In celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science, AAPG will be showcasing interviews from successful women leaders in geoscience.
Layaan Al Kharusi is a technical advisor with Occidental in Oman, where she leads the training and development program for all geoscience employees, reviews IRAt’s, and works with the chief geologist in Technical Chief Reviews. Al Kharusi also works on a technical level on business development projects and helps create opportunities for company and employee growth.
Al Kharusi received her undergraduate degree in geology and earth science from the Imperial College, London. She then completed her master’s in petroleum geology from Royal Holloway and her doctorate in marine geology and geophysics from the University of Miami. Here is what she had to say about her time working in geoscience.
Describe the journey that led you to become a geoscientist.
“My journey to becoming a geoscientist wasn’t as clear and straightforward as it probably was for most women. My first intention was to get into medical school, because I love helping people, but due to many factors, I did not enter medicine.
When I was trying to decide what field to get into, my uncle, who was the deputy director at PDO at the time, advised me to get into geology. I struggled with learning about minerals and rocks during my first year at Imperial College, London, until my very first field trip, where I will never forget my professor saying ‘The rocks have their story to tell you, but their history can only be discovered in its clues. They can’t speak, so it’s your job to speak for them and tell their story.’
Since then, I have been hooked! Not only that, but I also realized there are many ways to help people, and oil and gas is so important for our economy and our people. Finally, mentoring and supporting young geoscientists has been an incredible opportunity.”
What is the best advice you have received from a mentor?
“‘Layaan, a hand cannot cover the sunlight, and no matter how many hands they try to put up against you, they cannot cover your brightness unless you let them. Let your work speak up for you, let your work shine against all the naysayers and people who try to put you down.’”
What is your favorite thing about your job?
“I enjoy solving geological enigmas, finding oil for exploration, and helping the younger generation to grow and develop, because all of us have the potential to do great things. We just need the right people to believe in us.”
What has you most excited about working in the field of geoscience right now?
“Everything about geology excites me. I was also heavily involved in CCUS and that was amazing too— how geology can help with climate issues.”
What has been the most memorable project you have worked on and why?
“The Cambrian Pre-Cambrian of Oman. Few geoscientists have worked the deep stratigraphy of Oman. It’s so new, and I wanted to be at the forefront of it. Having geology without much knowledge and information might scare a lot of people away, but I took it as a challenge to come up with new ideas and look for greater prospectivity, and I did it.
I am challenging 30-year-old interpretations and coming up with new and exciting interpretations, and I am convinced with the new data that I have nailed it. It’s been a struggle to change old biases and turn other minds around, even though the data is so overwhelming, but I think of myself as a pioneer. Changing minds takes time, so I keep pushing through and waiting for the light to break through the many Hand-Stops.”
What advice would you give to a young girl aspiring to become a geoscientist?
“Keep challenging yourself, try new things, don’t be afraid of the unknown and accept change. So many people start great, then get comfortable and become stagnant. I believe in feeling alive. I am not here for the promotions and salary raise, I am here because I keep renewing my passion for learning and exploring and giving back. If that wasn’t there, I wouldn’t be here.”