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Today (Thursday November 18), two University of Aberdeen students became the recipients of the first Halliburton UK Scholars.

At a ceremony held at King’s College, geology and petroleum geology student Jonathan Carney, and engineering student Janet Herd, were awarded scholarships in support of their studies over the next three years.

They will each receive £1000 per year, world-class mentoring and the opportunity to apply for paid summer placements with Halliburton. 

The ceremony also marked the opening of The Halliburton Room, a new 3D visualisation suite in the University’s Meston Building. 

The suite will enable budding geoscientists to use techniques pioneered by major energy companies to view seismic data gathered from the Earth’s crust, and gain a better understanding of the Earth’s evolution and the methods involved in oil and gas exploration.

Halliburton UK Vice President Simon Seaton said: “I’m delighted to be able to offer this opportunity to such bright, ambitious students.  Jonathan and Janet have excellent academic backgrounds, the right attitude and, most importantly, an overwhelming desire to succeed in the oil industry.  I am looking forward to working closely with them as they continue their university studies and begin their journey with Halliburton.

“Investment in education is critically important.  I’m proud we are able to play a part in equipping students with the skills they need to meet the future demands of the energy sector.”

These scholarships were awarded on the basis of the student’s academic record and potential, in addition to personal characteristics.  Two Halliburton Scholars were picked from 18 applicants by a committee including the Head of University’s School of Engineering, course leaders and a representative of the University’s Development Trust. 

Halliburton’s first Undergraduate Scholarship Programme was open to students commencing their third year of engineering and geology degrees.  The company has pledged £30,000 for the scheme which will run for three years.  Each year, two students will be awarded scholarships.

Professor Albert Rodger, Vice Principal and Head of the College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen said: “I’m delighted that Jonathan and Janet will have the opportunity to benefit from Halliburton’s support.  Halliburton’s contribution to scholarships, software and hardware at the University helps us to provide cutting-edge industry relevant teaching and research, which helps us to attract and retain the most talented students and academics.”

Notes to Editors

The application process for the 2011/12 Halliburton Scholars will begin in May 2011. Visit website www.cps.abdn.ac.uk/funding/halliburton  to view the eligible degree programmes.  For more information contact Ali McLeod at a.macleod@abdn.ac.uk .

Halliburton is one of the world’s largest providers of products and services to the energy industry with more than 55,000 employees in 70 countries.  The company serves the upstream oil and gas industry throughout the life cycle of the reservoir, from locating hydrocarbons and managing geological data, to drilling and formation evaluation, well construction and completion, and optimising production through the life of the field.  Halliburton is one of the largest employers in Aberdeen.  

A strategic partnership between the University of Aberdeen and Halliburton was signed on 26 July 2010 when Halliburton donated equipment worth £200,000 to create a new 3D visualisation suite at the University.  This donation was in addition to software totalling over £7million gifted by Halliburton since 2001. Both organisations will work collaboratively on research to equip students with the skills they need to meet the future demands of the energy sector.

Issued by the Communications Team, Office of External Affairs, University of Aberdeen, King's College, Aberdeen. Tel: (01224) 272014.

Issued on: 18 November 2010

Ref: 412HALLIBURTON
Contact: Kelly Potts