Katelyn Rahsan Atakturk
Bachelor Of Science - Earth And Space Sciences: Geology
Class of 2012
Email: katakturk@hess.com
What made you decide to get into geosciences?
It was a gradual realization that geoscience was my calling. My first major hike to the base of the Matterhorn in Zermatt, Switzerland immediately grabbed my attention at age 16. I was fascinated by the forces that carved the steep faces of the arete and curious about the mountain's history. Second, once I enrolled in Introduction to Geology with professor Terry Swanson I soon realized that geosciences would feed my addiction to travel and love of the outdoors. My parents also played an important role in my decision: they always encouraged me to find my passion and to pursue it wholeheartedly.
What was your favorite part of the ESS department?
The sense of community was vital to my success as an undergraduate. If it weren't for the collaboration of graduate students, professors, research scientists, and my fellow classmates I would have had an extremely different experience. There seemed to be a seamless flow of ideas and projects moving through the department, and I never struggled to find an expert to guide me in my early career. It shows the department's strength in its leaders and mentorship programs.
What are you doing now?
I recently graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with my M.S. in Geological Sciences. My research focused on deciphering the metamorphic history of the Menderes Massif of southwest Turkey under Dr. Elizabeth Catlos. I interned with an Oil and gas company in the summer of 2013, and accepted a full time job offer pending my graduation. I now work for Hess Corporation in Houston, TX as a Foundation Geologist. My job entails exploring the deep-sea petroleum system for hydrocarbon deposits off-shore of West Africa
Any advice for our current students?
Don't be afraid to ask questions. If you are unsure of what you want to do with your degree or career, start by asking your geo-idols how they got to their position and what their career goals encompass
Additional Contact Information
Yes and I prefer email communication: katakturk@hess.com