Science & Social:
Rock Physics to Understand Complex Geology

Denver Networking event for Geophysicists, Engineers, and Geologists

Thursday, Nov 20 | 4:00-6:30 PM | Guest Speaker, Dr. Stephan Gelinsky | Earl's Kitchen + Bar Banquet Room

Ikon Science invites you to a Science and Social event for a presentation and networking where you will discover how rock physics models bridge elastic properties from seismic data to critical subsurface insights. We’ll explore how lithology, provenance, mineralogy, deposition, texture, and diagenetic history shape distinct rock behaviors in sandstones, mudrocks, and carbonates. Learn how a systematic, Bayesian-driven approach tames rock heterogeneity—especially in complex tight shales—enabling seismic facies classification and confident subsurface predictions.

What to Expect:

Light Refreshments, Engaging Conversations, Relaxed Environment, Active Participation

 

You're Invited!

Geomechanics expert from Ikon Science presenting subsurface data insights

Jakob Heller, VP Wellbore Solutions

Featured Speaker at the 2nd Annual Holiday Networking Event

4:30 PM

Pore Pressure Prediction: Drilling Smarter and Safer in Complex Formations

Join industry experts as they discuss cutting-edge approaches to pore pressure prediction that are revolutionizing drilling safety and efficiency. Drawing from Ikon Science's extensive experience and regional studies, this session will showcase how our advanced workflows significantly reduce uncertainties in well planning and real-time operations. Learn how geomechanicists from major operators like Oxy, Shell, Chevron, and Exxon are implementing these techniques to achieve greater drilling precision while minimizing risks in challenging environments.

Geoscientists analyzing pore pressure data during collaborative drilling planning session

 

Geomechanics expert from Ikon Science speaking at the 2nd Annual Holiday Networking Event

2nd Annual Holiday Networking for Pore Pressure & Geomechanics Specialists

4:30 PM

Drilling Smarter, Safer: Advanced Pore Pressure Monitoring Techniques

In this festive holiday session, Dr. Sarah Mitchell will explore the critical distinction between pore pressure prediction and real-time pore pressure detection in drilling operations. All well-executed pre-drill pore pressure studies provide "Most Likely", "Low", and "High" case scenarios, but the margin between these estimates can vary significantly. During actual drilling, teams gain access to valuable new data unavailable during planning stages—including hole conditions, gas readings, pumps-off data, and direct petrophysical measurements from the actual wellbore rather than offset wells.

Join fellow geomechanics and pore pressure specialists from Oxy, Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Apache and other leading energy companies to discover how integrating this real-time data can refine pressure models to identify whether conditions match "Low", "Expected" or "High" side cases—or occasionally reveal pressures entirely outside the predicted window.

 

Ikon Science geomechanics expert presenting at the 2nd Annual Holiday Networking Event

2nd Annual Holiday Networking Event for Pore Pressure & Geomechanics Professionals

5:30 PM

2nd Annual Holiday Networking: Advancements in Pore Pressure Prediction and Geomechanics

Join industry leaders in pore pressure and geomechanics for an evening of festive networking and knowledge sharing at Ikon Science's Houston office. This special holiday gathering brings together specialists from major oil and gas companies including Oxy, Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Apache and more to discuss innovations in drilling safety and efficiency. Learn how integrated workflows combining advanced data management, rock physics modeling, and real-time monitoring are revolutionizing wellbore stability and drilling operations. Connect with peers who are tackling similar challenges while enjoying seasonal refreshments in a relaxed professional atmosphere.

Geoscientists collaborating over subsurface data visualization at Ikon Science holiday networking event

 

Geomechanics Expert from Ikon Science

Dr. Sarah Chen, Lead Pore Pressure Geomechanicist

5:30 PM

2nd Annual Holiday Networking: Advancing Pore Pressure & Geomechanics in Drilling Safety

Join industry leaders from Oxy, Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Apache and more for an evening of festive networking and knowledge sharing. Our special presentation will focus on innovative approaches to pore pressure prediction and geomechanical modeling that enable smarter, safer drilling operations across challenging environments. Connect with fellow geoscientists while exploring the latest advancements in wellbore stability analysis.

Geoscientists analyzing pore pressure data for drilling safety optimization

 

Ikon Science logo for the 2nd Annual Holiday Networking Event for pore pressure and geomechanics professionals

Geoscientists & Engineers: Join Our Holiday Networking Event!

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

2nd Annual Holiday Networking

Festive Refreshments & Industry Connections

Join fellow pore pressure and geomechanics experts from Oxy, Shell, Chevron, Exxon, Apache and more for an evening of technical insights and valuable connections!

