Karen Blake
Childhood ambitions:
Have an interesting life
My Career
Education:
M.S. Candidate, Geology, California State University, Bakersfield, M.S. Candidate, Environmental Geochemistry, University of Maine, Orono B. S., Geology, Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, TX A.A., Computer & Information Science, North Harris County College, Houston, TX
Companies and Institutions I’ve worked for:
Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Bakersfield, CA, Occidental Petroleum Corporation, Houston, TX, Berry Petroleum Company, Bakersfield, CA, Paulsson Geophysical Services, Inc., Brea. CA, Plains Exploration & Production Company, Los Angeles, CA, Plains Exploration & Production Company, Bakersfield, CA Hobby Energy, Rio Vista, CA
Basins I’ve worked:
Los Angeles Basin, Sacramento Basin, San Joaquin Basin, Ventura Basin
Years in the petroleum business:
14
My Pathway
First Well/Research Program:
Working in the oil industry has provided many opportunities to learn about larger issues facing, not just our industry, but our country. My pathway is beyond the scope of drilling wells. I used my time to educate and promote sciences through newsletters, political run for office, starting STEMdelivered.org, and a new e-publishing company, Rhizome Books.
My Inspiration
My inspiration and motivation come from:
My inspiration comes from my father. The one thing he always said, “Get an education, it is the one thing they can’t take away from you.”
My Impact
AAPG member since:
1999
AAPG committees:
Prowess Committee, 2011-2014, Public Outreach Committee, 2007-2011, House of Delegate, 2004-2006, Rules and Procedures member, 2005, Nomination Committee member, 2004
Society Affiliations:
Pacific Section American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Executive Board Member – Editor-in-Chief, 2008-2010, Executive Board Member – Vice President, 2007-2008, Executive Board Member – Editor-in-Chief, 2006-2007, Executive Board Member – Newsletter Editor, 2005-2006, Executive Board Member – Secretary, 2004-2005