Petroleum geologist with expertise in multiple Texas basins and the Midcontinent.

Worked as a managing geological and operating advisor at Ames Energy Advisors. Interned as a geotech at a San Antonio-based oil and gas investment company while earning a BA in geosciences from Trinity University. "I got hooked on drilling and producing oil and gas wells. I can't think of a better industry to be in." Currently finishing up his MS in Energy and Earth Resources from University of Texas at Austin. Active in the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies and the South Texas Geological Society.

About unconventional versus conventional activity, says the upstream industry is separating into two segments, primarily due to the capital intensity of unconventional and resource play development. “We’re conventional players. Having this separation actually gives us great opportunities. We’re going into cold, bypassed areas to rein- vigorate or kick off new plays.”

Accomplishments: Launched Ames Acock Oil & Gas, a new exploration company, as a partner.

“I think our expertise in upstream E&P is hard to compete with. I have confidence that we’re going to be very successful, because we have a track record of finding oil and gas.” Generated a number of successful drilling prospects and has several more that will be drilled soon.

Overcoming competition in the industry: “It’s important to find your niche and make yourself stand out. You must be an outside-of-the-box thinker. Staying motivated is crucial because you will fail at certain things.”

Goals: "To be directly involved in a discovery that ignites a new play or proves up a new frontier basin."

Recently spoke about natural resources at a local school where his wife teaches. Hopes to further develop his involvement in sparking children’s interest in math and science. “I think it’s essential to motivate kids to be curious and ask questions. I want to help children challenge themselves in the realm of math and science.”