2024 MicroSeismic User Forum Registration

Rutt Bridges

Former Chevron Corporation, founded Advance Geophysical, Chairman of Quest Capital

Rutt Bridges is an author, keynote speaker, and serial entrepreneur. He earned degrees in physics and geophysical sciences from Georgia Tech and was named the 2017 Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Alumnus of the Year. Rutt serves on their College of Sciences Advisory Board, the Colorado Department of Transportation Innovisers Council, and the Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) Autonomous Vehicle Task Force. He is a past chair of Colorado Public Radio and past president of the 30,000-member Society of Exploration Geophysicists. After moving to Denver in 1980, Rutt founded Advance Geophysical, which was later acquired by Landmark Graphics. He then founded Colorado’s Bighorn Center for Public Policy, and later briefly ran for U.S. Senate, stepping aside to support then-Attorney General and later Interior Secretary Ken Salazar after the incumbent dropped out. Since exiting a successful analytics software startup three years ago, Rutt has focused on research to understand the economic and social impact of disruptive technologies. His 2015 book, “Driverless Car Revolution,“ predicted many details of the rapid advances in autonomy we see today. His new book, “Our Driverless Future: Heaven or Hell?,” presents a practical implementation strategy that virtually eliminates congestion while saving America over a trillion dollars a year. Much of that savings goes to commuters who switch from driving alone to sharing free on-demand door-to-door driverless mobility. This reinvented public transit is paid for by reallocating America’s existing bus subsidies, which on average pay 80% of the cost of the bus ride.

Dr. Seth Dobrin

CEO & Founder, Qantm.ai

Dr. Seth Dobrin is an accomplished global executive and strategist at the forefront of artificial intelligence, data science, and digital transformation.

As IBM’s first-ever Global Chief AI Officer from 2016-2022, Dr. Dobrin spearheaded the development and execution of IBM’s pioneering 5-year AI strategy. He was personally responsible for IBM’s extensive AI product portfolio, services, marketing, and ecosystem partnerships.

Before IBM, Dr. Dobrin served in various executive roles at Monsanto from 2006-2016. As Chief Data and Digital Officer, he championed a widespread digital and data-driven cultural transformation that created over $20B in value. As Molecular Breeding Lead, he industrialized breakthrough technologies that became best practices for the industry.

In 2022, Dr. Dobrin founded Qantm AI, bringing a human-first, value-based enterprise AI methodology honed over 15+ years of transforming Fortune 500 companies.

Dr. Dobrin is a seasoned advisor guiding executive teams and boards on technology strategy, innovation, talent development, and governance. He currently serves on the advisory boards of numerous organizations, including the XPrize Foundation, the International Association of Privacy Professionals, and Wonder Women Tech.

In 2023 Dr. Dobrin founded the non-profit Responsible AI-iQ to promote AI education for non-technical . He also teaches AI Ethics and Safety courses as an adjunct professor at CUNY Baruch.

Dr. Dobrin holds a Ph.D. in Molecular and Statistical Genetics from Arizona State University, where he pioneered machine learning techniques for genetics analysis. He has co-authored over 30 seminal papers on topics ranging from automation in biomedicine to privacy in AI.

With decades of experience leading through transformative technological change, Dr. Dobrin offers boards invaluable strategic advising at the intersection of business, technology, ethics, and progress.

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Richard Esposito

Southern Company, R&D Program Manager – Geosciences & Carbon Management, Research & Development

Richard is a veteran of the electrical utility industry and has served in various leadership roles over the last 30 years at Southern Company. He is current the R&D Program Manager for Geosciences and Carbon Management in the Net Zero Technologies Group at the National Carbon Capture Center. Prior to Southern Company, he served as an environmental regulator in the Water Division at the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Richard is a subject matter expert with a wide range of policy, technology, and regulatory issues related to carbon capture and storage. He has a diverse academic background with a B.S. and M.S. degree in Geology, a M.S. in Environmental Management, and a Ph.D. in Engineering. He also serves on the Ph.D. research faculty, in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  He has published extensively and lectured internationally on a wide range of energy-related issues.

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Trevor Richards

Assistant Director for Geophysics, Energy & Environmental Research Center

Trevor L. Richards is an Assistant Director for Geophysics at the EERC, where he works with a multidisciplinary team of scientists, engineers, business professionals, and project partners to solve challenges related to incremental oil recovery (IOR), unconventional oil recovery, and CO₂ capture, utilization, and geologic storage (CCUS). He holds an M.S. degree in Geophysics and a B.S. degree in Geology from the University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to his position at the EERC, Mr. Richards served as a Geophysical Advisor at Chesapeake Energy. 

