Biography:
Ezzedeen holds a BS, MSc, and PhD in Geophysics from the University of Houston. He is currently leading the data acquisition and robotization focus area within the geophysics technology division at EXPEC ARC. Prior to this position, he was a member of the strategic analysis and coordination group within the strategic technology analysis division at EXPEC ARC, frequently covering as team lead. In 2022, he was awarded the Emerging Middle East Young Professional Award by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists. In tandem, Ezzedeen has been an active member of DGS, serving as the Professional Meeting Officer in 2022, and the VP of Technical Exchange in 2023. Similarly, active in the SEG community, serving as a Council Member for the middle east sector.
Why Join:
As a continuous DGS executive committee member, I have experienced the various tasks and roles of our society and would like to continue to serve our community through extending my service for another year. It gives me great pleasure to leverage my resources and talent to expand the scope of geosciences in the community, helping attract young talents to our discipline, to further growth of our industry at large. My primary objective as an executive committee member is to engage our local community in Dhahran and within the kingdom, leveraging ties with sister societies such as the SEG, EAGE, and AAPG, to attract technical experts and deliver productive events to advance our geoscientists technical and professional expertise.
Biography:
Ms. Al Lababidi holds a Bachelor of Geology Science from Durham University and Masters in Subsurface Intelligence from Leeds University. Ms. Al Lababidi works as geologist in Saudi Aramco and brings about 10 years of experience in Regional Source Rock Assessment, with extensive expertise in charge analysis and geochemistry. In 2024 Noha was honorably appointed as the project leader of CO2 project in the department.
Noha was a member in Society of Petroleum Engineer – Saudi Arabia Chapter, and was the public outreach officer in Dhahran Geoscience Society in 2020. Ms. Al Lababidi was assigned as AAPG Middle East Young Professional Council, and represented AAPG as co-chair in Young Professional and Student Committee in MEOS GEO 2023 and ICE Muscat 2024 and is positioned as well as the VP of public outreach 2024 in Dhahran Geoscience Society.
Why Join:
Since joining the society in 2015, I have had the privilege of serving in various roles as volunteer. Later served DGS as Public Outreach Officer, and in 2024 I was honored to take on the position of Vice President of Public Outreach.
Throughout my journey, I have passionately advocated for initiatives that foster collaboration and innovation within our community. I believe that by leveraging our collective expertise and creativity, we can implement dynamic strategies that not only enhance our outreach efforts but also elevate the society’s impact in the community.
As President Elect, I am committed to driving positive change and introducing new initiatives that will strengthen our connections and broaden our reach. Together, we can create an environment that encourages engagement, inspires new ideas, and celebrates our shared passion for geoscience.
I am eager to bring my experience and vision to this leadership role and make a lasting difference in our society. I appreciate your support and look forward to the opportunity to work together towards a brighter future for the Dhahran Geoscience Society.
Biography:
Abdulaziz joined the company as part of CPP17 and opted to go to KFUPM, where he later graduated with honors with a bachelor’s degree in Geology in 2021. After joining the company Abdulaziz spent 8 months on assignment with GOC (Geosteering Operations Center) followed by a 16 months assignment as part of GeoTrain21. After completing the GeoTrain21 assignment, Abdulaziz joined Eastern Area Exploration Department in November of 2023 as a prospect generator. Since then, in addition to his regular job responsibilities, he has co-authored two abstracts, which were presented in 2024.
On a personal level, Abdulaziz is a pragmatic person that works best within a well structured team with open communication between team members.
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Abdulaziz has been an active volunteer with several organizations since 2013.
Abdulaziz has also served on several executive committees with a variety of different roles. His most notable experiences as an executive committee member include:
– AAPG KFUPM Student Chapter President
– AAPG KFUPM Student Chapter Vice President
– AAPG KFUPM Student Chapter Treasurer
– Okadh Spirit Toastmasters Club VP of Membership
– Okadh Spirit Toastmasters Club Secretary
– Okadh Spirit Toastmasters Club Treasurer
Why Join:
DGS is the most well established Geoscience organizations in the region and having the ability to be a part of such a team as an effective member with measurable added value is an opportunity that everyone should strife to take.I also believe that I can truly serve the organization with the skills that I have developed from my past experiences.
