How do we leverage the next generation’s specialized geoscience skills to meet growing energy demands? And how do we advance innovation while continuing to honor the geoscience foundations that have sustained global energy systems for generations? This talk highlights how emerging, interdisciplinary geoscience skills can be integrated to help pave a forward path for energy. Drawing on current academic research, I highlight pathways for applying academic training to carbon storage, produced-water management, and subsurface insights, emphasizing industry–academic collaboration and responsible stewardship of subsurface resources. I invite new ideas and dialogue on how we might collectively push the boundaries of geoscience in service of energy and society.

Tiffany A. Legg, from Duncan, Oklahoma, is a PhD candidate in geology at the University of Oklahoma, where her research focuses on carbonate geochemistry and machine learning approaches to understanding carbonate formation. She serves as treasurer of the OU AAPG student chapter and is passionate about preparing the next generation of geoscientists to bridge the gap between academic training and industry needs. After graduation, Tiffany is excited to apply her skills and expertise to help the energy industry navigate complex challenges and explore new possibilities.