2026 MicroSeismic User Forum Registration

Greg Matlock

EY’s Americas Oil, Gas, Chemicals, Mining and Metals Industries Tax Leader

Profile

• Greg currently serves as EY’s Americas Oil, Gas, and Chemicals Industry Tax Leader, and EY’s Americas Mining and Metals Industry Tax Leader.
• Greg also serves as the Americas Energy Transition Leader, as well as the Americas Energy & Resources Tax Leader
• Greg Matlock is a Partner/Principal in EY’s National Tax Department (Houston based)

Experience

• Greg has significant experience in U.S. federal income tax planning and matters throughout the energy value chain (including mining and metals, oil and gas, power and utilities, and renewable energy (including emerging energy transition asset classes)). He has material structuring, planning and economic feasibility experience for energy transactions and investments throughout the Americas and Globally.
• Greg has led numerous transactions throughout the energy transition spectrum (including solar, wind, carbon capture use and sequestration (including advising on over 60 US CCS/CCUS/DAC-related projects), waste-to-energy, hydrogen (blue (including blue ammonia / methanol projects), green, and other variants), battery and energy storage, biomass and biofuels, geothermal, and certain other energy efficient sources), including from feasibility through execution, credit qualification, and monetization of tax credits.
• Greg started his career as a tax lawyer at Norton Rose Fulbright LLP, and, prior to re-joining EY, Greg as a Partner at Mayer Brown LLP, where he led the firm’s Energy Tax practice.
• Greg is the former Chair of the Houston Bar Association Tax Section.
• Greg teaches Energy Taxation and Energy Transition at the University of Houston Law School.
• Greg also is the author of BNA Portfolio 605, Oil and Gas Transactions.
• Greg serves as the Chair of the Energy and Natural Resource Committee for the State Bar of Texas Tax Section, as well as Vice Chair of the Leadership Academy.
• Greg is a frequent speaker (and writer) on energy and energy tax issues, and he has been published, appeared, or has spoken in the following: Time, Financial Times, P3, Power Magazine, Reuters, Practising Law Institute, Tax Equity Times, Oil & Gas Investor Magazine, Oil & Gas Financial Journal, Oil & Gas Investor Capital Formation Supplement, Houston Chronicle, Houston Business Journal, BNA, Inc. Daily Tax Real Time, Natural Gas Intelligence – The Weekly Gas Market Report, SNL Energy, SNL Energy – Gas Utility Week, Bloomberg BNA MLP, Louisiana Energy Conference, Tax Executives Institute, Capital Link Annual MLP Forum, American Petroleum Institute’s Federal Tax Forum, Energy M&A and Financing Forum, Texas CEO Magazine, Oil and Gas Eurasia, FuelFix, Oil, Gas, and Energy Law Journal, Midstream Business, American Oil & Gas Journal, IPAA and the IPAA Private Capital Conference, and others.

Arjun Murti

Partner at Veriten

Arjun Murti is a partner at Veriten, a research, strategy and investing firm focused on the long-term challenges and opportunities in the energy sector. Mr. Murti has spent over 30 years on Wall Street as an equity research analyst, advisor, and board member covering the global energy sector. Since November 2021, Mr. Murti has published Super-Spiked, a Substack newsletter and podcast about the messy energy transition era.

The bulk of the first 22 years of his career was spent at Goldman Sachs, where he retired as a Partner in 2014 while also serving as Co-Director of Americas Equity Research and as an Equity Research Analyst. Prior to joining Goldman in 1999, Mr. Murti was a buy-side Equity Research Analyst at J.P. Morgan Asset Management. His career began in 1992 at Petrie Parkman & Co, a Denver-based oil & gas boutique investment bank.

In addition to his role at Veriten, Mr. Murti is currently serving as a Director of ConocoPhillips, a Senior Advisor to the Energy Group at Warburg Pincus, and as an Advisory Board member for Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, ClearPath, and the India Advisory Board at The Nature Conservancy.

Zach Liu

Director of Subsurface CCUS, Harvestone Low Carbon Partners

Zach Liu is the Director of Subsurface CCUS at Harvestone Low Carbon Partners, where he oversees one of the few active Class VI CO2 injection operations at the Blue Flint CCS site in North Dakota. With over 25 years of experience in oil and gas, including a decade focused on CCUS at Kinder Morgan and Harvestone, Zach has built a strong track record of success, having drilled more than 100 CO2 wells. He is a licensed Petroleum Engineer, Professional Geologist in Texas, and a CFA charterholder. In 2018, he served as President of SPWLA International.

Andrea Crook, P.Geoph.

