Stephanie Houston
Graduated in 2007
Why did you decide to study at Leeds?
Best option of PhD subject and an opportunity to work with people that I knew well and respected.
What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?
The mix of academic interest and real-life industrial application.
What was the best part of studying at Leeds?
The people I've met; researchers in residence, grad-school, demonstrating.
How would you describe the experience of being a PhD student?
Hard, lonely, frustrating, exciting, new, rewarding.
Tell us about your career plans:
I currently work for BP as a Petroleum Systems Analyst.
As a Petroleum Systems Analyst my role is to study oil geochemistry (isotopes, chemical composition and biomarkers) in order to establish the provenance, migration pathway and timing of the hydrocarbon entry into the reservoir. In addition, I use basin modelling packages to model the evolution of a petroleum basin through time and provide predictions of the pressure and temperature regime at a particular well location. I am involved in research and development relating to software comparison and provide advice on the subjects of carbon dioxide sequestration and inorganic geochemical modelling using the Geochemist's Workbench and PHREEQ-C. I will perform three slightly different roles over three years to gain experience before being able to choose a job that suits me within the company.
I think it is interesting (and nice!) that I come into regular contact with several ex-Leeds students at work (some with BScs, some with MScs and some with PhDs), including general geologists, structural geologists, sedimentologists and geochemists. While it is possible to get a job with BP with a BSc or Masters, having a PhD allows you to enter a specialist technical role sooner (if you want). My industry-related case award PhD was the main reason I was employed by BP! The PhD means that I get paid significantly more than other new graduate employees in the company.
What do you do in your spare time?
Music, walking, cycling.
What do you think about Leeds University as a whole as a place to study?
Well I was there for seven years, so it must be good! Abundant "extra-curricular" activities and an exciting city make Leeds a good place to study.