Wyoming Geological Association

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Wyoming Geological Association (WGA) Events

07
Nov
2025

WGA In-Person Luncheon ~ Ranie Lynds, WSGS ~ Topic: The Wyoming State Geological Survey: Science in the Service of the State’s Economy

11-07-2025 11:15 am -1:00 pm
$25.00
WGA In-Person Luncheon ~ Ranie Lynds, WSGS ~ Topic: The Wyoming State Geological Survey: Science in the Service of the State’s Economy
 
Ranie WithWater
Abstract:
The Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS) is a non-regulatory, science-based state agency, mandated for over 120 years to provide the foundational geologic information that underpins Wyoming's economy and public safety. As the primary source of geoscience data, the WSGS generates the state's geoframework—multi-scale geologic maps that de-risk private investment and support infrastructure, providing a demonstrated return on investment. Modern efforts, enhanced by the STATEMAP and Earth MRI program, focus on identifying and characterizing resources like critical minerals and conducting high-resolution airborne geophysics. In addition to supporting the energy economy, the WSGS maps and assesses geologic hazards to inform building codes and land-use planning, while also serving as the mandated public repository for valuable state geologic data and fossils, ensuring long-term accessibility for researchers and the public.
 
Bio:
Ranie Lynds is the Interim State Geologist and Director of the Wyoming State Geological Survey (WSGS), bringing a seasoned combination of academic research and industry expertise to the role. She holds a B.S. in geology and an M.S. in geophysics from Stanford University, as well as a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Wyoming, where she specialized in fluvial sedimentology. Her career prior to joining the WSGS in 2012 included diverse experience with coalbed natural gas drill rigs, in the uranium industry, and research on geologic carbon sequestration. As a key contributor to the WSGS, Ranie has been instrumental in the state's mapping program, co-authoring numerous bedrock geologic maps, and is a major driver in advancing airborne geophysical surveys through the Earth Mapping Resources Initiative. Her current efforts center on understanding Wyoming’s mineral resources and expanding access to critical geoscience data.
07
Nov
2025

WGA 2026 Field Conference Planning Meeting

11-07-2025 5:30 pm -6:30 pm
Free
WGA 2026 Field Conference Planning Meeting
21
Nov
2025

SPE In-Person Luncheon ~ George Voneiff "The Evolving Role of the Human in AI-Driven Workflows and Decisions

11-21-2025 11:15 am -1:00 pm
$25.00

Abstract: This presentation discusses how and why a human should play a role in Artificial Intelligence (AI)-driven workflows and decisions, and how that role is evolving with time. AI is not magic, but a complex and powerful tool. Examples illustrate the shortcomings of existing AI systems and where human intervention is needed to guide and QC those systems. The human involvement is described in detail for a completion optimization AI workflow both as of today and 5+ years from now. The presentation defines AI, describes how AI creates value, and spotlights fundamental limitations of AI, especially when applied in ‘extrapolated’ situations. The human role is evolving, not only designing useful time-saving workflows, but also understanding and explaining where and how these models can be used with confidence. As AI is enabled to make decisions and take actions, both technical and moral dilemmas will occur that are best reconciled by a human.

Biography: Voneiff has over forty years of oil and gas experience, primarily in unconventional reservoirs. He founded, built, and sold several E&P companies in the US and Canada, including MGV Energy Inc. which discovered and developed the Horseshoe Canyon CBM play in Alberta. Recently he worked with Datagration Solutions and Weatherford International designing AI workflows and managing client engagement of those workflows. He teaches graduate-level Petroleum Engineering classes at Texas A&M University. Honors include the Texas A&M Petroleum Engineering Academy of Distinguished Graduates (2013), the Sproule Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Society for Unconventional Gas (2005), the #1 Company in the Texas A&M Mays Business School Aggie 100 (2005), and Finalist/runner-up in the Ernst & Young Canadian Entrepreneur of the Year (2004).

Voneiff’s qualifications include the invention of the Moving Domain process, an early production-based AI workflow used to optimize infill development of tight rock plays, the design of several economics-based AI workflows to optimize capital efficiency, and the use of AI workflows as a decision-maker for significant drilling, completion and development capital programs. This dual experience of both the technical and C-Suite perspectives provides tactical and strategic insights into the evolving AI application in our industry.

27
Nov
2025

Happy Thanksgiving!

11-27-2025
Free
Happy Thanksgiving!
05
Dec
2025

WGA 2026 Field Conference Planning Meeting

12-05-2025 5:30 pm -6:30 pm
Free
WGA 2026 Field Conference Planning Meeting
12
Dec
2025

SPE In-Person Luncheon ~ Pete Obermueller, Petroleum Association of Wyoming

12-12-2025 11:15 am -1:00 pm
$25.00

Abstract and Bio coming soon

25
Dec
2025

Merry Christmas!

12-25-2025
Free
Merry Christmas!
09
Jan
2026

WGA 2026 Field Conference Planning Meeting

01-09-2026 5:30 pm -6:30 pm
Free
WGA 2026 Field Conference Planning Meeting

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