Esha Krishnan
Seattle, WA
"The energy industry needs people who care about the planet."
Hello! My name is Esha Krishnan, and I'm both an environmentalist and someone who works in the oil & gas industry.
I came to UT as an undergrad looking for a degree that captured the diversity of Earth sciences and the application of engineering. Curious about the Earth and passionate about solving problems, the energy industry drew me in! While at first, I was skeptical, I now find that the climate crisis is more complex than I previously thought, and I believe that oil and gas can be a part of the solution. I hope to continue advocating for greener energy and more sustainable practices to make the energy industry as beneficial to the planet as it is for us.
My Pathway
I grew up in the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by mountains and rivers, I was captivated by the nature around me. That initiated my love for science. From the depths of the Earth to the farthest reaches of the Universe, I wanted to understand everything around me.
Following that passion, I participated in an environmental science internship in high school where I learned about our local watershed and water quality. I was also involved in climate activist groups to promote a greener society.
I was troubled by the practicality of sustainability in energy. How can we advocate for a greener society with realistic solutions? This is what brought me to UT.
Oil and gas companies are often pegged as the root cause of the climate crisis. While they undeniably play a significant role, I believe that access to energy is a fundamental right and a gift to the world. Therefore, we need to find a balance between energy and sustainability! The energy industry is working towards this by developing sustainable practices in oil and gas and advancing green energy. I want to be a part of this change!
The best way to attack a problem is to go right to the heart of it!
By combining my interest in energy, desire to design solutions, and love for the Earth, I hope to apply my integrated knowledge of geology and engineering to aid my community in the oil and gas sector.
Isle of Skye, Scotland! Trip provided by the Jackson Scholars progam at UT Jackson School of Geosciences.
My first research symposium! Featuring my lab group, the Sed Heads!
My first geology field trip with my friends!
Visited the green sand beach in Hawaii on my birthday! It's composed of a green mineral called olivine!
Achmelvich beach in Scotland! Jackson Scholars progam
The surprising thing is...
If you are someone who cares deeply about the environment and wants to create tangible change, the energy industry offers those opportunities! I grew up in one of the most left-leaning, climate-conscious places in the U.S. I was taught that oil and gas companies created the climate crisis that the average person must feel the repercussions of. I believe there is truth to those beliefs, but I also believe that delving deeper into the problem isn't going to create change.
But, being an engineer and a geoscientist can create change!
Someone once told me,
"I believe that stopping all oil and gas would be worse than keeping it going."
The energy industry needs people who care about the planet. I choose to apply my skills and love for the planet to an industry that needs the most help in transitioning to greener practices, which will benefit us all!
Friends and Dr. Afu! Legend in mineralogy and Earth materials professor!
Sleep deprived but excited to measure stratigraphy on a carbonates field trip!
Visiting Enchanted Rock with friends! Part of the first-year geo trip!
First internship in oil and gas as an environmental intern with Pioneer Natural Resources!
Lessons
You can be a great geoscientist and environmentalist while working in oil and gas; you don't have to pick a side.
Keep an open mind! If I never attended UT, I would've never been exposed to differing opinions that challenged my view on the climate crisis.
Take every opportunity as long as your plate isn't full, stay humble, and never be afraid to ask for help.
GO ON ALL THE FIELD TRIPS!!!
Structural geology field trip to Oklahoma Highly recommend going!