#9: Mentoring geoscience leaders

“The knowledge we learn may not change. The way we learn will change very fast.” Dr. Ge Jin explains how large language models are transforming the way geophysics is taught and learned, particularly by enhancing access to clear explanations and accelerating research. He shares why assessment must evolve and how allowing LLMs in coding classes, while focusing on physics and logic, helps students solve harder problems. The conversation explores prompt engineering, secure AI use in industry, transparent writing practices, and the opportunity to build an SEG library-powered model for cutting-edge knowledge. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Prompt power: Knowing how to ask AI the right way is becoming as important as knowing where to find the answer - daily practice builds skill and confidence > Continuous learning boost: LLMs speed up literature research and concept review, letting geophysicists grasp new fields in hours instead of weeks > Strategy ahead: Training AI on the SEG library could provide reliable, advanced knowledge, alongside company‑specific models that protect data and address language bias. GUEST BIO Dr. Ge Jin is Associate Professor of Geophysics and co-PI of Reservoir Characterization Project at Colorado School of Mines. His research focuses on Distributed Fiber-Optic Sensing (DFOS) applications in the fields of oil & gas, geothermal, CO2 sequestration, smart city, and earthquake hazard. He is also interested in machine-learning applications and seismic imaging. He obtained his Ph.D. in Geophysics from Columbia University in the City of New York, and dual B.S. in Geophysics and Computer Science from Peking University in Beijing. He worked as a research geophysicist in the oil industry for five years before joining Colorado School of Mines as a faculty member in 2019. LINKS * Read Ge Jin's article, "President's Page: The transformative role of large language models in geophysics education," at https://doi.org/10.1190/tle44050326.1 * Attend IMAGE '25 - https://www.imageevent.org/ * Learn more about the new podcast series, Inside IMAGE, presented by Seismic Soundoff - https://www.imageevent.org/podcast

21 Aug 29min

“The geophysicists can’t do without the geologists and vice versa. It is critically important to do it on a team basis.” Tako Koning, winner of the Best Oral Paper Award at IMAGE '24, shares clear lessons from a career working on basement reservoir exploration. He explains why seismic and geophysical data, integrated with geology, lead to better decisions, and how teamwork and open data help both companies and host countries. He also offers practical career advice and points to new opportunities in mature basins and areas such as geothermal, carbon capture, helium, hydrogen, and lithium. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Data and integration: Seismic and geophysical data, combined with geological analysis, are essential for finding and developing basement reservoirs. > Learned lessons: Tako shares stories from his career that show the need for careful testing, correct depth, and patient development to avoid commercial failure. > People and future: Teamwork and data sharing improve results for everyone, and broad early career experience transfers well to new areas like geothermal, carbon capture, helium, hydrogen, and lithium. GUEST BIO Tako Koning is Holland-born and Alberta-raised with a B.Sc. in Geology from the University of Alberta and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Calgary. After initially working as a mud logger with Continental Labs, he worked for Texaco Canada Ltd. and soon became a team leader looking after northern Alberta. Tako subsequently became the project geologist for the Blue H-28 deep water drilling project, which was drilled in the Orphan Basin, Newfoundland, in 1979. The exploration well established a deepwater and drilling depth record at the time, and remains as one of the greatest technical successes in the Canadian Frontier. In the last three decades, Tako has been highly involved with professional societies, by way of presenting and publishing papers and volunteering. He is a member of CSPG, CSEG, APEGGA, AAPG, SPE, SEG, Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain, Geological Society of London, Houston Geological Society, and an honorary life member of the Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists. LINKS * See the complete Best of IMAGE '24 winners - https://www.imageevent.org/best-of-image-2024 * Attend IMAGE '25 - https://www.imageevent.org/ * Learn more about the new podcast series, Inside IMAGE, presented by Seismic Soundoff - https://www.imageevent.org/podcast

14 Aug 15min

"Strong environmental monitoring isn’t just good for the ocean. It’s also good for the business." Daniella Bordon, Director of Environment & Sustainability at BGP Offshore and chair of the SEG Sustainability Committee, shares her journey from marine mammal observer to global ESG strategist, offering practical and passionate insights into ocean conservation through seismic operations. She explains how science-based decisions, qualified environmental teams, and strong stakeholder relationships can protect both marine life and business goals. Daniella also highlights how SEG and BGP Offshore are connecting sustainability with applied geophysics, creating a clear path for impact. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Strong environmental monitoring, backed by qualified teams, helps companies avoid delays and build trust. > Geoscience and sustainability are deeply connected, and proactive efforts lead to long-term business success. > Giving nature a seat at the table means treating ecosystems as active participants in project planning. > Events like IMAGE and SBGf are helping geoscientists learn, connect, and take action on sustainability. GUEST BIO Daniella Bordon is the Director of Environment & Sustainability at BGP Offshore and chair of the SEG Sustainability Committee. She began her career as a marine mammal observer and has since become a global ESG strategist, dedicated to advancing ocean conservation through science-based seismic operations. Daniella emphasizes the importance of making decisions grounded in data, investing in qualified environmental teams, and building stakeholder trust to protect marine ecosystems and strengthen business resilience. Through her leadership at SEG and BGP Offshore, she continues to connect sustainability with applied geophysics, shaping a more responsible and impactful future for the energy industry. LINKS * Attend IMAGE '25 - https://www.imageevent.org/ * Learn more about the SBGf Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - https://rio25.sbgf.org.br/ * Read more about the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development - https://oceandecade.org/ * Learn more about the new podcast series, Inside IMAGE, presented by Seismic Soundoff - https://www.imageevent.org/podcast * Listen to the complete archive at https://seg.org/podcasts/

