Maria A. Gutierrez Azuaje
PhD Candidate
Mudrocks, chemostratigraphy, outcrop-subsurface correlations, Late Pennsylvanian-Early Permian transition, Wolfcamp Hills, West Texas outcrops
Research
Currently working on improving stratigraphic subdivisions and correlations in mudstone- carbonate
sequences from late Paleozoic in the Southern Permian basin (Pennsylvanian – Early Permian) by using
geochemical and facies analyses in outcrop and core datasets.
Research Assistant, UROC, Texas A&M University
- Conducted outcrops and core stratigraphic analyses of the Cisco and Wolfcamp Formations in the
Permian basin.
- Preparing samples and running geochemical lab analyses from core and outcrop (XRD, XRF, Stable
Isotopes).
- Analyzed geochemical data using multivariate statistic techniques.
- Managed XRF, XRD trainings and safety protocols for a research group of eight students.
- Co- leaded consortium fieldtrips to study area.
Summer Teaching Assistant, Senior Research Class, Texas A&M University (Summer 2018 and 2019).
- Designed a 10-week research project.
- Taught students how to safely manipulate X- ray spectrometer and diffractometer.
- Selected relevant literature for reading assignments and fostered discussions.
- Explained students how to analyze inorganic geochemistry to aid stratigraphic interpretations.
Selected Publications
Donovan, A. D., M. C. Pope , J. C. Laya, J. Sleight, M. A. Gutierrez, B. Richards, E. Sims, and E. Peavey,
2019, Outcrop Windows to the Unconventional Reservoirs and Stratigraphy of Wolfcamp Group in the
Permian Basin, The Houston Geological Society Bulletin, v. 62, p. 8-9.
Gutierrez, M. A., and R. Ewing, 2015. Spatial variations in eolian stratigraphic architecture of the Norphlet Formation, southwestern Alabama: Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies Transactions, v. 65, p. 455–461
Education
2018 – Present: PhD. Geology. Texas A&M University. College Station Texas.
Doctoral Thesis: Chemostratigraphy of the Wolfcamp Formation in West Texas Outcrops and its correlation with
southern Permian basin
2016: MS. Geology. Texas A&M University. College Station Texas.
MS. Thesis: Spatial variations in eolian stratigraphic architecture of the Norphlet Formation, southwestern
Alabama.
Advisor: Dr. Ryan Ewing
2010: Diploma in Petroleum Geosciences. IFP School.
Capstone Project: “Benefits and applications of elemental spectroscopy logging tool in “O” and “P”Members,
Escandalosa formation, Borburata field, Barinas basin, Venezuela”
2007: BEng. Geological Engineering. Universidad de Los Andes, Venezuela
Awards
GSA Research Grant (2021)AAPG Student Research Grant (2021).
UROC University Lands Fellowship (2018 – 2021).
GCAGS Student Research Grant Recipient (2018)
Chevron Center of Research Excellence (CoRE) Fellowship, TAMU (2015)
Courses
Courses taught:
Historical Geology Lab
Other:
Research Assistant in petroleum systems and basin modeling (2015)
Research Assistant in clastic sedimentology: eolian and fluvial deposits (2014)
Additional Information
CONFERENCES PARTICIPATION
- Virtual AAPG ACE, Poster Presenter, September, 29 - October 1, 2020. Chemofacies and Lithofacies in the Lower
Wolfcamp Group, type locality in the Glass Mountains, West Texas.
- 7th IAS Summer School, October 21-28, 2018. Process, stratal architecture and controlling factors of continental
to deep marine systems at the foot of the Andes. Zapala, Argentina.
PROFESIONAL EXPERIENCE
Summer Intern at Hilcorp Energy Company (2021)
Intern at University Lands (2016, 2017)
Reservoir Geologist, PDVSA, Venezuela (2007 -2013)
Advisor: Art Donovan
