Hobbies
Astronomy
I have an 8” Dobsonian reflector telescope at home and have been an amateur astronomer for the past 15 years. I’ve also recently successfully completed an online course with the Open University in the UK.
Hiking
I take the opportunity to go hiking when I can, it is good recuperation for the body and the mind. I recently completed the West Highland Way in May 2023 with my friend Andy, 155 km in 5 days, an amazing trip.
Reading
When it comes to reading, I enjoy a broad spectrum of genres, including science fiction and fiction classics from the 1950s – 1970s, for example, John Steinbeck, Ray Bradbury and the like, as well as history and science, for example, Richard Dawkins, Richard Fortey, etc.
Family
My wife and I have two sons, Glenn, who’s 18 and Gavin, 15. Both are now young men in a sense so that leaves me more time for my lovely wife!
And then work, of course.
What does your average day look like, Garry?
As an Offshore Wellsite Geologist, to broadly summarise, I’m required to interpret the stratigraphy as the well is being drilled. This is very important, as we are required to ensure that a particular borehole section interval is drilled to a certain depth in a particular formation, to ensure we always have complete well control. To enable this process, I utilise two sources of information, principally the drilled cuttings and the logging measurements (LWD).
I’m also required to ensure we have no indications of formation pore pressure that is higher than prognosed. Other work requirements include such tasks as wireline operations supervision, coring operations, as well as writing and completing wellsite logs, Well End Reports and other admin tasks.
Tell us a bit about your career development at AGR
Prior to joining AGR, I was a Wellsite Geologist with another energy consultancy. I joined AGR, as I wanted to continue in this particular type of work on a permanent contract with more variety in terms of clients and projects. My job at AGR has enabled me to work with a wide range of clients, offering a wide variety of hydrocarbon fields and projects, which have greatly enhanced my experience.
What did you do before joining AGR?
Life before AGR took me down many paths. Firstly, I was in the army for four years with military service in Germany and the Middle East. I then left the army and completed my BSc in geology at Imperial College, London. I then went to Canada and worked for the University of Ottawa as a research student. I then completed my MSc in petroleum geology at Aberdeen University.
I have worked for various service companies, including wireline work in remote Uganda and Alberta, Canada.
What does AGR do to enable your professional advancement and work-life balance?
AGR have provided me with a sensible work-life balance, in addition to a solid work environment with lots of variety.