7 Aug 32min

“Repeatability is the biggest hurdle in time-lapse monitoring, but it’s also where the opportunity lies. 4D FWI can help address those repeatability challenges.” On this episode, Andrew Geary sits down with Madhav Vyas and Kris Innanen, guest editors for July’s The Leading Edge special section on 4D full-waveform inversion. They explain how 4D FWI goes beyond traditional differencing by fully inverting wavefields, making time-lapse seismic more robust against survey inconsistencies and complex overburden. Listeners will learn why now is the perfect time to adopt 4D FWI, the main technical hurdles around repeatability and uncertainty, and the first steps to take for reservoir monitoring and survey design. KEY TAKEAWAYS > 4D FWI inverts the full wavefield - reflections, refractions, diving waves, multiples - to detect reservoir changes, making it more robust than conventional 4D processing. > Repeatability of surveys and assessing uncertainty are the biggest challenges, but workflows like hypothesis testing, batch FWI, and null-space shuttling help mitigate inversion noise. > High-quality data and accurate physics (elasticity, attenuation, anisotropy) are essential; advances in GPU-driven computation enable faster iterations and richer uncertainty analysis. CALL TO ACTION Read July's The Leading Edge special section on 4D FWI at https://library.seg.org/toc/leedff/44/7, then explore an open-source FWI toolbox. LINKS * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-265-from-differences-to-inversion-a-new-era-for-4d-seismic for the complete show notes.

23 Juli 26min

“Geoscientists without Borders shows how geophysics isn’t just for oil and gas; it’s for helping people and communities.” In this episode, Shuhab Khan and David Bartel share how the SEG Foundation and Geoscientists without Borders are helping build resilient coastal communities through the Matagorda Bay Field Trip at IMAGE ‘25. Shuhab explains how students and professionals will get hands-on experience using cutting-edge tools to monitor coastal erosion and habitat stability while learning to apply geophysics for societal impact. David highlights how the SEG Foundation’s support makes these initiatives possible, encouraging listeners to support and join this important mission. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Learn how drone surveys, satellite data, and ground-penetrating radar are used to monitor erosion and protect vulnerable coastal areas. > Understand why coastal resilience is a humanitarian need and how geophysics can directly support community safety and environmental stability. > Discover how Geoscientists without Borders and the SEG Foundation enable field opportunities that connect science with real-world solutions for energy, water, and climate challenges. CALL TO ACTION Sign up for the Matagorda Bay Field Trip at IMAGE ‘25 at https://www.imageevent.org/short-courses/field-trip-2025/building-resilient-coastal-communities-at-matagorda-bay%E2%80%93a-geoscientists-without-borders to experience hands-on geophysics that helps coastal communities. LINKS * Register for IMAGE 2025 at https://www.imageevent.org/ * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-264-fieldwork-that-changes-lives-inside-the-matagorda-bay-field-camp for the complete show notes.

17 Juli 21min

“We want attendees to walk away saying they learned something new, made a new connection, or heard a crazy idea that just might change how they work. That’s the success we hope IMAGE brings.” In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, Julian Chenin and Paula de Oliveira share what makes IMAGE 2025 the premier geoscience event you won’t want to miss. From global collaboration and interactive pavilions to fostering the next generation of geoscientists, they reveal how IMAGE is shaping the future of energy and applied geophysics. Whether you’re looking to learn, network, or discover a new idea, this conversation will inspire you to get the most out of your IMAGE experience. KEY TAKEAWAYS > IMAGE is more than a conference; it’s a global, collaborative space where geoscientists, students, and industry leaders tackle energy challenges together while celebrating the profession. > New and expanded features like core displays, K-12 engagement, and networking hubs are designed to connect you with emerging technologies, fresh ideas, and career opportunities. > Planning using the IMAGE preview guide will help you make the most of your time, ensuring you catch key technical sessions, panels, and the conversations that can spark your next breakthrough. CALL TO ACTION Explore the IMAGE 2025 Preview Guide at https://imageevent.org/ and start planning your conference experience today. And if you’re ready to give back, consider volunteering or mentoring to help shape the next generation of geoscientists while expanding your network and skills. THIS EPISODE SPONSORED BY KATALYST DATA MANAGEMENT Katalyst Data Management® provides the only fully integrated, end-to-end subsurface data solution to the oil and gas industry. Visit us at IMAGE 2025, Booth #1129, from August 25–28 to meet our global team and learn how we help clients gain value from their seismic and well data. We’ll have live demos and presentations of our latest technology and what’s next in subsurface data. Learn more at www.katalystdm.com and socials. LINKS * Register for IMAGE 2025 at https://www.imageevent.org/ * Read the Preview Guide at https://irp.cdn-website.com/3c79eb10/files/uploaded/IMG25_PreviewGuide_Rev20250701_web.pdf * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-263-image-2025-innovation-collaboration-and-the-future-of-energy/ for the complete show notes.

