Diana Parada
Diana Parada is a highly accomplished geophysicist with more than 15 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, specializing in rock physics, quantitative interpretation (QI), and seismic analysis. She has worked across both exploration and development projects in complex basins worldwide—including Canada, South America, West Africa, and frontier regions—building deep expertise in seismic interpretation, volumetric estimation, well log conditioning, and reservoir quality evaluation.
She currently serves as a Senior Geophysical Advisor at Oxy, where she provides technical leadership and integrates geophysical and geological data to inform business-critical decisions.
Diana began her academic journey in geology at the University of Oklahoma, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees. Early in her career, she completed internships with Chevron and Swift Energy, gaining hands-on experience in seismic stratigraphy, core data integration, and field studies. After graduate school, she joined Noble Energy, advancing through roles in the Geoscience Technology Organization and New Ventures Exploration. There, she developed a strong foundation in rock physics and QI workflows while supporting international projects.
Throughout her career, Diana has prioritized collaboration, creativity, and maintaining a strategic, big-picture perspective when working with complex technical data. She is recognized for her resilience under pressure and her ability to bridge geophysics and geology to deliver actionable insights for both exploration and development teams.
Beyond her technical work, Diana actively contributes to the geoscience community through her involvement with the Society of Exploration Geophysicists and the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, supporting knowledge sharing and the continued advancement of the industry.
• University of Oklahoma- M.S.
• SEG scholarship recipient
• University of Oklahoma scholarship recipient
• University of oklahoma honors graduate
• AAPG (American Association of Petroleum Geologists)
• SEG (Society of Exploration Geophysicists)
• Plan International USA
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to a blend of technical expertise, adaptability, and a genuine passion for collaboration. Over the past 16 years in geophysics, I’ve learned that integrating data across disciplines—geology, geophysics, and engineering—and translating it into actionable insights can be truly transformative, especially when supported by a strong, aligned team.
One of my proudest achievements was leading a high-performing well project, which reinforced my belief that clarity of vision, conviction in decisions, and effective teamwork are key drivers of exceptional results.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
A mentor once told me, “Always try to prove yourself wrong—because if you can’t, you’ve just proven yourself right.” That advice reshaped how I approach problems. It’s easy to find evidence that supports our assumptions; the real discipline lies in challenging them. By intentionally testing the opposite viewpoint, we uncover deeper insights, strengthen our conclusions, and arrive at answers we can truly stand behind.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to embrace its dynamic, ever-evolving nature and cultivate a genuine love for working with people. Success comes from creativity, adaptability, and a team-first mindset—understanding that it’s not about individual recognition, but about achieving a shared goal. If you’re willing to work hard, remain curious, and grow through challenges, the opportunities are limitless—regardless of where you begin.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The greatest challenge in my field is its inherent instability and unpredictability. Yet, that same volatility creates its greatest opportunity: constant evolution. It keeps the work intellectually stimulating and continuously challenges you to adapt, innovate, and think in new ways.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me most are teamwork, strong work ethic, and a commitment to continuous learning. I believe in integrating knowledge across disciplines, staying open to change, and creating opportunities for others—especially young women from humble beginnings, like my own. I’m deeply passionate about encouraging and supporting others to pursue their goals with dedication, resilience, and perseverance.