Alumni@Work

Thomas Etzel received his PhD in geology from UT-Austin in 2020. He is currently working as a research geoscientist at ExxonMobil where he studies the thermal, chemical and tectonic evolution of Earth’s crust. Although he has only been in his role for 5 months, Thomas has already contributed to multiple projects by delivering impactful results in field of basin modeling. Thomas also maintains an active position in the study of metamorphic petrology and tectonics (the theme of his dissertation) and has published multiple papers, with others in prep and under review.

Tim McMahon received his PhD in Geology from UT-Austin in 1994. He is currently working as a Principal Geoscientist at both Cutlass Exploration where he is involved with conventional exploration in the Gulf Coast and Mid-Continent, as well as consulting projects in the US and overseas. He is also the Principal Geoscientist for DeepIQ, a company specializing in data analytics and machine learning, where he advises on projects that utilize geoscience data. Lastly, he is an instructor with Petroskills, where he teaches a course on computer-based sub-surface mapping. He is a member of the Society of Professional Independent Earth Scientists and a Certified Petroleum Geologist (AAPG).

Nancy Smith received her PhD in Educational Psychology from UT-Austin in 1997. She is currently working as CEO and Principal Consultant at DataSmithSolutions, where she serves as a consultant and national expert in P-20W data systems, interoperability and analysis to promote data use for improved student outcomes. Dr. Smith consults with local, state and federal organizations on educational policy, research and data governance.

Robert Carroll received his PhD in Communication Studies from UT-Austin in 2018. He is currently working as an Assistant Professor at UT-Austin, where he teaches and is developing a new version of the undergraduate business communication course. Additionally, he chairs the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee. Outside of UT-Austin, he works as a Communication Coach for the UT MBA+ Program and as a Content Writer and Associate Speaker Coach for Duarte, Inc. In these roles Robert coaches clients on interviews and presentation preparation, leads workshops, and crafts speeches and presentations for top technology firms.

Samantha Shelton received her PhD in Molecular Biology from UT Austin in 2018. She is currently working as a Support Scientist at 10x Genomics, where she works with customers to troubleshoot and design their experiments and serves as the voice of the customer on 10x’s product teams.