Biography:
Renad Alghamdi joined Saudi Aramco in 2022 through ITC after graduating with an associate degree in computer Science. After completing 11 months of training in the ITC’s VCGNE program as an apprentice, she joined Exploration business support division as a Junior Admin clerk in October 2023. In early 2024, she became the secretary of EBSD.
Why Join:
I’m thrilled to have the chance to be part of DGS, I believe it would be a great opportunity for me that would not only benefit my career but enrich my knowledge and experiences as well. As a part of the team, I hope I can bring the proper and required support for the society’s event planning as well as other responsibilities that line up with my current position.
Biography:
I’m a geologist with 3 years experience in Saudi Aramco. I graduated from Curtin University, Perth, Australia.
My work in the company revolves around understanding the subsurface through multidisciplinary fields to propose and drill new exploration wells. This role utilizes and develops my skill of integration thinking and problem solving.
I’m a socially active and eager person, and have been involved with DGS events as a volunteer.
Why Join:
I am interested in joining the DGS committee as a field trip coordinator to be able to provide the opportunity to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia, and to give a chance to our members to experience the relationship between the surface and the subsurface.
I’m confident that my expertise in fieldwork will prove valuable in this role and I’m excited to collaborate with like-minded colleagues in the committee to enhance and develop the DGS in the local and global arena.
Biography:
Dr. Ali Alfaraj is a researcher at the EXPEC Advanced Research Centre with the Geophysics Technology Division of Saudi Aramco. He currently serves in the Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Research Committee promoting the advancement of science and technology, identifying high priority research, and organizing workshops and annual meetings. Ali published multiple journal papers, presented over fifteen abstracts at international conferences, and was an invited speaker at multiple events to present his SEG recognized top paper. This year, Ali was selected by the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE) as a distinguished lecturer. At international societies, Ali is regularly invited as a reviewer of conference and journal papers, and as a co-chair of technical sessions. At TU Delft, Saudi Aramco, and Aramco Europe, Ali supervised B.Sc. students and young professionals, co-organized events and presented to senior management including Aramco’s Board of Directors.
Ali started his journey at Saudi Aramco with the college preparatory program. He subsequently earned a B.Sc. degree in Geophysics with a minor in Mathematics from the University of Houston. Pursuing advanced studies, he obtained an M.Sc. degree in Applied Geophysics from the IDEA League Joint Master’s program from TU Delft, ETH Zurich, and RWTH Aachen. After that, Ali joined the University of British Columbia in Vancouver as a researcher. Most recently, he earned his Ph.D. degree from TU Delft’s Applied Physics Department as part of the Delphi Consortium.
Why Join:
I want to bring excitement to the field of Geosciences! Given its longstanding history, DGS is considered the prime venue to share geoscience knowledge within the region. Founded on a mission to facilitate technical exchange and foster professional growth, DGS has consistently delivered enriching experiences for its members. Building upon this foundation, I firmly believe that we possess the talent and dedication required to propel DGS into the ranks of top-tier geoscience organizations.
As a VP of Technical Exchange, I’ll work with the enthusiastic team to enhance the platform for technical exchange with a dynamic calendar of interactive, fun, and enriching events that offer valuable learning opportunities and professional networking prospects. Additionally, we will establish innovative initiatives to support young professionals and experts to thrive and leap towards success.
The field of Geosciences is inherently interconnected with various scientific disciplines such as Physics, Mathematics, Petroleum Engineering and Data Sciences. I am dedicated to promoting interdisciplinary interactions and strengthening local and international partnerships with academia, industry and partner societies. By fostering collaboration between different fields, we can harness the full potential of geosciences and support the ambitions of the Kingdom’s vision 2030 in energy supply, natural resources management, sustainability, climate change and circular economy.
I am eager to work alongside the board and members of the society to advance the field of geosciences and create a positive impact on our community.
Biography:
I’m Naser Alnaser, a Research Geophysicist at EXPEC ARC – GPT with a bachelor’s degree in Geophysics from KFUPM. I served as the Mentorship Program Officer for DGS in 2022 and Technical Publications Officer in 2023, gaining valuable experience and insights. I’m eager to continue supporting the society’s mission as the Technical Meeting Officer.
