In the build up to the EAGE Annual 2019 , we are proud to introduce you to a selection of the participants who will be joining us for the 81st EAGE Conference and Exhibition (3-6 June) in London.
Malgorzata Drwila is a long term member of EAGE and an enthusiastic geoscientist. She is involved in the work of Local Chapter Poland as well as the Young Professionals Community. Here she tells us a little about why she is looking forward to the EAGE Annual 2019.
Tell us a little about yourself?
My career has changed rapidly over the last three years. After completing a MSc degree in 2015 I spent over a year in academia in a PhD programme at my home university, AGH University of Science and Technology in Cracow, Poland. Later I also worked as an analyst for a passive seismic service company, Seismik s.r.o. in Prague, Czech Republic. However, seismic reservoir characterisation has always been my main interest and now I want to turn back to my passion. To achieve this, I decided to start a new life and in the summer of 2018, I moved to the United Kingdom to seek the best geoscience opportunities. I am currently doing a summer internship with CGG in Crawley and after I finish I will begin my second MSc degree in Exploration Geophysics at the University of Leeds in September 2018.
I have been involved with EAGE for a number of years. Since 2016 I have been a board member of the EAGE Local Chapter Poland where I am responsible for the Chapter's contact with students and its online presence (social media channels and website). I am doing my best to help as much as possible which is not always easy as I live and work abroad.
Where are you from and where were you educated?
I was born and educated in Poland. I studied Applied Geophysics for BSc and MSc at AGH UST in Cracow and graduated in Autumn 2015. My master’s thesis was about reservoir parameters assessment methods using 3D seismic data.
When did you first get involved with EAGE and why?
My first contact with EAGE was at the beginning of my studies in 2010, when an EAGE lecturer gave a talk at AGH UST. The next year I got involved in the activities of the Student Geophysical Society “Geophone” and EAGE Student Chapter Cracow. Helping with the organisation of student events supported by EAGE, like Nationwide Student Geophysical Workshop “Geosphere” or International Geoscience Student Conference, gave me an incredible opportunity to develop many valuable skills which proved to be crucial in a working environment such as teamwork, communication and time management.
Shortly after joining the chapter I noticed that EAGE takes great care of their student-members and supports their learning process and development. Undergraduates and graduates receive priceless knowledge through lecture tours, webinars, workshops, e-courses, free access to journals as well as financial support to attend the EAGE Annual or to run their own research/conference projects.
Tell us a little about your last EAGE event? Which elements stood out for you?
First of all, I truly enjoyed the Local Chapter Summit. It is always a great experience. This year the organisers prepared a boat trip around the city for the participants, followed by a delicious Danish lunch. It was a wonderfulopportunity to have an informal chat with representatives of Local Chapters from all around the World.
After lunch we listened to impressive presentations about the activities of each Chapter and I presented one on behalf of the Local Chapter Poland together with Chapter’s Secretary, Mr Jan Wójcik. The summit is a perfect opportunity to share ideas and experiences between Chapters. I was personally motivated to improve the social media feed of Polish Chapter’s activities, share more information on our LinekedIn group and attract new members.
I also think the social programme was perfect this year. The Conference and Student Evenings were a great background for networking and relaxing after demanding conference days.
What does the EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition offer you professionally, personally or academically?
Professionally, the EAGE Annual helped me to stay up-to-date with the latest technologies introduced in the industry, increase my technical skills and meet world-class professionals and scientists. Furthermore, the Exhibition isa remarkableplaceto visit companies’ booths and get to know more about their work and experiences, as well as to explore job opportunities in the industry.
The EAGE Annual was important for me personally, as it gave me a chance to meet my geoscience friends who are working or studying in other parts of the world. This is one of the main factors that motivates me to attend the EAGE Annual Conference and Exhibition every year. Each time my circle of conference friends grows, which I find truly amazing.
Academically, I deeply appreciate that am able to submit an abstract and get valuable feedback during the presentation of my research. That means a lot to every student and researcher. The feedback during the conference is always constructive and valuable.
What do you see as the added benefit of the EAGE Annual?
One word: variety. The size of the EAGE Annual allows you to get a holistic view on the geosciences: considering every aspect of geophysics with the support of geology and IT. The event programme is always full of diverse topics covered through technical presentations, meetings and sessions. Participants can choose between workshops, short courses and fields trips that happen before and after the main conference days, the Student Programme, Young Professionals and Women in Geoscience sessions, and presentations from individual companies in the Exhibition.
Thousands of attendees every year come from academia, oil companies, geophysical contractors and IT services. To me the direct contact with the geoscientists from these different backgrounds is the most significant aspect of the EAGE Annual. Young participants have the opportunity to establish their future careers in the geoscience community.
What will you be doing at the EAGE Annual 2019 in London?
During the next EAGE Annual most probably I will be in the final stage of a MSc programme at the University of Leeds. I expect my conference schedule to be very busy, as I am planning to focus more on the technical programme whilst taking my last opportunity to enjoy student life, getting to know new inspiring people and meeting old connections and friends.
Moreover, I plan to actively represent the EAGE Local Chapter Poland and take part in my fourth Local Chapter Summit as well as to get involved in more activities of the EAGE Young Professionals.
What advice would you give to first time attendees?