Past, Present and Future of Petroleum Research Consortia in the Geosciences

摘要

The current booming economy appears to have largely bypassed the U.S. oil patch, though that could change at any time. As a more than 40-year geologist in both the petroleum industry and academia, I have cycled through many such changes, some good and others not so good, depending upon whom you talk to. One notable change I have seen is a growing reluctance of the younger collegiate generation to commit to the ups and downs of the petroleum industry in favor of careers that might not be as stressful, and even less lucrative, but more stable. While "back in the day" students were willing to sacrifice their own money and time for an education that promised a rewarding career, students today -particularly at the graduate student level - demand financial support when selecting a university, often irrespective of the quality of education they will receive. During this time of dwindling resources for education by the government, academia and industry, where are the funds to come from to support quality graduate students? With dwindling funding, so go the best and brightest students.