Hector Garza
Eagle Pass, TX
"It is never too late to pursue your passion and interests ."
I grew up in Eagle Pass, TX where I graduated from the Eagle Pass High School in 2012. I attended the University of Texas at Austin from 2012-2016 where I obtained my BSc in Geology, and then spent three years working in the oil and gas industry. Currently, I am back at the University of Texas at Austin pursuing a PhD in geology. My research interests encompass a broad range of approaches incorporating geochemistry, geochronology, paleontology, stratigraphy, and sedimentology to understand major geologic and evolutionary events in Earth's history. Currently, I am researching the precise timing of early land colonization by arthropods and vascular plants during the Early Paleozoic.
My Pathway
Growing up in a small Texas town I never thought my path to education and future career would be in the geosciences. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science at a young age but did not know which specific field.
Fortunately, the GeoFORCE Texas program crossed my path and exposed me to the geosciences. GeoFORCE Texas provided an opportunity to experience a field of science that otherwise I may never have encountered. After four summers of participating in the GeoFORCE program, I decided to attend the University of Texas at Austin and major in geology.
During my time at UT as an undergrad, I had the opportunity to explore a variety of geology subdisciplines and research projects with different faculty and research scientists involving geochemistry, paleontology, and geochronology. After obtaining my BSc in Geology, I decided to join the oil and gas industry and accepted a position as a geoscientist working on domestic and international basins.
After years of working in the industry, I decided to return to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a Ph.D. degree with a project involving all the aspects of geology that I've always enjoyed. While I am still open to different careers in the future including academia, government labs/agencies, or industry, my goal is to enjoy my time in graduate school. My goal is to give back to communities and assist students that may be in the same situation I once was when it came to exploring degrees and careers.
Cairo, Egypt
Patagonia, Chile
Magdalena Island, Chile
Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming
The surprising thing is...
Geoscience is not just the study of rocks, but a combination of all sciences. Geoscience is for anyone, can be found everywhere, and now more than ever needs more people involved. When it comes to the Geosciences, the world is your office/laboratory and will take you to places you've never imagined. As long as there is curiosity, you can solve questions and problems to improve the world and society.
Lessons
Break out of your shell, and explore interests that you may never have experienced or heard of before. Life is unpredictable and there is not a single direct path to reaching your goals. Do not be afraid to redirect your path and achieve your aspirations. Like Bear Grylls once said, "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere."