Melanie has been practicing geology in the oil and gas industry since 2006. In 2019, she founded Willow Branch Resources. She brings experience from exploration through production and applies her interpretive knowledge to new prospecting projects. Melanie integrates multiple geoscience tools to enhance her geologic interpretations and tailors the tool set for the specific projects at hand.

 

Melanie received a B.Sc. in geology from the University of Wyoming and a M.Sc. in geology from the Colorado School of Mines. She began her career at Noble Energy, where she worked in multiple basins across the U.S., both in conventional and unconventional plays. Her experience includes 2D/3D stratigraphic and structural interpretation, reservoir characterization, and thermal maturation modeling and mapping. Melanie also collaborated with several teams to develop drilling/completions programs and execution of those programs, both vertical and horizontal wells.

 

In the fall of 2014, Melanie moved back to her hometown of Casper, Wyoming and was a Geologist for Goolsby, Finley and Associates. Her responsibilities included geophysics modeling, 2D/3D seismic interpretation, stratigraphic interpretation, structural interpretation in conventional and unconventional exploration and development. She also provided prospect evaluation and risk analysis, petrophysical analysis, WOGCC hearing testimony and drilling support, including geosteering supervision and casing determinations.

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Along with her extensive practical experience, Melanie continues to support the geologic community through volunteering and mentoring. She was a student participant for the Niobrara Consortium at the Colorado School of Mines, is a Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists member, she served on the board and is a member of Wyoming Geological Association and also has volunteered with several American Association of Petroleum Geologists activities, including being a speaker at AAPG section meetings.