Published January 25, 2024
By Christine Reed
The School of Energy Resources (SER) is pleased to welcome Autumn Eakin to the research team in the Center for Economic Geology Research (CEGR).
Originally from Valparaiso, Ind., Eakin is an experienced subsurface geologist bringing a unique blend of interpersonal and leadership abilities along with robust technical expertise in her new role as a research professional in the Center.
Eakin earned her bachelor’s degree in Geological Sciences from Indiana University before earning a master’s degree in in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin. Specializing her studies in structural diagenesis, she gained valuable field experience all over the world, studying tectonic faults and fractures and the relationships between deformational features and chemical changes to sediments in Taiwan, China, Mexico, Canada and the U.S.
Following graduation in 2011, Eakin began a long-term career with oil & gas giant, Chevron. As an exploration geologist, she worked to evaluate the resource potential of subsurface structures and has contributed to well over 100 exploration reviews for the company.
Cultivating a specialty in seal and trap characterization, she is a leader in seal risk and uncertainty analysis for conventional oil and gas exploration and in emerging opportunities for carbon capture and storage. Her talent for interfacing with the community has led to her playing a more active role in stakeholder outreach and communication.
“I really enjoy building the story of the subsurface and sharing the big picture with the public,” says Eakin. “I can usually find what matters in all the noise, and I feel it is important to educate the population on what we are doing, describe how it works, our approach to uncertainty, and how we build that into our risk profile.”
In addition to her technical skills, she has a passion for teaching and mentorship. She held auxiliary leadership roles in project coordination and agile training at Chevron to improve project delivery, and promote collaboration within the Geology Department and across the business.
“I am so energized to be part of the team here in Wyoming,” she says. “Being surrounded by people that are inspired by their work and strive to discover solutions to complex energy challenges motivates me to bring my best self forward every day. I can see that this group has the passion and dedication I admire, and I am really excited to be a part of it.” “We are so excited to grow our team and have Autumn join us to add value in a variety of areas,” says CEGR Director Fred McLaughlin. “She brings really great experience in reservoir characterization, petrology, fluid-rock interactions, and risk assessment that will really enhance our expertise, as well as versatility across a diverse array of interests. We are excited to have such an enthusiastic scientist with her skill level come on board.”
