Published October 30, 2023
By Christine Reed
The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to welcome Dan Eakin to the Center for Economic Geology Research (CEGR) as a senior research scientist. In his new role, he will lead the geophysics efforts in CEGR and manage projects.
A Wyoming and Laramie native, Eakin earned his B.S. in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Wyoming in 2009 followed by his Ph.D. in Marine Geology and Geophysics from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. He went on to earn an additional M.E. degree in Data Science from Rice University in 2022.
With abilities to discern the physical aspects of the earth and evaluate them to locate minerals or fully understand a storage formation, Eakin has also cultivated a specialty in marine geophysics, conducting research on the Taiwan Integrated Geodynamics Research (TAIGER) project – a continent collision zone — as part of his doctoral program.
He brings a multitude of leadership and project management skills to the new role having served at Chevron for nearly 7 years as a geoscientist, scrum master, and business analyst.
In his role as a team leader, he engaged with both stakeholders and researchers in order to translate business needs for the delivery of data science and analytics solutions for upstream, midstream and downstream projects.
“We are really excited to have Dan join our research group,” says CEGR Director Fred McLaughlin. “His project management skills and his ability to navigate complex needs to produce data-driven deliverables is matched by his expertise as a geoscientist. He is bringing so much to the team, which will allow us to really expand and enhance the great research we are conducting in subsurface modeling, risk assessment, baseline safety monitoring, and formation characterization.”
His industry background has also led to multiple publications, advancing research related to seismic activities and the geophysics of oil and gas production.
“I am thrilled to return to home to Wyoming,” says Eakin. “In my time away, I was fortunate to gain a broad level of education, experience, and perspective. I am excited to join the talented group at SER and work toward challenging solutions and innovative technology that will play a critical role in Wyoming’s future and advance the understanding of the broader CCUS research community.”