Mr. Richards and his family live in McKinney, Texas, where he and his wife work remotely. This has given them more time to support their kids’ school activities and sports, which has been a tremendous blessing.

Mr. Richards’ principal areas of interest include exploring efficiencies in seismic planning, acquisition, and design and investigating utilization of the latest technologies for improving development and appraisal of conventional and unconventional targets. His areas of expertise include dynamic reservoir management, surveillance of enhanced oil recovery (EOR), and characterization and monitoring associated with CCUS projects; implementing time-lapse geophysics; and improving application and integration of seismic for reservoir characterization. 

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Barry Smitherman

Chairman, Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance

Barry Smitherman is the founder of the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance and currently serves as the organization’s Chairman.  Since 2016, Barry has been an adjunct professor of Texas Energy Law at the University of Texas School of Law. 

Barry served on the Texas Railroad Commission (TRC) from 2011 through 2014 and was Chairman of the Commission from March 2012 through August 2014. Prior to the Railroad Commission, Barry served on the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) from April 2004 through July 2011 and served as Chairman of the PUCT from 2007-2011.  He is the only person in Texas history to have chaired both organizations. 

Smitherman is the founder and Managing Partner of Smitherman + Associates and 6S Capital Group. He is a consultant and active private investor in the Texas energy space.  He has also served on the U.S. DOE Electricity Advisory Committee, the Board of Directors of NARUC, Chairman of the NARUC Gas Committee, the ERCOT Board of Directors, and the Regional State Committee of the Southwest Power Pool. 

Currently, Barry serves on the Board of Directors of CenterPoint Energy, Inc, a Houston-based electric and gas utility.  In 2021, CNP was the best performing utility stock in America.  He previously served on the Board of NRG Energy, Inc., a large independent power producer which also owns a number of retail electric providers. In 2017, NRG was the best performing stock in the S&P 500. 

Barry is also the Chairman of BIG (Brookwood in Georgetown), a non-profit which provides work, artistic, and housing opportunities for special needs adults in central Texas.  Prior to beginning public service, Barry spent 16 years as an investment banker holding leadership positions with J.P. Morgan Securities, First Boston, and Banc One Capital Markets (now part of JP MorganChase), where he was a Managing Director and National Head of the Tax-Exempt Origination Group.

Barry received his J.D. from The University of Texas School of Law, his M.P.A. from Harvard University, and his B.B.A. summa cum laude from Texas A&M University.

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Bridget Silva

Geothermal Rising Policy Committee

Bridget Silva is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in energy technology commercialization. Her career has spanned multiple facets of the industry, from technology giants such as Hewlett Packard and Lockheed Martin to pioneering geothermal startups like Criterion Energy Partners. Currently, she serves as the Head of Commercial Strategy for the Americas at Baseload Capital, a prominent player in the geothermal investment and development community.

Bridget’s passion for advancing sustainable energy solutions extends beyond her corporate roles. She has been a stalwart contributor to Geothermal Rising, an organization dedicated to the promotion of geothermal energy. In various capacities, Bridget has lent her expertise, serving as the Chair for the Geothermal Rising Conference 2023 Plenary Committee and acting as the founding Champion of the Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma Regional Interest Group. A staunch advocate for progressive policies that foster sustainable energy practices, Bridget has worked diligently with the Geothermal Rising Policy Committee and the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance to drive legislative change at both regional and federal levels.

Bridget holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Baylor University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and International Banking from Texas A&M University.

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Ken Wisian

Associate Director, Environmental Division, Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin

Ken Wisian, Ph.D., Major General USAF (retired), Bureau of Economic Geology, UT Austin, is a geophysicist whose main research is in geothermal systems. Other current research includes; planetary geology/space exploration, SETI, disasters and infrastructure resiliency, and international relations. He teaches Life in the Universe and Geothermal Systems at the University of Texas. General Wisian, a navigator/bombardier, flew bombers, transports and fighters, and is a graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School. He has combat time in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia and his combat medals include the Bronze Star and Air Medal.

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Daniel Samake

Geophysicist, Shell

Daniel has worked for Shell Oil Company for over 15  years and is currently focused on Argentina oil and gas exploration. He has a Master of Science in Geophysics, Geophysics and Seismology from Oklahoma.

