Jacob Throolin (BS Geology, 2006)

I am currently working in the oil & gas industry as a mudlogger or Logging Geologist for International Logging, Inc out of Grand Junction, Colorado. I work on onshore wells (anywhere from Texas to Utah) where I stay out on the wellsite with another logger working 12 hour shifts to cover 24 hours a day. I look at the drilling cuttings and provide geologic descriptions of mostly sedimentary rocks. I also set up and maintain gas detection equipment to detect hydrocarbons. I also have to interpret the data to determine formation tops. All this data gets input into a depth strip log (see attached image). As the Unit Manager, I supervise and train coworkers to make sure they can all do this also. My job is very important for client geologists who can then make formation evaluations based on my observations. I can be on the wellsite anywhere from 2 days to 8 weeks.

CWU prepared for this by giving me the knowldege on how to make a decent sample description. It also helped to know and understand what I am seeing when I look at cross sections and research over the Internet for information on different formations. We sometimes have guys that aren't geologists who just cannot communicate well to the client geologist about the geology of the area.

If I were a single man I would love my job, but I am not. I have a wife, Jennifer, and 12 month old daughter, Emma Jeanne, who I miss a great deal when I am away at work. I am currently looking for a new job where I can be home more. I spend every moment of free time with my young family - trying to make up for lost time due to work. We enjoy going hiking and camping together.