Edith Allison
Childhood ambitions:
From the time I was 10, I wanted to be an archaeologist digging up artifacts in far-off lands. As soon as I took my first archaeology class in college, I realized that being a geologist would give me more opportunity to work outdoors and see the world. I immediately switched majors and have never regretted the change.
My Career
Education:
Undergraduate studies at the University of New Mexico; Bachelor’s degree from West Texas State University; Master’s degree from the University of Utah.
Companies and Institutions I’ve worked for:
My first geo-job/internship was cataloguing a 50-year collection of fossils for a senior professor at the University of New Mexico. My first career job started with Scintrex Mineral Surveys in Salt Lake City, Utah. Since then, I’ve worked for Mountain Fuel Supply, Argonaut Energy, Mesa Petroleum and the U.S. Department of Energy where I recently left to try my hand at consulting.
Basins I’ve worked:
Great Basin, Permian Basin, Mid-Continent, and Alaska North Slope.
Years in the petroleum business:
I can’t even count that high.
My Pathway
First Well/Research Program:
Pulling core from the Morrow Formation in southeast Kansas during a blizzard.
My Geo-Specialties:
Gas hydrates, perhaps our next new energy resource, development geology and enhanced oil recovery.
My fondest career memory or proudest moment:
For the past dozen years I have spent most of my time working in energy policy and the biggest challenge for me is explaining to decision makers the importance of petroleum to the quality of life in the U.S. and the world. This is a never-ending challenge.
My lifetime career goal:
For the past dozen years I have spent most of my time working in energy policy and the biggest challenge for me is explaining to decision makers the importance of petroleum to the quality of life in the U.S. and the world. This is a never-ending challenge.
My Inspiration
My inspiration and motivation come from:
My daughter, an adventurer and scientist and a good role model for following one’s dreams.
My most memorable idols/mentors:
Bill and Joan Hartenstein, geologist and artist, who advised me on how to build on strengths and weaknesses.
My Impact
AAPG member since:
1982
AAPG committees:
PROWESS, House of Delegates, and co-Chair for the 2011 Eastern Section meeting.
Society Affiliations:
AAPG, SPE, Geological Society of Washington