Coursework
I took a lot of classes, and I worked too hard not to bring them up every chance I get. So below is a brief overview of some potentially relevant courses undertaken through the University of Texas at Austin & other certifications earned.
Geology
The study of the Earth’s physical structure, history, & processes that have shaped its features and environments
This course was my first introduction to the basic concepts of Earth sciences. I learned more about tectonics, minerals, sedimentary & metamorphic processes, and more. This class was also my first introduction to hydrogeology and the hydrological cycle.
Minerals are the building blocks of rocks, and therefore the Earth and other planets. This class was all about understanding the geological processes and systems that create and change minerals. This class was my introduction to minerals and mineralogy. I developed my understanding of the physical, chemical, thermodynamic, crystallographic, and structural properties of minerals, rocks, and other earth materials.
Sedimentary rocks are some of the most common rocks on Earth and are formed from the accumulation and sedimentation of sediment particles. They act as records of Earth’s history, containing fossils and evidence of past environments. This class focused on the processes that form these rocks such as weathering, erosion, and transport. Additionally, I learned more about the physical and chemical properties of sedimentary rocks, such as texture, composition, and structure.
Fieldwork is one of the cornerstones of the geosciences. This class was my introduction to fieldwork, and the methods and thought processes that go into it. I learned how to gather my own data in the field and then synthesize predictions & interpretations about the geologic histories and processes.
Structural geology is the study of how and why rocks deform, and the specific structures that form when rocks are compressed, stretched, twisted, or otherwise deformed. This class introduced me to the concepts behind identifying and quantifying deformation structures as well as the developed my underlying understanding of the physics of deformation.
Hydrogeology
Emphasizes physical and chemical processes that control the movement of water through the Earth system and water quality
Groundwater hydrogeology is the study of the movement, distribution, and quality of water stored in aquifers. This class was my introduction to hydrogeology and I developed a further understanding of the processes that control groundwater and the hydrological processes.
My work in this class culminated in a paper where I researched the relationship between cities and groundwater.
Aqueous geochemistry is the study of chemical composition and the reactions of water, it focuses on the chemical properties of water and its interaction with surrounding geology. This course introduced me to the concepts of kinetics in mineral dissolution and the chemical reactions between water and solutes, and it gave me the skills to be able to quantify the relationships in an aqueous geochemistry system.
The vadose zone is the area of the subsurface between the surface and the water table. This course focused on the physical processes that govern the flow of water in the vadose zone, with an emphasis on the exchange of mass and energy.
My work in this class culminated with a research paper where I analyzed the similarities and differences between theoretical models used to predict water flow in the vadose zone.
Physical climatology is the study of the physical properties driving Earth’s climate system. This class provided me with an overview of climate science and the physical principles that govern their interactions. This class took a systems science approach to the climate, addressing the relationships between the atmosphere, hydrosphere, lithosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere. Throughout the class, I learned and applied descriptive, analytical, programming, and modeling skills.
My work in this class culminated in a final literature review where I investigated the effects of urbanization on climate and weather.
GEO 376L focused on gaining experience in different field data collection and interpretation techniques used in hydrology and hydrogeology. The key component of this class was a field excursion to the Yucatán Peninsula, where we did an in-depth analysis of the hydrogeology of a barrier island and chemical sampling of cenotes.
My work in GEO 376L concluded with a presentation and an analysis of our work at the Si’an Kahn Biosphere Reserve. Additionally, I used the data we collected to develop a poster that I presented at the American Geophysical Union in December 2023.
GEO 376C focused on physical hydrological processes and developing a process-based understanding of the math and physics underlying the water cycle. The primary objectives include gaining insight into hydrological processes to support further studies and honing quantitative problem-solving and scientific communication skills in hydrology and related fields. Emphasizing the application of these skills to real-world problems, the course aims to prepare students for careers in hydrology, with a significant portion of the grade based on their ability to use quantitative skills for analysis.
This course culminated in a 20 page research figures where I explored the affect of the Radial Basis Function compared to Polygonal Declustering on precipitation estimates.
GEO 377K focused on developing field skills related to hydrology and hydrogeology. The class culminated in a large-scale group report detailing the class’s efforts to create a geophysical survey of the Edwards Aquifer Authority’s Field Research Site in Bexar County, Texas.
Business
Understanding of the foundational principles of management, accounting, finance, marketing, management information systems, and business law & ethics
This class taught me the basics of finance, how to make financial decisions, and the underlying theory of finance. It focused on the underlying influences of human nature, economic logic, and common sense to develop my understanding of how and why financial decisions are made.
This class was my introduction to the field of business law & ethics and law in general. This class focused on being able to identify legal issues, apply legal reasoning and critical analysis to business issues, identify ethical issues, and formulate defensible resolutions to these issues.
