Our amazing scientists – Reena Ramcharitar

Within your current role and responsibilities, what do you typically handle on a day-to-day basis?

As the North and South America Regional Business Development Manager at Shearwater. I identify new business opportunities across the Americas, manage key clients like Exxon and Chevron, and most importantly feedback into Shearwater’s constantly evolving market demands so we can adapt to these changes and best support our clients.

What are the most rewarding aspects of your job, and what keeps you motivated to work in the geoscience industry?

The most rewarding is the incredible breadth of knowledge I am exposed to. One moment, I might be discussing operational aspects of a program such ocean currents or permitting requirements, and the next I could be on reading legislation, evaluating bid rounds or reviewing a contract.  

What is even more unique is that I don’t just get exposed to all of this across multiple countries. 

While my current focus is on the Americas which includes every country from Canada to Argentina, my career has also taken me across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East, offering unparalleled insights into global energy operations. It’s this constant learning and adaptation that keeps me inspired and motivated working in the geoscience industry. 

What drew you to a career in geoscience, and how did you get started in the field?

I grew up on the small island of Trinidad and Tobago, where oil and gas at the time, and still is the lifeblood of the nation’s economy. I always aspired to work in the energy industry, which led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering.

At the time, I envisioned a career in drilling or completions as I wasn’t very familiar with seismic exploration.

Life, however, had other plans. Upon graduation, I was offered a position at SLB to join WesternGeco, and that opportunity opened the door to the world of geoscience and seismic exploration.

From that point forward, I never looked back and have no regrets. Geoscience has given me a fulfilling career and a deeper appreciation for the critical role it plays in the energy industry and only fueled my desire to learn.

How would you describe the energy geoscience industry to someone who has never heard of it?

The energy geoscience industry is where it all starts. It’s like having a treasure map for what lies beneath the Earth's surface. Without it, we’d be drilling blind, hoping to hit something useful, like a game of geological darts. Instead, geoscientists use advanced tools like seismic imaging to create detailed maps of underground layers, guiding us to energy resources like oil and natural gas.

And It’s not just about finding resources. It’s about using structures smartly which means it doesn’t have to be about oil and gas only. It can help us pinpoint the best spots to store CO₂ underground, the best spots for geothermal or offshore wind projects, and at the same time ensuring minimal environmental impact. So to summarize, without geoscience, we’d be guessing from the start.

How does geoscience contribute to ensuring affordable, reliable, and secure energy resources?

Geoscience is the unsung hero of energy security—it ensures we know where to find resources, how to extract them efficiently, and how to do so in a way that minimizes risk and cost.

Geoscience helps companies avoid unnecessary drilling, reducing expenses and environmental impact.

It also plays a crucial role in developing alternative energy sources, such as geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage (CCS), ensuring a diversified, more resilient energy mix.

Without geoscience, we’d be taking expensive guesses rather than making informed decisions, making energy both costlier and less reliable.

"Geoscience is the unsung hero of energy security—it ensures we know where to find resources, how to extract them efficiently, and how to do so in a way that minimizes risk and cost."

How do you collaborate with other professionals, such as geologists, geophysicists, or environmental engineers, to achieve project goals?

Collaboration is key to any successful project. It requires expertise from multiple disciplines, each playing a critical role. Speaking to environmental engineers to understand the area, assessing environmental considerations, and ensuring compliance with regulations are essential.

It’s also crucial to align with geologists and geophysicists to define the geological and geophysical objectives and then work closely with operations to deliver a solution that meets project goals while minimizing environmental impact and meeting budgets and timing.

How do you stay up-to-date with the latest trends and advancements in geoscience?

Staying ahead in geoscience is like keeping up with a fast-moving puzzle. You need to constantly put new pieces together. I do this by attending industry conferences, engaging with professional organizations such as the EnerGeo Alliance, and staying connected with experts across different disciplines.

A big part of staying up-to-date is also being in the field, talking to clients, understanding their challenges, and seeing how technology can solve real-world problems.

How do you think the industry can better prepare the next generation of geoscientists to handle the challenges of a changing world?

The next generation needs more than just technical skills. They need to be adaptable, interdisciplinary and aware of the broader energy transition. The industry can prepare them by integrating more real-world applications into education, encouraging hands-on experience with new technologies and fostering mentorship programs.

We also need to break the siloed thinking that geoscience is only about oil and gas. Young professionals should be more exposed to its role in renewables, carbon storage, and climate solutions from the start.

Looking back on your career, what is one lesson or insight you’ve gained that you wish you had known when you first started?

One of the best lessons I’ve learned is that people are people no matter their title or experience. Everyone appreciates respect, honesty and genuine conversations.

When I was younger, I was nervous to ask what I thought were “silly” questions, worried about how I’d be perceived. But the truth is, no one knows everything, and the best way to learn is by asking.

Over time, I realized that the strongest deals, the best projects, and the most rewarding career moments come not just from technical expertise, but from the relationships you build along the way. Whether it’s clients, colleagues, or mentors, treating everyone with the same level of respect and curiosity opens doors that knowledge alone never could.

If I could go back, I’d tell myself:

“Don’t be afraid to ask the questions. Your network and your willingness to learn will take you further than you ever imagined.”

Finally, what is a common misconception about the energy geoscience industry?

Typically people think geoscience is solely related to fossil fuels. In reality, it is a versatile field that supports renewable energy, geothermal exploration, and carbon storage, all of which are critical for a sustainable energy future.