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Dr. Sherilyn Williams-Stroud

Prairie Research Institute

Sherilyn Williams-Stroud is a Research Scientist, Structural Geologist at the Illinois State Geological Survey in the Prairie Research Institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also has appointments at the University as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change, and a Research Affiliate in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Her areas of expertise include structural geology, with a focus on fracture analysis and modeling for geo-energy production, including a specialization in microseismic data interpretation and induced seismicity. She began her career at the U.S. Geological Survey doing research in the Energy Resources Branch, and then worked on fracture characterization for the Yucca Mountain Project after which she served for two years as Staff Scientist for Program, where she oversaw the USGS Central Region shared facilities: The Core Research Center, the Nuclear Reactor Facility, and the Microbeam Lab. She returned to research, in the private sector, as a Senior Research Scientist with Chevron, during which time she also taught geology as an adjunct at the University of Houston.  She was a full-time faculty member at Whittier College from 2004 – 2005 when she joined Midland Valley Exploration, as the Geology Team Leader and the Technical Lead for development of their fracture modeling software module. She served as Chief Geologist at MicroSeismic, Inc., where she partnered with the Chief Geophysicist to develop a patented methodology to integrate microseismic data and geologic interpretations to create discrete fracture network models for use in reservoir simulation. After MSI, she joined Occidental Oil & Gas as a Senior Geological Advisor, supporting worldwide reservoir development activities needing fracture expertise. In addition to teaching industry short courses, she has also held part time teaching positions at California State University at Los Angeles and Northridge. She is an active member of several professional organizations and received the AAPG Honorary Membership Award in 2022 and is an AAPG Distinguished Lecturer for 2023-2024. From 2015-2019 she served as a member of the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) Committee on Seismology and Geodynamics planning and moderating workshops to help inform the federal government on scientific issues important to the nation’s needs, and she is currently a member of the National Petroleum Council’s Coordinating Subcommittee for a greenhouse gas study on methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. Dr. Williams-Stroud received her B.A. in geology from Oberlin College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University, and is a licensed professional geologist in the state of California.

Derek Adams

Earth Bridge DOE, EGS Pilot Demos

Derek Adams is the CEO and Founder of EarthBridge Energy, a company developing a geothermal energy storage technology that combines the best aspects of geothermal, oil & gas technology, and energy storage. He earned his PhD in Earth and Planetary Science from Northwestern University and has over 15 years of experience in the energy sector. As a former project manager and geoscientist at ExxonMobil, Derek took on a wide range of subsurface and business-related roles managing multiple projects with external partners and capturing high-value acreage in emerging plays. He enjoys integrating commercial, technical, and business challenges to formulate company strategies and his passion for energy innovation and sustainability drove him to pursue solutions to the energy transition challenge.

Susan Nash

Director of Innovation, Emerging Science and Technology at AAPG

Susan Nash is Director of Innovation, Emerging Science and Technology at AAPG. In her role, Susan works to identify products, services, companies and individuals doing innovative work, and to facilitate collaborative transfers of knowledge, skills, and ideas.  Susan earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma.

Richie Miller

CEO, Richmond Resources Group

For the past three years, Richie has been consulting in the upstream exploration space focusing on Government Relations, developing Multi-Client seismic programs, exploration seed funding, and CCUS subsurface analysis. During the course of his successful 35+ year career, he has worked on and managed offshore seismic vessels, advancing through onshore technical positions, and ultimately to a senior executive position responsible for building a thriving multi-client seismic business. His career built upon extensive and invaluable experience in onshore and offshore seismic operations, technical survey development and design, and building and managing multidisciplinary teams, to provide financial oversite and grow a successful seismic company. Richie was instrumental in building Spectrum Geo’s annual revenue from $25 million to $250 million in less than five years. Richie’s key talents are program management, building technical teams, financial oversite, and an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit.

Nader Issa

CEO, Terra15

Dr. Nader Issa received his PhD in Physics from the University of Sydney in 2005 and BSc (Hons) from Monash University, majoring in Mathematics and Physics. Nader is an innovator with 23 years of experience delivering new technology solutions for a range of applications such as optical communications, industrial measurement equipment, life sciences and geophysical monitoring. He has held positions in Australia, Switzerland and Germany in both global corporations and international research organisations. He is currently the CEO and co-founder of Terra15 based in Perth, Western Australia.