Why Join:
I want to join DGS to continue contributing to the professional growth and collaboration within our geosciences community. Having served as Mentorship Program Officer and Technical Publications Officer, I’ve gained valuable insights into how DGS fosters knowledge sharing and innovation. Joining the committee again as Technical Meeting Officer would allow me to play a hands-on role in facilitating impactful discussions, enhancing technical knowledge, and building a platform for professionals to connect and share expertise. I’m eager to contribute my skills and experience toward advancing DGS’s mission.
Biography:
I am passionate about the intersection of AI and the sustainable development of energy resources. I recently concluded my PhD at Stanford University where I developed generative AI algorithms for cave simulation. I am currently a geophysical machine learning researcher at Saudi Aramco. In this role, most of my time is split between building machine learning algorithms for subsurface characterization and developing machine learning courses for upstream professionals. I am always excited to learn, teach, and collaborate with people to solve real world problems.
Why join?
I am a team player and I am interested in helping to build a better community for the geoscience professionals. Because of my research background, I believe I can contribute most by being a publication officer where I can help revive the GeoArabia Journal as well as highlight any technical DGS activities to our community.
Biography:
Zain began his journey with Aramco in 2016 through the CPP program. In 2021, he graduated from Durham University with a bachelor’s degree in Geology and soon after began his career with Aramco as a full-time employee in August 2021. He has since been a member of Geo-Train 20 and completed a one-year assignment with GLOD. Currently, Zain works as a prospect generator in the Northern Area Exploration Division. Over the past two years, he has also been an active volunteer and MC at DGS events.
Why Join:
It is an absolute pleasure having been involved in several DGS events, as either a volunteer or an attendee. I look forward to being part of the executive committee to work in a collaborative and creative team, develop various skills, organize memorable events and contribute to the geoscience community.
Biography:
Naba Al Hamad is a highly skilled geophysicist with a Bachelor’s degree in Geophysics and a minor in Mathematics from the University of Arizona (2015). Currently pursuing her master’s degree at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, she has built a successful career at Saudi Aramco, starting in the Well-site Geology division where she gained hands-on experience analyzing and interpreting geological data to optimize drilling operations. She now plays a pivotal role in the Geophysical Imaging department, utilizing advanced imaging technologies to enhance subsurface mapping and reservoir characterization. Additionally, Naba has served as the Membership Officer, managing member engagement and organizational activities, showcasing her leadership skills alongside her technical expertise.
Why Join:
I want to join the DGS Executive Committee as the VP of Professional Development because I believe in the value of helping others grow in their careers. I’ve seen how important continuous learning is in my own journey, and I want to plan professional events and workshops that provide our members with opportunities to develop their skills and connect with each other. With my experience in geophysics and my time at Saudi Aramco, I can help facilitate training and networking that benefit our community. I’m excited about the chance to contribute and support our members’ professional growth.
Biography:
Shatha joined Aramco in 2022 and is currently working in Geosteering Operation Center. She obtained her B.S. in geosciences from the University of Arizona. Shatha has an experience from holding an executive committee position in her university’s Society for Mining, Metallurgy, & Exploration (SME) chapter. In this position, she arranged monthly knowledge sharing sessions with professionals in the industry for students, organized fundraiser events where over $30K was raised for the chapter, and sent the chapter’s members on fully-paid trips to the two largest mining conferences.
Why join:
I have been a member of DGS since 2018 as a CPP student and I am enthusiastic to contribute as a professional meetings officer on the executive committee for 2025.
With my background in geoscience, event management, and operations, I am well-equipped to handle the logistical requirements of organizing monthly professional meetings. My experience in coordinating large-scale technical events, fundraising initiatives, and mentoring activities has refined my organizational and communication skills, making me familiar with liaising with venues, managing registrations, and ensuring smooth event operations.
Biography:
I am an exploration geoscientist with a passion for geology and a commitment to making a positive impact on our world. I believe that sustainability is crucial for our future, and I enjoy finding creative solutions that balance resource management with environmental care.
I’m all about empowering those around me, uplifting my colleagues, and inspiring them to pursue excellence. Alongside this, I prioritize empowering myself through continuous learning and personal growth. Every challenge is an opportunity for us to grow together!