10 Juli 37min

"Volunteering helps you build your network, sharpen your skills, and open doors you didn’t know existed." In this episode of Seismic Soundoff, SEG all-star volunteers Sergio Chávez-Pérez and Joe Reilly reflect on their recent articles in The Leading Edge’s President's Page series. They delve into the importance of professional growth, how SEG supports geophysicists worldwide, and why now is a pivotal time for the profession. With decades of experience and deep involvement in SEG, they offer wisdom, encouragement, and actionable advice for navigating today's changing energy and tech landscapes. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Stay curious and connected: Volunteering with SEG builds professional networks, encourages lifelong learning, and often leads to unexpected opportunities. > Adapt to change: The energy transition, AI, and global opportunities are transforming the geosciences - SEG webinars, journals, and programs help you stay ahead. > Understand before you apply: AI is powerful, but critical thinking and understanding the fundamentals are key to meaningful application in geophysics. CALL TO ACTION Read Sergio and Joe’s President's Page articles in The Leading Edge to dive deeper into their ideas. And if you’re inspired, get involved - join a webinar, volunteer, or become a mentor. SEG thrives because of passionate members like you. LINKS * Joseph Reilly, (2025), "President's Page: What excites you (professionally)?," The Leading Edge 44: 241–242. https://doi.org/10.1190/tle44040241.1 * Sergio Chávez-Pérez, (2025), "President's Page: Follow, understand, and do with SEG's help," The Leading Edge 44: 77–77. https://doi.org/10.1190/tle44020077.1 * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-262-more-than-membership-turning-seg-engagement-into-career-growth/ for additional links.

19 Juni 32min

"We're seeing rapid advances both in seismic acquisition technologies and in processing techniques. In order to get data that is appropriate for full waveform inversion, you have to rethink how you're acquiring the data in the field." In this episode, host Andrew Geary speaks with Andrea Crook, CEO of OptiSeis and lead instructor of the IMAGE 2025 short course, Innovations in Land Seismic Acquisition. Andrea explores the seismic design landscape, breaking down how advances in sources, sensors, sampling, and sustainability are reshaping land acquisition. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies to enhance survey quality, minimize environmental impact, and more effectively connect acquisition with processing and interpretation. KEY TAKEAWAYS > Innovations in survey design, such as high-density Vibroseis and nodal systems, lead to improved data and safer operations. > Sustainability in seismic acquisition isn’t just good for the planet - it also drives cost efficiency and long-term data value. > Course attendees will learn how to evaluate survey trade-offs, enhance trace density, and make informed decisions using real-world examples. CALL TO ACTION Ready to improve your surveys and future-proof your data? Sign up for Innovations in Land Seismic Acquisition at IMAGE 2025. This hands-on short course, led by Andrea Crook, covers the latest technologies, field-tested strategies, and real-world examples to boost your survey success. Separate registration is required; please reserve your spot at https://www.imageevent.org/short-courses/short-course-25/innovations-in-land-seismic-acquisition-seg. GUEST BIO Andrea Crook, P.Geoph., is the CEO of OptiSeis, a company she co-founded in 2011 to provide innovative solutions for accurate subsurface imaging. Andrea graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.Sc. Honours in Geophysics and began her career at Shell Canada in seismic processing and geophysical operations. Based on her extensive contributions to the field of geophysics, she received the 2019 CSEG Technical Achievement Award and was the Society’s 2023 Symposium Honouree. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN), was selected to present the 2024/25 CSEG Canadian Distinguished Lecture Tour, and is the recipient of both the 2019 and 2024 GeoConvention Best Paper Award. Through active collaboration with industry and academia, she and her team continue to develop innovative solutions for environmentally sustainable subsurface imaging. LINKS * Sign up for Innovations in Land Seismic Acquisition at IMAGE 2025 at https://www.imageevent.org/short-courses/short-course-25/innovations-in-land-seismic-acquisition-seg * Visit https://seg.org/podcasts/episode-261-innovations-in-land-seismic-acquisition-with-andrea-crook for all the resources mentioned in this episode.

12 Juni 23min