunities were:
Calgary, Alberta, Canada -- Daniel McFadyen and Aidan Temple.
Carpenter -- Ryan Fogg.
Casper -- Harper Pollock and Timber Titus.
Cheyenne -- David Meraz-Ordonez and Lars Quinlivan.
Huntsville, N.C. -- Conner Fleming.
Johnsburg, Ill. -- Kendall Klos.
Laramie -- Madalynn Gower and Cassidy Lolley.
Litchfield, Ariz. -- Dylan Salgado.
Loveland, Colo. -- Addison Taggart.
Meeteetse -- Jason Moody.
Oxford, Ohio -- Jack McKinley.
Sheridan -- Connor Seely.
Wheatland -- William Baker.
As chairman of the WOGCC, Wyoming Gov. Mark Gordon was present for the hearings and
met with UW students to answer questions and offer guidance on energy management in
the state.
“It was great to visit with the SER students at the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission
meeting,” Gordon says. “So much of education focuses on classroom academics; here,
SER brought students to a situation where they can experience being part of the profession.
Practical application in energy is vital.”
Before arriving in Casper for the regulatory proceedings, participating students first
visited an active drill rig operated by Devon Energy. Students observed, in real time,
the complexities of drilling operations -- including safety protocols and technological
advancements -- and the roles and responsibilities of various industry professionals
involved in oil and gas exploration and production.
The comprehensive site tour, followed by the commission meeting, enabled students
to link their classroom learning directly to the industry and to better understand
the connection between on-the-ground activities and the administrative mechanisms
that ensure responsible energy development.
“Having the ability to tour Devon’s rig and visit the WOGCC were such amazing opportunities,”
Meraz-Ordonez says. “Touring the rig gave students a valuable insight into the oil
and gas industry. In combination with witnessing a commission hearing, it also allows
us to learn in a more involved way that will undoubtedly enhance our future careers."
In addition to gaining valuable perspectives on industry best practices and emerging
challenges, the experience allowed students to witness the nuances of multiple professions
at work, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
“I truly appreciated the opportunity to gain experience more about the inner workings
of the oil and gas industry,” Quinlivan says. “Taking the tour of the rig and attending
the WOGCC within the same trip gave me a great appreciation for the dedicated individuals
who contribute to the energy sector. From esteemed attorneys like my industry mentor,
Jake Haseman, regulators and government representatives like Gov. Gordon, to the engineers,
geologists and rig workers, it was a privilege to gain insights into the contributions
of each person in advancing energy development.”
SER is grateful to the WOGCC and Devon Energy for facilitating the tour and their
commitment to educating the next generation of land management professionals.
About the Wyoming Oil and Gas Conservation Commission
Established in 1951 as part of the Conservation Act in Wyoming, the WOGCC is charged
primarily with preventing the waste of oil and gas and protecting correlative rights
for Wyoming. The WOGCC works alongside many other agencies in the state that also
play a role in providing a balanced approach for the industry and Wyoming.
About Devon Energy
Devon Energy is a leading independent oil and natural gas exploration and production
company. Its operations are focused onshore in the United States. Headquartered in
Oklahoma City, Okla., Devon is a Fortune 500 company with a portfolio of oil and gas
properties that provide stable, environmentally responsible production and a platform
for future growth.
