“Today, I come to share a bit about my educational journey, also known as graduation, and how the STEM program played a pivotal role during this transformative process.

In truth, ever since I was a child, I dreamed of becoming a petroleum engineer because I heard that petroleum engineers earned a lot of money, and I was small and had the dream of being rich. The only path I saw at the time to become rich was to be a petroleum engineer. 

Determined to pursue my passion, I delved into the study of petroleum. I completed high school in Drilling and Production of Petroleum, gaining insights into the intricate workings of the oil industry. It was during this phase that my interest in the subject deepened. After high school, I entered petroleum college and studied the course: Research and Production of Petroleum. Throughout my education, I acquired extensive knowledge spanning the entire spectrum of the oil industry — from petroleum formation and exploration to production, refining, and distribution, encompassing both upstream and downstream phases. Thanks to God, I received a well-rounded education.

My educational journey not only contained further academic knowledge, but I gained experience working with colleagues, professors, and industry professionals. Throughout my graduation, I learned the value of teamwork irrespective of differences in race, religion, or sexual orientation. Additionally, I developed skills in project development, ensuring compliance with safety and environmental protection requirements.

I’ve acquired many experiences in my career journey, and it’s difficult to choose just one or two to share.

Although my intended five-year education journey was extended to six due to the COVID-19 pandemic, thankfully, I successfully graduated last month (November 25). Today, I am a Petroleum Research and Production Engineer, once my childhood dream. I obtained 17 distinctions in my thesis defense with the theme *Proposal of strategies for preventing corrosion in the natural gas processing lines of the GS Lima Platform – Block 0, Takula Field (Angola).

One of the highlights of this year was my participation in the STEM GEN program. The courses helped me refine my knowledge of petroleum, especially in the areas of drilling and oil well control. These exceptional courses had advanced teaching methodology that allowed the student to enjoy and learn in the easiest way possible. With my STEM program participation, I was invited to serve as a STEM GEN Ambassador in Angola, to promote education in the oil industry in my country and worldwide. Today, I am grateful to be part of this team, and know that together we will conquer the world with STEM education.

OFFICIALLY A PETROLEUM ENGINEER,

CLÁUDIO CARDOSO”

Educational Background:

Currently employed as a cashier and finance Administrator at CKC Motors, Jozuazoon is simultaneously pursuing her studies in HBO assistant accountant at ABC Education & Training. Her educational background includes a successful graduation from AIMEAO, where she focused on MBO Assistant Accountant.

Discovering the Passion:

In 2022, Jozuazoon’s life took a pivotal turn when an encounter with an old friend reignited her passion for the oil and gas industry. This encounter led to a profound realization of the industry’s global significance, motivating her to set her sights on a career in this dynamic field.

The Turning Point:

November 2022 marked a turning point for Jozuazoon when she stumbled upon a post by PTC announcing PetroEd’s offering of free courses as a gateway to the oil and gas sector. It was a serendipitous moment that propelled her towards her newfound dream.

Educational Achievements

By April 2023, Jozuazoon had successfully completed several key courses, including the Basic Principles of Petroleum,  Oilwell Drilling course, and the Introduction to Well Control course. These courses provided her with invaluable insights into the captivating world of oil and gas.

Milestone Achieved

A significant milestone came in September 2023 when she accomplished the PetroEd RigPass course, an essential starting point for her career. Jozuazoon was guided by the leadership of Mr. Greg Bihn, the President, CEO, and Founder of PetroEd. The culmination of these courses has equipped her with a profound understanding of the Oil and Gas industry, bringing her one step closer to her dream of pursuing an offshore career in this fascinating realm.

In conclusion, Jozuazoon Adelayda’s journey serves as an inspiring example of how passion, dedication, and the right educational opportunities can lead to a promising career in the dynamic world of oil and gas. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams and make a significant impact in a global industry.

We want to extend our gratitude to Professor Gabriel Aitsebaomo for delivering an inspiring talk at the Ghana Finisher Ceremony. We are honored that Professor Aitsebaomo joined us for this special event.

He is an exceptional legal scholar and a distinguished expert in the field of taxation. His academic journey and professional accomplishments not only make him a trailblazer in law but also exemplify the critical intersection between the legal world and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Let’s explore how his educational and professional journey is closely related to the world of STEM.

Academic Excellence

As a Professor of Law at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law, Texas Southern University, Professor Aitsebaomo contributes to the STEM landscape by teaching a variety of courses, including:

1. Wills, Trusts, and Estates

2. Federal Income Taxation of Individuals

3. Corporate Taxation

4. Financial Accounting for Lawyers

These courses offer a unique blend of legal principles and financial aspects, making them relevant not only to aspiring lawyers but also to STEM enthusiasts looking to understand the intricate connections between law, finance, and STEM disciplines.

Educational Journey

Professor Aitsebaomo’s academic journey reflects his commitment to lifelong learning and his deep-rooted connection to STEM:

Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA): His BBA degree in Accounting from the University of Houston laid the foundation for his understanding of business, a crucial aspect of the modern STEM landscape.

Juris Doctor (JD): Professor Aitsebaomo pursued his JD degree at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, the same institution that embodies the “Marshall” in its name, a nod to the legendary Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who was a prominent figure in the legal battles surrounding civil rights. Marshall’s work had profound implications for the fields of social justice and law.

Master of Laws (LL.M) in Taxation: His LL.M degree in Taxation from the University of Florida underscores the STEM-related aspects of taxation, a field that hinges on mathematical and financial principles.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Licensed Attorney: The unique combination of being a CPA and a licensed attorney connects him directly with the financial and legal aspects of STEM fields, particularly in areas where law intersects with technology and data science.

Professional Experience

Before joining Texas Southern University, Professor Aitsebaomo gained valuable professional experience, which echoes the STEM-related facets of the corporate world:

Tax Associate at Arthur Andersen LLP: His role as a Tax Associate at Arthur Andersen LLP provided insight into tax-related matters, including financial analysis and tax compliance, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between financial analysis and STEM.

Tax Attorney at Unocal Oil Corp and Enron Corp: His occupation at energy giants Unocal Oil Corp and Enron Corp showcases the critical role of STEM in the energy sector, where technology, engineering, and mathematical analysis drive innovation and operational efficiency.

Click here to see his publications.