Title: Retired Geophysicist
Company: EOG Resources, Inc.
Location: Sugar Land, Texas, United States
E. Raul Sarmiento, Retired Geophysicist at EOG Resources, Inc., has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Scientists for dedication, achievements and leadership in Geophysics.
Mr. Sarmiento has established a distinguished career in geophysics spanning over 40 years, marked by significant achievements and leadership roles. Most recently, he served as the chief geophysicist and senior geophysical adviser at EOG Resources, Inc., one of the largest crude oil and natural gas exploration and production companies in the United States, located in Houston, Texas, from 2008 to 2024. In this capacity, Mr. Sarmiento contributed his expertise to advancing international and domestic exploration and production projects, leveraging his deep knowledge of geophysical methods and data interpretation. His tenure at EOG Resources, Inc., was characterized by a commitment to innovation and collaboration within multidisciplinary teams.
Before his work at EOG Resources, Inc., Mr. Sarmiento excelled as the senior executive geophysical consultant at Enron in Houston from 1993 to 2002. During this period, he achieved what he considers his most notable professional accomplishment, which included initiating and managing two significant projects in India. Mr. Sarmiento notably played a pivotal role when Enron was bidding on blocks in the region, interpreting data and advising the company to consider the Panna and Mukta fields, assets initially overlooked due to their oil reserves, while Enron’s focus was on gas.
Over nearly a decade at Enron, Mr. Sarmiento led efforts that transformed a field producing approximately 6,000 barrels per day into one yielding 35,000 barrels per day. This success was realized through the application of advanced three-dimensional surveys and collaboration with a skilled team of geologists and carbonate specialists. The enduring impact of this project has been reflected in the continued camaraderie among team members who regularly celebrate their shared achievement.
Between 1989 and 1993, Mr. Sarmiento served as a geophysical manager at Heritage Exploration and Production in Houston. His earlier experience included serving as a senior geophysicist at Occidental Petroleum Corporation in Bakersfield, California, from 1988 to 1989.
Outside the United States, Mr. Sarmiento was the chief geophysicist at Hocol in Bogotá, Colombia, between 1982 and 1988. He participated in the exploration/development team, where he was instrumental in discoveries across the Upper and Middle Magdalena and Llanos basins of Colombia. Mr. Sarmiento began his professional journey as a geophysical trainee with SUNRAY Colombia in Bogotá from 1980 to 1982, where he gained foundational experience in seismic data acquisition and analysis.
Mr. Sarmiento’s academic background has been integral to his professional success. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the National University of Colombia in 1980 and a Master of Science in geophysics from the University of Houston in 1987. This combination of engineering fundamentals and specialized geophysical training has enabled him to approach complex challenges with analytical rigor. In addition to his academic credentials, Mr. Sarmiento holds a Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists license, underscoring his commitment to maintaining high professional standards.
Active in his professional community, Mr. Sarmiento is a member of several prominent industry organizations, including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the Geophysical Society of Houston and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists.
Throughout his career, Mr. Sarmiento has been recognized as an expert in geophysics. His contributions have been recognized by peers through accolades such as the Best Paper Award from the Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Mr. Sarmiento attributes his achievements to hard work and curiosity, qualities he considers essential for innovation and problem-solving in scientific disciplines. He emphasizes perseverance as a key driver of success and encourages others to cultivate curiosity to discover new opportunities.
Born in Bogotá, Mr. Sarmiento is dedicated not only to his profession but also to supporting others within the industry and beyond. Even after retirement, he remains active by engaging with professional societies such as SCG, collaborating on software development projects for geophysical applications and sharing knowledge with colleagues.
Mr. Sarmiento’s legacy is defined by technical excellence, leadership within global energy projects and an enduring dedication to advancing the field of geophysics for future generations. Looking ahead, he is committed to giving back to educational institutions that shaped his career and supporting others in their pursuit of success. He continues to find inspiration in the opportunities available within America’s dynamic landscape.
For more information, please visit:
Contact Mr. Sarmiento: