School of Earth Sciences Special Seminar and Discussion:
Earth Science Careers in a Changing World: Energy, Sustainability, and ESG Opportunities.
Dr. Rocco Detomo (OSU '75), Chief Technical Officer Dibij Energy, Society of Exploration Geophysicists President Elect
Abstract: Earth science expertise has never been more essential. As the world accelerates toward a low‑carbon energy system, strengthens climate resilience, and responds to growing expectations around sustainability and ESG performance, the demand for geoscientists with strong analytical, observational, and systems‑thinking skills continues to rise. This presentation highlights the diverse and expanding career pathways available to Earth Science graduate students across renewable energy, carbon capture and utilization, environmental consulting, climate risk analysis, water resources, natural resources, and corporate sustainability. Drawing on more than 45 years of experience working across energy, geoscience, and professional organizations, Dr. Detomo will offer practical insight into how Earth scientists successfully transition into industry roles and how their training directly supports global sustainability. Students will gain guidance on translating academic experience into applied impact, building a compelling professional portfolio, and navigating internships, networking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. The session reframes Earth Science as a foundation for impactful, future‑focused careers that shape how society understands, manages, and sustains the planet’s resources.
About Dr. Detomo:
Dr. Rocco (Rocky) Detomo is a nuclear-physicist turned industry-geophysicist with more than 45 years of experience using physics to understand what lies beneath the Earth’s surface. He spent over three decades at Shell working on energy projects around the world—from deepwater exploration to monitoring how reservoirs change over time—and later founded his own consulting company. He now serves as Chief Technical Officer for an energy company in Nigeria, helping teams make better decisions about where and how to find and develop subsurface resources, encompassing emerging technical areas including geothermal, hydrogen, and carbon storage.
Throughout his career, Rocky has been deeply involved in teaching and mentoring young scientists and leading professional programs through professional societies such as the Society of Exploration Geophysicists, where he is currently President-Elect. He holds BS, MS, and PhD degrees in Physics from The Ohio State University.