Ruth Gonzalez joined Exxon (now ExxonMobil) in 1980 and has had a variety of assignments as a geophysicist at the research center and at other ExxonMobil upstream companies. As a researcher she developed mathematical seismic imaging tools that turn seismic data into 3D images of the geology, many miles below the surface of the earth. Geoscientists in ExxonMobil’s operating affiliates use these images to answer technical questions and make decisions about the exploration and production of oil and gas. She’s mentored and advised geoscientists on what seismic imaging technology is appropriate for areas with specific imaging challenges. Dr. Gonzalez led geophysical teams to carry out all phases of the seismic data processing for exploration and production projects. She’s travelled to affiliate offices to consult on general seismic data processing issues and especially seismic imaging. She has supervised and coordinated many activities in the upstream companies and currently is a geoscience curriculum advisor at the research center.

Dr. Gonzalez earned a Ph.D. in applied mathematics from Rice University. She received a B.S. and an M.A. in mathematics from The University of Texas at Austin. Of Mexican-American descent, she grew up in the Houston, Texas..