CEO of OptiSeis

Bio: Andrea Crook, P.Geoph., is the CEO of OptiSeis, a company she co-founded in 2011 to provide innovative solutions for accurate subsurface imaging. Andrea graduated from the University of Manitoba with a B.Sc. Honours in Geophysics and began her career at Shell Canada in seismic processing and geophysical operations. Based on her extensive contributions to the field of geophysics, she received the 2019 CSEG Technical Achievement Award and was the Society’s 2023 Symposium Honouree. She is also on the Board of Directors for the Clean Resource Innovation Network (CRIN) and was selected to present the 2024/25 CSEG Canadian Distinguished Lecture Tour. Through active collaboration with industry and academia, she and her team continue to develop innovative solutions for environmentally sustainable subsurface imaging.

Bill Von Gonten

CEO of W.D. Von Gonten Engineering LLC

William D. Von Gonten, Jr. “Bill” has 30-plus years of experience spanning both conventional and unconventional plays, including all major reservoirs in the United States. In addition, he has extensive work efforts in multiple international resources, such as Argentina (Vaca Muerta), the Middle East, Mexico, Australia, United Kingdom and Paraguay.

Bill founded Houston, Texas based W.D. Von Gonten & Co. in 1995 and W.D. Von Gonten Laboratories, LLC in 2013. In July 2022, W.D. Von Gonten & Co. and W.D. Von Gonten Laboratories, LLC combined to form W.D. Von Gonten Engineering, LLC to leverage expertise from domestic and international resources to expand specialized lab and consulting services in the Middle East North Africa (“MENA”) region.

Work efforts in these areas include hydraulic fracture modeling, reservoir simulations, field studies, oil and gas reserve estimations, property acquisitions, feasibility studies, and economic projections. To help with the understanding of unconventional reservoirs, Bill built a unique core laboratory to evaluate highly layered reservoirs at centimeter scale. This state of art laboratory focuses on understanding hydrocarbon flow systems and geomechanical properties. Recognizing an industry issue, he co-created a workflow to maximize hydraulic fracture connectivity in unconventional reservoirs to improve well performance and established a method of integrating measurements from multiple fluid extraction techniques. Additionally, he co-developed a proprietary process to measure steady-state liquid permeability in nano-darcy rocks and a method to quantify formation damage as a function of various completion fluids.

As an innovator and advisor in the industry, Bill holds numerous patents and is a regular contributor and author of technical content. His patents include Combination downhole tubing circulating valve and fluid unloader and method (US-4944349-A), Integrated analysis of pore fluids for characterization of reservoir potential (US-9995698-B2), Methods for modeling permeability in layered rock formations (US-11073463-B2) and Lateral placement and completion design for improved well performance of unconventional reservoirs (US-11156743-B2).

Within the Harold Vance Department of Petroleum Engineering at Texas A&M, Bill is an Adjunct Professor teaching a course in Unconventional Reservoir Methods and Analysis where he engages students to promote critical thinking regarding reservoir optimization.

Bill earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering from Texas A & M University and in 2015 was named an Outstanding Alumni of the Dwight Look College of Engineering, an honor given each year to former students who have made outstanding contributions to his or her profession, discipline or community. Bill is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Texas and a member of the Society of Petroleum Engineers as well as the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers.

Bridget Silva

Geothermal Rising Policy Committee

Bridget Silva is an accomplished leader with over two decades of experience in energy technology commercialization. Her career has spanned multiple facets of the industry, from technology giants such as Hewlett Packard and Lockheed Martin to pioneering geothermal startups like Criterion Energy Partners. Currently, she serves as the Head of Commercial Strategy for the Americas at Baseload Capital, a prominent player in the geothermal investment and development community.

Bridget’s passion for advancing sustainable energy solutions extends beyond her corporate roles. She has been a stalwart contributor to Geothermal Rising, an organization dedicated to the promotion of geothermal energy. In various capacities, Bridget has lent her expertise, serving as the Chair for the Geothermal Rising Conference 2023 Plenary Committee and acting as the founding Champion of the Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma Regional Interest Group. A staunch advocate for progressive policies that foster sustainable energy practices, Bridget has worked diligently with the Geothermal Rising Policy Committee and the Texas Geothermal Energy Alliance to drive legislative change at both regional and federal levels.

Bridget holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Studies from Baylor University and a Master of Business Administration in Finance and International Banking from Texas A&M University.

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Ken Wisian

Associate Director, Environmental Division, Bureau of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin

Ken Wisian, Ph.D., Major General USAF (retired), Bureau of Economic Geology, UT Austin, is a geophysicist whose main research is in geothermal systems. Other current research includes; planetary geology/space exploration, SETI, disasters and infrastructure resiliency, and international relations. He teaches Life in the Universe and Geothermal Systems at the University of Texas. General Wisian, a navigator/bombardier, flew bombers, transports and fighters, and is a graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School. He has combat time in Iraq, Afghanistan and Bosnia and his combat medals include the Bronze Star and Air Medal.

