Meet Monica Marquez: Cal Poly Pomona Alumna and a Driving Force in the Oil & Gas Engineering Industry​

Monica Marquez isn’t just another engineer—she’s a Cal Poly Pomona graduate who has carved out a remarkable career at the intersection of technical expertise, industry innovation, and mentorship in the oil and gas sector. With over 15 years of experience spanning project management, reservoir analysis, and sustainable energy integration, Marquez has become a go-to figure for tackling complex challenges in upstream and midstream operations. Her journey from a classroom in Pomona to leading high-stakes projects across the U.S. and Latin America offers a blueprint for aspiring engineers, particularly those drawn to the dynamic world of oil and gas. This article unpacks her story, the lessons she’s learned, and why her background at Cal Poly Pomona remains a cornerstone of her success.

Why Cal Poly Pomona Matters for Aspiring Oil & Gas Engineers

To understand Marquez’s trajectory, it’s critical to start with her education. Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Engineering is renowned for its “learn by doing” philosophy—a mantra that shaped Marquez’s approach to problem-solving long before she entered the workforce. As a petroleum engineering major, she immersed herself in hands-on labs, field trips to local oil fields, and collaborative projects with industry partners like Chevron and Occidental Petroleum.

“The program didn’t just teach me equations—it taught me how to applythem,” Marquez says. “From designing well completions using data from actual reservoirs to troubleshooting drilling simulations, every course felt like a preview of real-world work.” This practical focus, paired with access to cutting-edge tools like reservoir simulation software (CMG STAR and Eclipse) and geomechanical modeling labs, gave her a competitive edge. Faculty members, many with decades of industry experience, also emphasized soft skills: how to communicate technical findings to non-engineers, lead cross-functional teams, and adapt to rapidly changing regulations.

For today’s students, Cal Poly Pomona’s network remains a game-changer. Marquez credits her internship at a Bakersfield-based E&P (exploration and production) company—arranged through the university’s career services—with landing her first full-time role. “Employers trust that Cal Poly grads can hit the ground running,” she notes. “They’ve seen us troubleshoot under pressure in lab settings; they know we understand both the science and the business of oil and gas.”

From Classroom to Career: Monica Marquez’s Professional Journey

After graduating with a B.S. in Petroleum Engineering in 2008, Marquez joined Occidental Petroleum as a production engineer. Her early work focused on optimizing well performance in California’s San Joaquin Valley—a region known for mature fields requiring creative solutions to maintain output. “We were dealing with declining reservoir pressure and increasing water cut,” she recalls. “My job was to analyze production data, recommend workovers, and implement enhanced recovery techniques like waterflooding.”

Within three years, her ability to merge data analytics with field intuition led to a promotion to reservoir engineer. Here, she managed a portfolio of 15+ fields, using 3D seismic data and numerical modeling to forecast reserves and prioritize drilling locations. A standout project involved re-evaluating a marginal field that had been slated for abandonment. By reinterpreting historical production data with modern machine learning tools, Marquez identified untapped zones, extending the field’s lifespan by eight years and boosting recovery rates by 22%.

In 2017, Marquez transitioned to a senior technical advisor role at a global E&P firm, where she now oversees projects across Latin America. Her responsibilities include overseeing hydraulic fracturing designs in Argentina’s Vaca Muerta shale and advising on decommissioning strategies for offshore platforms in Brazil. “The industry is global now,” she explains. “A decision in Buenos Aires affects supply chains in Houston and environmental policies in Santiago. You need to think beyond your backyard.”

Tackling the Big Challenges: Sustainability and Innovation in Oil & Gas

Marquez is quick to stress that modern oil and gas engineering isn’t just about maximizing production—it’s about doing so responsibly. Over the past decade, she’s led initiatives to reduce flaring in Texas operations by 40% through better gas capture systems and helped integrate solar-powered pumps into remote Nigerian fields to cut diesel consumption.

“Sustainability isn’t a buzzword—it’s a technical challenge,” she says. “For example, reducing methane emissions requires rethinking well completions, leak detection technologies, and even material choices for pipelines. At Cal Poly, we learned about environmental regulations, but today, we’re the ones writing the playbook for compliance.”

Her work also intersects with emerging technologies. Marquez’s team recently piloted digital twins—virtual replicas of physical assets—to monitor pipeline integrity in real time. “Instead of waiting for a leak to happen, we can simulate stress points and schedule maintenance proactively,” she explains. “This isn’t sci-fi; it’s what engineers are doing now.”

What Monica Marquez Tells Today’s Engineering Students

When asked what advice she’d give to Cal Poly Pomona petroleum engineering students today, Marquez doesn’t mince words: “Get your hands dirty, ask questions, and embrace change.”

• ​Build Technical Depth andSoft Skills: “You need to understand fluid dynamics and geology, but you also need to explain why a $20 million drilling decision matters to investors. Take communication classes, join student organizations like SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers), and present your work—even if it’s scary.”

• ​Network Early, Network Authentically: “Internships are great, but so are coffee chats with alumni. Cal Poly’s alumni network is tight-knit; reach out, ask for advice, and stay in touch. I still keep in contact with my junior year professor who pushed me to apply for that first internship.”

• ​Stay Curious About the Bigger Picture: “The industry is evolving. Climate policy, electrification, and hydrogen are all reshaping our work. Don’t just focus on your specialization—read industry journals, attend webinars, and understand how your role fits into the energy transition.”

The Future of Oil & Gas Engineering: What Lies Ahead

Looking ahead, Marquez believes the next generation of engineers will face both challenges and opportunities. On one hand, decarbonization pressures will demand more efficient, low-emission operations. On the other, global energy demand—particularly in developing nations—means oil and gas will remain critical for decades.

“Engineers who can bridge traditional skills with new technologies—AI, IoT, carbon capture—will be in high demand,” she says. “Cal Poly Pomona is already adapting, with courses in renewable energy integration and advanced data analytics. Students who take advantage of these will lead the next wave.”

Conclusion: Monica Marquez’s Legacy and the Path Forward

Monica Marquez’s story is more than a personal success—it’s a testament to the power of a practical, industry-aligned education and the importance of adaptability in a changing world. From her roots at Cal Poly Pomona to her current role shaping global energy projects, she embodies the ingenuity and responsibility that define modern oil and gas engineering.

For aspiring engineers, her journey offers clarity: master the fundamentals, build relationships, and never stop learning. And for those already in the field, she serves as a reminder that the industry’s future depends on professionals who can innovate, lead, and balance progress with purpose.

In a sector often misunderstood, Marquez proves that oil and gas engineering isn’t just about fuel—it’s about solving problems, driving innovation, and powering the world, one well at a time.