This class served as my introduction to financial and managerial accounting. It focused on the interpretation and uses of accounting, especially for understanding financial statements, budgets, and performance reports.
This class served as my introduction to marketing, and it introduced me to the basic concepts of marketing, especially the processes of developing a marketing strategy, the role, design, and management of marketing activities within a firm, the external influences affecting marketing strategy, and basic analytical tools used in marketing decision making.
This class served as my formal introduction to management as a field of study. I learned about to principles and concepts of management, (especially as they relate to ethics, motivation, team effectiveness, decision-making, and organizational culture) and how to apply them.
This class focused on exploring how information technology aids in achieving competitive advantage, improving decision-making, business operations, and organizational design. It took a cross-functional perspective to understand the role of technology in all areas of business management, including management, finance, marketing, human resources, and operations.
In this class, I was able to further refine my proficiency in Excel, and begin to develop my understanding of SQL and HTML.
Computer Science & Computational Engineering
CS303E is the first course in the Elements of Computing certificate, which is tailored to introduce non-computer science majors to the basics of coding and computer science. Due to the presence of computing across disciplines, this course taught me the basics of computational thinking and programming skills using Python. The class discussed Python syntax, special features, algorithm development, and code translation.
CS 313E prioritized software development through object-oriented methodology. In the class, I learned about the analysis and design of software, focusing on creating reusable components and composing programs from existing ones. The curriculum developed my understanding of fundamental data structures and algorithms, emphasizing aligning them with specific problems. Additionally, I gained proficiency in testing and evaluating programs based on both functionality and performance.
CS 330E was a comprehensive exploration of Python-based software engineering. Focused on practical implementation, it covered essential tools for software development quality. Emphasizing automated builds, source control, unit testing, code coverage, continuous integration, and automated documentation. This class equipped me with hands-on skills essential for effective Python-based software engineering.
PGE 311 was a programming class focused on coding mathematical equations tailored for petroleum and geosystems engineering. In it, I learned techniques for visualizing data and solving engineering problems using numerical methods.
PGE 338 delved into fundamental concepts of both frequentist and Bayesian probability and statistics. In it, I learned about models of confidence, significance, multivariate and spatial correlated features, feature engineering, spatial debiasing, estimation, stochastic simulation, uncertainty modeling, basic machine learning, and optimal decision-making under uncertainty.
Focusing on practical applications, the curriculum explored how these principles are employed in spatial problem-solving, particularly in the domains of geology and subsurface resource development.
Non-Academic Certifications
I’m always curious to learn more and I make a point to pursue more knowledge in all aspects of life
This certificate focused on launching businesses in sectors such as energy, finance, real estate, design, engineering, and the environment. Emphasizing creating positive impacts on the environment and global human health. Drawing on entrepreneurship tools, trends, and tips, the course provides real-world applications, step-by-step advice, and case studies, moving away from theoretical concepts.
In the certificate, I learned how to define business opportunities, analyze successful ventures, identify problems, plan investor engagement, and take tangible steps towards launching new business initiatives in the Renewable Energy and Green Building space.
Awarded by Duke University
This certificate delved into seismic tomography and its mathematical foundations, providing insights into the initiation of earthquakes.
In this certificate, I learned the basics of seismology and gained hands-on experience using technical instruments and programs.
Awarded by Novosibirsk State University
This certificate explored the shifting perception of brands from visual identity to integral experiences throughout the customer journey, shaped by people across the organization.
Focused on skills development, I learned will learn to build brands from an organizational perspective, lead brand-led culture change, navigate multi-brand environments, adopt new ways to measure brand health internally, and understand returns on brands across the organization.
The certificate encouraged a holistic development approach, stimulating a deeper understanding of brand management, fostering motivation for brand delivery, and translating acquired knowledge into actionable strategies for creating value for both the customer and the organizational.
Awarded by the University of London
This certificate delved into the dynamics of social evolution, exploring questions about the emergence of revolutions, shifts in social norms, and the success of social innovations. It emphasized the complexity and surprises inherent in the social world, highlighting the mathematical properties of social networks that influence the spread of ideas and behaviors.
In this certificate I learned about the use of computer models in studying social dynamics, understanding the representation of social relationships with networks, and how diffusion processes drive social change.
Awarded by the University of Pennsylvania
This certificate taught me about the inner workings of fashion and luxury companies, covering aspects such as brands, products, retail, and communication strategies. Delivered through case studies, it explored strategic brand management in these industries, emphasizing the balance between tradition and innovation, expertise and experimentation, and casual and stylish approaches.
The certificate addressed contemporary challenges, including the influence of new retail and media channels, diverse business strategies, and the impact of emerging markets on brand dynamics.
Awarded by Università Bocconi