In my free time, I enjoy volunteering in my community, as I believe giving back enriches our lives and strengthens our connections. When I’m not at work, I enjoy hiking in nature and visiting art exhibitions. I also enjoy reading philosophy, especially stoicism, which inspires me to approach life with resilience and purpose. I value kindness and compassion and aim to create a supportive team environment where positivity thrives. Together, I believe we can make a meaningful difference in our field!
Why Join:
Becoming a part of this vibrant community will enable me to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share my interests. I am eager to connect with experienced mentors and colleagues who can guide me on my journey of professional development as an aspiring geoscientist.
Biography:
I am a geophysicist with a strong academic background and three years of professional experience at Saudi Aramco. I earned both my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geophysics from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), where I developed a solid foundation in geophysical techniques and subsurface analysis. I began my career at Aramco in the Geosteering Operation Center, where I worked for 9 months, contributing to real-time decision-making for drilling operations. Following that, I participated in the GeoTrain program, a unique opportunity that allowed me to further develop my technical skills and leadership abilities. For the past 1.5 years, I’ve been part of the Geophysical Solutions Division under the Geophysical Imaging Department (GID), specifically in the Rock Physics Group. In this role, I’ve been responsible for applying advanced rock physics solutions and integrating these into advanced imaging techniques such as Full-Waveform Inversion (FWI). I also have experience working with the Borehole Group, where I contributed to Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) projects. My experience spans a range of geophysical domains, and I’m passionate about leveraging innovative technologies to enhance subsurface imaging and improve decision-making in exploration and production. I’m also dedicated to mentoring the new prospects of emerging young professionals as i have been heavily involved in mentoring the newer GeoTrains, as well as volunteering for mentorship opportunities dedicated to high school students.
Why Join:
I am eager to join the Dhahran Geoscience Society to further build my technical knowledge in geosciences and stay at the forefront of advancements in the field. As a professional working in Saudi Aramco, I believe that engaging with the DGS will provide me with valuable opportunities to learn from experts and expand my understanding of geoscience advancements.
Additionally, I see DGS as an ideal platform for networking and establishing connections with fellow professionals in the geoscience community. Building these relationships will not only help me grow professionally but also enable me to collaborate with peers and industry leaders on innovative projects.
As I am applying for the role of Mentorship Officer, I am particularly motivated to help guide and support young professionals and emerging talent in the field. I believe in the importance of mentorship in shaping the next generation of geoscientists, and I would be honored to contribute to their development by sharing my experiences and offering guidance as they navigate their careers.
Biography:
I recently embarked on my career as an Exploration Geophysicist after completing my B.S. degree in Geophysical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines (CSM) last December. In this short time, I have been involved in major projects—leading many and assisting in others—which has both solidified my expertise and sharpened my technical and leadership skills.
I have demonstrated a strong commitment to community engagement and public outreach. I have successfully led and coordinated numerous events, serving as Master of Ceremonies or a presenter. A highlight of my early career was presenting at the prestigious IMAGE 2024 geoscience conference, where I shared an innovative approach that I developed, receiving commendations for my insightful contributions.
My enthusiasm for excelling in geosciences and pushing boundaries extends beyond school and the workplace. Although I wasn’t part of social committees during my college years, I dedicated my efforts to research committees. This involvement provided me with valuable insights into how institutions operate regarding project management, event sponsorship, and securing funding through meetings with sponsors. I gained firsthand experience in engaging with sponsors who assessed our project’s progress and in coordinating meetings aimed at obtaining financial support.
Additionally, I was part of a leadership development program aimed at equipping individuals with the necessary skills and abilities to effectively lead organizations and communities. This program involved understanding fiscal policies, addressing challenges, and promoting a sustainable economy. Moreover, I was an active member of a newly founded initiative called the Environmental Leadership Lab, which advocates for sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
Through these experiences, I have developed a strong foundation in leadership, project management, and community engagement, all of which I’m eager to bring to DGS committee
Why Join:
I’m passionate to join the DGS executive committee to bring forth a dynamic vision that includes:
By bridging the gap between the public and the geoscience community, we can promote a deeper understanding of our work and practices. Expanding DGS’s prominence is crucial for its growth, establishing it as a major organization in the Middle East region. Together, we can create an energetic community that will build the future of geosciences in the Kingdom.
