Science students from the University of Guyana and Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas were afforded an opportunity to learn about enhancing capacities to support the oil and gas sector.
According to a US Embassy press release, in mid-July, students travelled to Lubbock to attend classes at the university and conduct laboratory experiments. Students gained a general understanding of the petroleum exploration process and an introductory knowledge of the value chain associated with exploration and production of hydrocarbons. Students also got the opportunity to work with Petrel software suite and utility in viewing seismic and petrophysical data. Outside of class, they visited the Caprock Canyons State Park to witness first-hand some of the sedimentary wonders that fascinate geologists today.
From July 24-August 3, Texas Tech students reciprocated their visit and were joined by their UG classmates to listen to Minister of Natural Resources Raphael Trotman explain the steps Guyana is taking to ensure the country’s preparedness for the petroleum production that is set to begin in the next five years, the release stated.
According to the release, ExxonMobil geologist Richard McKenzie also spoke to the group. He encouraged students to continue to study in the sciences and to be a part of making a positive difference in their countries – both in Guyana and the United States.
Students travelled to Linden to see the bauxite mining areas and were briefed by NICIL’s CEO on the history of bauxite in Guyana. Texas Tech students and faculty also went to Kaieteur Falls to experience the power and majesty of one of Guyana’s most impressive natural wonders, the release stated. US Ambassador Perry Holloway expressed his strong support for the programme.
The programme was funded by a grant from ExxonMobil through President Obama’s 100,000 Strong in the Americas Program which is aimed at increasing the number of US students studying in the Western Hemisphere to 100,000 and the number of Western Hemisphere students studying in the United Stated to 100,000 by the year 2020, the release stated.