Phillip Sinclair

Geophysical Group Manager at Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Rene Frijhoff

Advanced Resources International, Inc., Sr. CCS Project Manager

René Frijhoff is a Senior CCS Project Manager at Advanced Resources International. He is an internationally accredited Principal Technical Expert in subsurface evaluation and has held technical and managerial accountabililty in the petroleum, geothermal and carbon storage industries for 27 years. His last three positions before ARI were: Chief Geophysicist for Shell Netherlands, Exploration Lead for Shell Trinidad and Tobago, and Geothermal and Carbon Management Advisor for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Nick Ratcliff

Geophysical Testing Services, Terracon

Nick Ratcliff oversees the Geophysical Testing services for Terracon in the Gulf Coast Division and is a karst subject matter expert for the company. He has managed geologic investigations in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the US, as well as in Puerto Rico and various marine environments (Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Mediterranean Sea, etc.).  Nick currently manages a team of geophysicists specializing in karst investigation and remediation, near-surface geologic hazards, and alluvial deposit mapping. He has a B.S. in Geology from West Virginia University and is a registered geologist/geoscientist in Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Kentucky.

Charles Cusack

CEO, Recoil Resources

Charles is a seasoned veteran with a proven track record of success. He is a well-rounded leader with 34 years of industry experience and a broad background in exploration, exploitation, geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and operations. Prior to founding Recoil Resources he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Halcon Resources Corporation. Prior to joining Halcon, Charles was a Co-Founder and the Vice President of Exploration for Petrohawk Energy Corporation from 2003 until the company was sold to  BHP Billiton in 2012. He also held various positions with Cockrell Oil, Hess, Tenneco and Chevron. Charles graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Geology and Engineering.

Jonathan Arthur

Executive Director at American Geosciences Institute, Former FDEP

JONATHAN D. ARTHUR, P.G., is the Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute. From 2009 through June 2021, Dr. Arthur served as Director of the Florida Geological Survey and State Geologist of Florida. His research in aquifer vulnerability and metals mobilization during artificial recharge has informed environmental management and policy. He holds a keen interest in geoscience policy, public engagement, and application of geosciences to address sustainability. Dr. Arthur is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and recipient of national awards for public and distinguished service. He has given congressional testimonies, numerous invited presentations, keynotes, and international workshops.  Jon has served as president of the Association of American State Geologists and the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. Among other leadership roles in the geoscience community. Dr. Arthur served on National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) committees related to aquifer system dynamics and habitat conservation, and recently ended a six-year term on the NASEM Water Science and Technology Board. He is also a liaison to the U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences. Jon earned his Ph.D. in geology from Florida State University.

Randy Nickerson

Chief Operating Officer of Gaza Petroleum

Randy Nickerson is Chief Operating Officer of Gaza Petroleum and has served in this capacity since October 2015. He also served the company as VP Exploration from 2011 to 2015. Prior thereto, Mr. Nickerson served as Vice President of Exploration and Chief Geophysicist for Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation from November 2004 – October 2011. Mr. Nickerson also served as Chief Geophysicist for Dominion Exploration & Production Corporation and has worked for North Central Exploration, Costal Oil & Gas, Amerada Hess and Gulf Oil Corporation during his career. Mr. Nickerson is a graduate of Colorado School of Mines (Bachelor of Science – Geophysical Engineering) and is also a certified Professional Geophysicist for the State of Texas.

Maggie Van Amburg

Staff Scientist, Trihydro Corporation

Maggie Van Amburg is an Associate Scientist with Trihydro Corporation based in Savannah, Georgia.  Ms. Van Amburg is currently providing technical support for environmental baseline monitoring, US EPA Class VI permitting, and California Air Resources Board certification to multiple carbon sequestration projects located in three different US EPA Regions (7, 8, and 9).  Her technical expertise lies with permitting, environmental data management, and data validation.  Additionally, she conducts statistical analysis for multiple facilities across the US adhering to the Unified Guidance for Statistical Analysis of Groundwater Monitoring Data at RCRA Facilities and facility specific permit requirements.  She routinely uses R Studio and US EPA ProUCL 5.1 and 5.2 for these statistical analyses. 

Ms. Van Amburg obtained her BS in Energy Resource Management and Development from the University of Wyoming.  Through her degree program, and subsequent work experience, Ms. Van Amburg has experience in the utility sector, environmental monitoring and permitting, IT software usage and application, and sustainability program design and implementation.