Rock Texture
Carbonates

Presentation Abstract

Dr. Stephan Gelinsky, Sr. Technical Advisor

Rock physics models allow us to connect the elastic rock properties we can derive from seismic data with all the things we actually need to characterize in the subsurface. 

Fundamentally, rock properties differ by lithology class:  grain supported sandstones, clay-matrix dominated mudrocks, and carbonates with their complex pore structure all have their own, unique properties. Yet for each of them, fundamental geologic controls determine their actual present-day characteristics: what is the provenance of the rock’s material, what is its mineral compositional mix? How was it deposited, and what rock texture did that cause? After deposition, how did stress and temperature alter the rock over geologic times?

Looking at rocks with this systematic approach helps with overcoming what initially may seem like an unsurmountable challenge since rocks are complex and heterogenous on so many different scales - the images below give a taste for that. For multimineral, tight resource shales we can identify facies that, while not classic sand, shale or carbonate endmembers, still have predictable rock properties. Bayesian classification in the elastic property domain can allow us to seismically identify where these facies are present in the subsurface.

Meet Your Hosts

Stephan Gelinsky Square

Guest Speaker

Dr. Stephan Gelinsky

As Senior Technical Advisor, Stephan collaborates closely with Ikon Science’s R&D team to advance rock physics modeling, quantitative interpretation (QI), and geopressure workflows. Through his company, Ephangeli Subsurface Consulting, he also supports rock physics and integrated reservoir characterization projects.

Before launching his own business in 2025, Stephan spent 25 years at Shell in roles including Principal Technical Expert & Advisor for QI Petrophysics, QI Manager, and project lead for integrated basin evaluations worldwide. His leadership helped reduce risks and evaluate opportunities across the full E&P lifecycle, with a strong focus on data integration and interdisciplinary field development planning for major reservoirs.

Stephan began his career in 1996 in the service sector, specializing in borehole acoustics, VSP processing, and pore pressure prediction before moving into QI and rock physics. He currently serves on the Advisory Board for the Pūhiko Nukutū Hydrogen Geostorage Project in New Zealand, holds a PhD from Karlsruhe University, Germany, and is an active member of industry organizations including SEG (Research Committee Chair 2023–2025), EAGE, SPE, DPG, and SPWLA.

Bring your toughest technical questions! E-mail Questions in Advance

Dr. Jeremy Gallop Sq

Services Lead

Dr. Jeremy Gallop, P.Geo.

As Vice President of Services at Ikon Science, Jeremy, brings extensive geophysics and reservoir characterization expertise to our team. With a BSc.Eng. from Queen’s University and a Ph.D. in geophysics from the University of Alberta, Jeremy joined Ikon Science in 2014 after 13 years at Encana and Cenovus Energy, specializing in seismic data interpretation and unconventional reservoir optimization.

Jeremy leads our global service teams, delivering advanced quantitative interpretation and geophysical analysis for oil and gas clients. His skills span 3D/4D and 3C seismic interpretation, geostatistical reservoir characterization, and field optimization. He is recognized for developing rapid time-lapse seismic inversion workflows, enabling better subsurface imaging and faster, more reliable project decisions.

Based in Houston, Jeremy collaborates closely with multidisciplinary teams across Ikon Science and the geoscience community. His technical leadership and innovative approach drive impactful solutions for clients, advancing methods in quantitative interpretation and reservoir management.

Let's discuss future projects together! E-mail Questions in Advance

Denise Dorsey Square

Event Organizer

Denise Dorsey

As Sr. Business Development Manager at Ikon Science, Denise is known for her strategic customer engagement in the energy sector. She specializes in advanced GeoPrediction and subsurface data management technologies that help clients achieve better results and lower costs. With a strong background in building lasting relationships within technical and scientific communities, Denise supports clients throughout the project lifecycle, from exploration to decommissioning.

Her expertise in geoscience solutions and market trends, backed by a global team, reflects Ikon Science’s collaborative and innovative approach. Denise also plays active leadership roles beyond Ikon Science, including serving as chairperson for the Geophysical Society of Houston’s annual golf tournament and contributing to major industry events and symposiums.

She is dedicated to advancing geoscience through ongoing community and academic outreach. Denise holds a BS in Geophysics from the University of Oklahoma. Her blend of technical knowledge and sales leadership enables energy industry clients to access innovative geoscience technologies and solutions.

Looking forward to seeing you there! E-mail for an Invitation

Earl's Kitchen + Bar