For Zoë Cumberpatch, winning the Basin Research Early Career Award 2021 is the latest honour in a stellar academic career in geology, inspired by rocks and the outdoors. She joined Equinor last year, and describes herself as a ‘pole dancing petrophysicist’, a reference to her fitness regime.
What led you to geology?
I was quite good across the board at school but I was happiest (and still am) when I’m outside. I was fascinated with why there were hills in some places and rivers in others. My grandad’s favourite pub (Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, Nottingham, UK) was built into a (Sherwood) sandstone cave, so that probably helped a bit too. I was also very lucky to have had an amazing geography teacher at school. He introduced me to the wonderful world of planets, volcanoes and dinosaurs. The rest is history.
Is geoscience education still fit for purpose?
The MSc degree I did (petroleum geoscience at Imperial College) no longer exists, and has been replaced by an MSc in geo-energy with machine learning and data science. The PhD programme I did (the NERC CDT in oil and gas) at University of Manchester has been replaced by a similar one focusing on geo-net zero. Geoscience education is changing with the times. This is exactly what it should do to attract the problem solvers of tomorrow.
That Basin Research award?
I’m really honoured to have been awarded the Basin Research Early Career Award 2021, for our paper ‘Halokinetic modulation of sedimentary thickness and architecture: A numerical modelling approach’. In short, we use a snazzy discrete element model to quantify near-salt deformation of stratigraphy under different sedimentation conditions. The paper was part of my multi-disciplinary (field work, subsurface work, numerical modelling, physical modelling) PhD project on how deep-water sedimentary systems respond to salt topography. I say ‘our’ because I’m 100% behind what I refer to as the ‘collaborate don’t hate’ approach to academia.
You’re a fan of mentoring?
At the start of my PhD programme, while I was applying for all opportunities in sight, I came across the EAGE Women in Geoscience mentoring programme. Five years on, I still talk to my incredible mentor, Rachel, every month. She’s helped me with interview preparation, CV scanning and prioritising work-life balance. I really would recommend searching for a mentor to anyone. I recently reached out to a petrophysicist I look up to about a potential mentoring relationship, and now we have ‘petrophysical parties’ on zoom.
Change to petrophysicist?
As a petrophysicist I look at geology with a mathematical hat on. We’re interested in the physical properties of the rocks and fluids in the subsurface. In my line of work that’s mostly evaluating reservoirs – porosity, permeability, hydrocarbon saturation, fluid contacts. So far I’ve worked in development, exploration and operations and every day is a learning experience.
Academia/industry diversity?
I’m lucky enough to live and work in Norway where gender equality, at least, is refreshing. After being the ‘token female’ to some extent during my PhD, it’s incredible to work for a company that walks the walk; my team has a 50/50 gender split, and I see inspiring women across all hierarchical levels. It’s clear academia and industry have a LONG way to go to become fully diverse across the board, but amazing organisations like GeoLatinas and Black in Geoscience give me some optimism for the future.
Can oil and gas attract the next generation?
I cannot think of a more interesting and exciting time to be part of the energy industry: which other industry is going through a complete transformation?
Your career development?
I can’t see the industry looking the same as it does today in 20 or 30 years time, so I’ll probably be doing a job that doesn’t exist yet. I’d like to stay technical for a while, but can imagine moving into management in the future because people are more interesting than rocks (just!).
Got to ask: that dance pole in your living room?
I started aerial gymnastics and pole dance in my first year of uni, became an instructor during my MSc, and now pride myself as a ‘pole dancing petrophysicist’. To me, pole is a sport (identical to skiing, snowboarding, running up mountains and training in the gym) that challenges my body every day, just like petrophysics challenges my brain every day. In my job interview the pole was behind me and I think I introduced myself as ‘I’m Zoë, I love rocks and pole’. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it — life is better upside down.
