“The DL tour was a wonderful opportunity to learn about the state of geosciences in Latin America, share my knowledge on unconventionals, and get to experience a little bit of other cultures and regions.”
Irene Arango, PhD.
The distinguished lecture program was held from November 6th to November 15th of 2019 and included visits to universities in five cities in Latin America: Lima, Piura, Bogota, Medellin, and Mexico City.
Dr. Irene Arango, senior geochemist with 13 years at Chevron Energy Technology Company masterfully presented the topic: Understanding expulsion capacity and organic porosity in unconventional petroleum systems.
Irene Arango with members of the student chapter of the National University of San Marcos and the National Engineering University in Lima, Peru.
With the increased importance of unconventionals in the region, last-semesters-students of the universities she visited had great interest in learning about porosity, expulsion, permeability, and other topics fundamental for a comprehensive understanding of unconventional systems. The term organic porosity was explained in the context of storage, migration and production, being a subject of interest for the audience.
Young enthusiasts of the AAPG student chapter at the National University of Piura, Peru.
On November 6th, the first presentation of Arango took place at the geological engineering auditorium of the National University of San Marcos in Lima, Peru. The event was organized jointly by students of the University of San Marcos and the National Engineering University and had an audience of 30 people. The talk was followed by a networking session, with delicious snacks typical of the region. In the evening, some of the AAPG young professionals took Dr. Arango to the Malecón de la Reserva, where she enjoyed the natural scenery while experiencing Lima’s cuisine.
AAPG student chapter committee in Piura, having dinner with Irene Arango in Piura, Peru.
Piura, in the western part of northern Peru, is also known as the city of hospitality, and that is how the students of the National University of Piura, received Dr. Arango on November 7th. There was a massive attendance with 65 people in the conference room.
While the speaker’s agenda was tight to allow coverage of all the host sites, in Piura she had the opportunity for extended interaction with the students. She experienced the city’s warm climate full of folklore and customs and tasted some of the city’s rich gastronomy during a special evening with the student chapter committee and their advisors.
Student chapter of the University of Piura giving to Irene Arango a handcrafted souvenir from the region in recognition of her work in the DLP.
Regarding the different cities and cultures that Dr. Arango visited during her tour, she says: “I loved every place I visited. The students made sure I got to experience some of the traditional foods and understand a bit more of their cultures. My only regret is having little time to explore. I do hope to have the chance to visit again. From a technical standpoint, I learned about the petroleum industry in the different locations, what the main types of geologic activities are, and what areas have opportunity for further development.”
Irene Arango with students from the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. Mexico
“The AAPG is an association of values, you learn a lot technically about different issues related to geosciences, but it also allows you to make friendships for life and interact with very valuable people, professionally and humanely”
Silvia Santos
On November 12th, it was the turn for the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia, the subject was of great interest to the people who participated in an active Q&A session opened after the talk, with 10 people attending. Dr. Arango enjoyed vising her homeland while sharing the knowledge she’s acquired during her years of professional practice.
Dr. Arango explaining the main types of unconventional reservoirs at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia.
The fourth city in the tour was Medellin (Colombia). The talk was on November 13th at the EIA University (School of Engineering of Antioquia), an institution recognized for its excellent academic and human training: “The DLP tour in Latin America is an important activity for our professional and personal growth, sharing with a high-level specialist was a pleasant experience, we acquired knowledge and advice”. Manuela Arias, EIA AAPG Student Chapter.
Irene shared with the students information regarding her own educational and work experiences, motivating them to continue exploring what Geosciences has to offer.
Dr. Arango explaining the main types of unconventional reservoirs at the University of the Andes in Bogota, Colombia.
Finally, it was the turn of Mexico City, where Irene Arango delivered her presentation on November 15th in the main auditorium of the National Polytechnic Institute, to more than 100 people interested in the subject. This was the perfect way to close Dr. Arango’s DLP tour.
“The DL tour was a fantastic experience for me. Getting to meet and interact with the students and young professionals was the highlight of the tour. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and inquisitive questions were very motivating. The student leaders were very attentive and welcoming. They made me feel at home.” commented Irene Arango, who had the opportunity to share with the students and leaders of the AAPG chapters in Latin America and the Caribbean Region.
Irene Arango with Silvia Santos, DLP LACR Coordinator and Delegate, Mexico City.
Silvia Santos (Delegate of the AAPG in Mexico, and DLP AAPG LACR coordinator) says that meeting a highly trained specialist who invests her time in sharing valuable knowledge with young people was a pleasant and very motivating experience. The young leaders of Latin America, many of those who she had the opportunity to meet personally at other AAPG events, have a great spirit, welcome visits from experienced professionals that they admire, and are grateful for the time they dedicate to support them in their academic formation.
Irene Arango with students from the National Polytechnic Institute in Mexico City. Mexico
Dr. Arango had a pleasant experience during the tour: “There is an immense amount of talent in Latin America. I left with the conviction that the future of the industry in the region is in capable hands! I hope AAPG can continue supporting this type of educational activities, which allow students to be exposed to new topics and expand their technical horizons”.
The distinguished Lecture program is operated by AAPG and the AAPG Foundation, we invite you to check the information on how to be a part of it.