Let’s collaborate to make a lasting impact and shape a brighter future for geosciences—together.
Biography:
I’m an Associate Geologist with a strong foundation in geoscience, having transitioned from academic studies to professional practice. With a passion for geology. After earning a Bachelor of Science in Geological Science from Arizona State University, I have built a solid track record in the industry, applying academic knowledge to the real-world projects. In my role as an Associate Geologist, I have worked on a range of projects involving geological mapping, field data collection, and environmental assessments. In addition to my technical expertise, I have cultivated leadership and organizational skills through various roles, including volunteering in building library in Solar spell project for kids in northern syria, designed and led a variety of physical activities and outdoor games aimed at enhancing children’s physical fitness, teamwork, and social skills as a Playground leader in elementary schools.
Why Join:
I see this position as an excellent opportunity for my own continued professional development. By working alongside a diverse group of professionals in the society, I hope to further expand my leadership abilities, contribute to meaningful initiatives, and continue learning from the experiences of others in the field. I am excited about the chance to give back to the geoscience community that has supported my own growth and to help shape the future of our profession. Joining the executive committee as Young Professional Officer will allow me to actively contribute to the success of my peers while continuing to grow in my own career as a geoscientist
Biography:
My name is Noor Hodyah. I joined Aramco back in 2018 as a CDPNE student and then I pursued my studies at the University of Arizona. I have graduated summa cum laude in geophysics and double minors in mathematics and computer science. In June 2023, I started working at EXPEC ARC within the Geophysics Technology Division (GPT) with the High-Performance Computing (HPC) team. I have volunteered in many events during college as well as at Aramco. From my point of view volunteering expanded my perspective in a way that it becomes essential rather than being optional.
Why Join:
In an era where every interaction shapes perception, I am excited to embrace the role of Social Media Officer. This position aligns perfectly with my passion for writing and my commitment to showcasing DGS’s values, initiatives, and achievements to a diverse audience. I aim to create content that not only captures attention but fosters genuine engagement and strengthens our community. I believe that a strong online presence is a powerful tool for driving positive change, both academically and socially. By leveraging my creative mindset and content creation skills, I hope to succeed in highlighting the contributions of our members and expanding our outreach. I am also committed to staying current with the rapidly evolving social media landscape, ensuring that our platforms remain innovative, relevant, and effective in achieving our goals. Ultimately, my focus is on using social media to reflect DGS’s excellence and diversity while building meaningful connections that extend beyond the digital space.
Biography:
Eyad Halawani is a Geophysicist working in Saudi Aramco, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Geophysics from Curtin University in Australia, and is currently an Associate Geophysicist in Western Area & Strategic Exploration Department.
Eyad immersed himself in the realm of non-profit organizations, serving as a Leadership Participant Manager at AIESEC. An experience that laid the foundation for his future endeavors in shaping impactful change wherever his journey takes, where currently he serves as the Vice-Curator of Khobar Hub Global Shapers, an initiative of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Beyond his professional life, Eyad is an Avid backpacker, where he enjoys immersing himself in other cultures and keep learning about the world, He finds solace in nature through activities like hiking and diving and indulges his passion for baking and reading for most of his free time.
Why Join:
As someone deeply passionate about leadership, collaboration, and driving impactful change, I see the DGS Executive Committee as a platform to amplify my efforts in contributing to the organization’s mission. With my experience in geophysics, coupled with my involvement in non-profit leadership roles such as my tenure with AIESEC and my current position as Vice-Curator of the Khobar Hub Global Shapers, I have cultivated a diverse skill set that spans strategic planning, project management, and community engagement.
Joining the DGS Executive Committee will allow me to bring this experience to the forefront while collaborating with like-minded professionals to create opportunities for growth and development within the organization. Furthermore, I am eager to foster connections, innovate solutions, and contribute to shaping initiatives that align with my belief in the power of collective action to drive meaningful progress.
Above all, I view this opportunity as a chance to both give back to the geoscience community and continue my personal growth journey as a leader committed to excellence and impact.