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Daniel Samake

Geophysicist, Shell

Daniel has worked for Shell Oil Company for over 15  years and is currently focused on Argentina oil and gas exploration. He has a Master of Science in Geophysics, Geophysics and Seismology from Oklahoma.

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Dr. Sherilyn Williams-Stroud

Prairie Research Institute

Sherilyn Williams-Stroud is a Research Scientist, Structural Geologist at the Illinois State Geological Survey in the Prairie Research Institute of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. She also has appointments at the University as a Research Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Science & Environmental Change, and a Research Affiliate in the Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. Her areas of expertise include structural geology, with a focus on fracture analysis and modeling for geo-energy production, including a specialization in microseismic data interpretation and induced seismicity. She began her career at the U.S. Geological Survey doing research in the Energy Resources Branch, and then worked on fracture characterization for the Yucca Mountain Project after which she served for two years as Staff Scientist for Program, where she oversaw the USGS Central Region shared facilities: The Core Research Center, the Nuclear Reactor Facility, and the Microbeam Lab. She returned to research, in the private sector, as a Senior Research Scientist with Chevron, during which time she also taught geology as an adjunct at the University of Houston.  She was a full-time faculty member at Whittier College from 2004 – 2005 when she joined Midland Valley Exploration, as the Geology Team Leader and the Technical Lead for development of their fracture modeling software module. She served as Chief Geologist at MicroSeismic, Inc., where she partnered with the Chief Geophysicist to develop a patented methodology to integrate microseismic data and geologic interpretations to create discrete fracture network models for use in reservoir simulation. After MSI, she joined Occidental Oil & Gas as a Senior Geological Advisor, supporting worldwide reservoir development activities needing fracture expertise. In addition to teaching industry short courses, she has also held part time teaching positions at California State University at Los Angeles and Northridge. She is an active member of several professional organizations and received the AAPG Honorary Membership Award in 2022 and is an AAPG Distinguished Lecturer for 2023-2024. From 2015-2019 she served as a member of the National Academies of Sciences Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) Committee on Seismology and Geodynamics planning and moderating workshops to help inform the federal government on scientific issues important to the nation’s needs, and she is currently a member of the National Petroleum Council’s Coordinating Subcommittee for a greenhouse gas study on methane emissions in the oil and gas industry. Dr. Williams-Stroud received her B.A. in geology from Oberlin College, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from The Johns Hopkins University, and is a licensed professional geologist in the state of California.

Derek Adams

Earth Bridge DOE, EGS Pilot Demos

Derek Adams is the CEO and Founder of EarthBridge Energy, a company developing a geothermal energy storage technology that combines the best aspects of geothermal, oil & gas technology, and energy storage. He earned his PhD in Earth and Planetary Science from Northwestern University and has over 15 years of experience in the energy sector. As a former project manager and geoscientist at ExxonMobil, Derek took on a wide range of subsurface and business-related roles managing multiple projects with external partners and capturing high-value acreage in emerging plays. He enjoys integrating commercial, technical, and business challenges to formulate company strategies and his passion for energy innovation and sustainability drove him to pursue solutions to the energy transition challenge.

Susan Nash

Director of Innovation, Emerging Science and Technology at AAPG

Susan Nash is Director of Innovation, Emerging Science and Technology at AAPG. In her role, Susan works to identify products, services, companies and individuals doing innovative work, and to facilitate collaborative transfers of knowledge, skills, and ideas.  Susan earned her Bachelor of Science, Master of Arts, and Ph.D. at the University of Oklahoma.

Richie Miller

CEO, Richmond Resources Group

For the past three years, Richie has been consulting in the upstream exploration space focusing on Government Relations, developing Multi-Client seismic programs, exploration seed funding, and CCUS subsurface analysis. During the course of his successful 35+ year career, he has worked on and managed offshore seismic vessels, advancing through onshore technical positions, and ultimately to a senior executive position responsible for building a thriving multi-client seismic business. His career built upon extensive and invaluable experience in onshore and offshore seismic operations, technical survey development and design, and building and managing multidisciplinary teams, to provide financial oversite and grow a successful seismic company. Richie was instrumental in building Spectrum Geo’s annual revenue from $25 million to $250 million in less than five years. Richie’s key talents are program management, building technical teams, financial oversite, and an indomitable entrepreneurial spirit.

Nader Issa

CEO, Terra15

Dr. Nader Issa received his PhD in Physics from the University of Sydney in 2005 and BSc (Hons) from Monash University, majoring in Mathematics and Physics. Nader is an innovator with 23 years of experience delivering new technology solutions for a range of applications such as optical communications, industrial measurement equipment, life sciences and geophysical monitoring. He has held positions in Australia, Switzerland and Germany in both global corporations and international research organisations. He is currently the CEO and co-founder of Terra15 based in Perth, Western Australia.

Phillip Sinclair

Geophysical Group Manager at Terracon Consultants, Inc.

Rene Frijhoff

Advanced Resources International, Inc., Sr. CCS Project Manager

René Frijhoff is a Senior CCS Project Manager at Advanced Resources International. He is an internationally accredited Principal Technical Expert in subsurface evaluation and has held technical and managerial accountabililty in the petroleum, geothermal and carbon storage industries for 27 years. His last three positions before ARI were: Chief Geophysicist for Shell Netherlands, Exploration Lead for Shell Trinidad and Tobago, and Geothermal and Carbon Management Advisor for the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory.

Nick Ratcliff

Geophysical Testing Services, Terracon

Nick Ratcliff oversees the Geophysical Testing services for Terracon in the Gulf Coast Division and is a karst subject matter expert for the company. He has managed geologic investigations in the Southeast and Midwest regions of the US, as well as in Puerto Rico and various marine environments (Gulf of Mexico, Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, Mediterranean Sea, etc.).  Nick currently manages a team of geophysicists specializing in karst investigation and remediation, near-surface geologic hazards, and alluvial deposit mapping. He has a B.S. in Geology from West Virginia University and is a registered geologist/geoscientist in Mississippi, Tennessee, Louisiana, and Kentucky.

Charles Cusack

CEO, Recoil Resources

Charles is a seasoned veteran with a proven track record of success. He is a well-rounded leader with 34 years of industry experience and a broad background in exploration, exploitation, geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and operations. Prior to founding Recoil Resources he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Halcon Resources Corporation. Prior to joining Halcon, Charles was a Co-Founder and the Vice President of Exploration for Petrohawk Energy Corporation from 2003 until the company was sold to  BHP Billiton in 2012. He also held various positions with Cockrell Oil, Hess, Tenneco and Chevron. Charles graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Geology and Engineering.

Jonathan Arthur

Executive Director at American Geosciences Institute, Former FDEP

JONATHAN D. ARTHUR, P.G., is the Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute. From 2009 through June 2021, Dr. Arthur served as Director of the Florida Geological Survey and State Geologist of Florida. His research in aquifer vulnerability and metals mobilization during artificial recharge has informed environmental management and policy. He holds a keen interest in geoscience policy, public engagement, and application of geosciences to address sustainability. Dr. Arthur is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and recipient of national awards for public and distinguished service. He has given congressional testimonies, numerous invited presentations, keynotes, and international workshops.  Jon has served as president of the Association of American State Geologists and the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. Among other leadership roles in the geoscience community. Dr. Arthur served on National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) committees related to aquifer system dynamics and habitat conservation, and recently ended a six-year term on the NASEM Water Science and Technology Board. He is also a liaison to the U.S. National Committee for Geological Sciences. Jon earned his Ph.D. in geology from Florida State University.

Randy Nickerson

Chief Operating Officer of Gaza Petroleum

Randy Nickerson is Chief Operating Officer of Gaza Petroleum and has served in this capacity since October 2015. He also served the company as VP Exploration from 2011 to 2015. Prior thereto, Mr. Nickerson served as Vice President of Exploration and Chief Geophysicist for Sanchez Oil & Gas Corporation from November 2004 – October 2011. Mr. Nickerson also served as Chief Geophysicist for Dominion Exploration & Production Corporation and has worked for North Central Exploration, Costal Oil & Gas, Amerada Hess and Gulf Oil Corporation during his career. Mr. Nickerson is a graduate of Colorado School of Mines (Bachelor of Science – Geophysical Engineering) and is also a certified Professional Geophysicist for the State of Texas.

Maggie Van Amburg

Staff Scientist, Trihydro Corporation

Maggie Van Amburg is an Associate Scientist with Trihydro Corporation based in Savannah, Georgia.  Ms. Van Amburg is currently providing technical support for environmental baseline monitoring, US EPA Class VI permitting, and California Air Resources Board certification to multiple carbon sequestration projects located in three different US EPA Regions (7, 8, and 9).  Her technical expertise lies with permitting, environmental data management, and data validation.  Additionally, she conducts statistical analysis for multiple facilities across the US adhering to the Unified Guidance for Statistical Analysis of Groundwater Monitoring Data at RCRA Facilities and facility specific permit requirements.  She routinely uses R Studio and US EPA ProUCL 5.1 and 5.2 for these statistical analyses. 

Ms. Van Amburg obtained her BS in Energy Resource Management and Development from the University of Wyoming.  Through her degree program, and subsequent work experience, Ms. Van Amburg has experience in the utility sector, environmental monitoring and permitting, IT software usage and application, and sustainability program design and implementation.