Mark Shuster

Mark Shuster serves as Deputy Director of the Energy Division at the Bureau of Economic Geology (BEG), part of the University of Texas. He is responsible for managing the Bureau's comprehensive energy-related research portfolio including geothermal, hydrogen, unconventional resource recovery, Texas oil and gas, structural geology, and the energy-water nexus.

Dr. Shuster joined BEG in September 2016 after completing a 30-year career with Shell and its affiliates. His educational foundation includes a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of the Pacific and a PhD in Geology from the University of Wyoming.

His research expertise spans global energy systems with particular emphasis on:

• International oil and gas exploration across multiple continents
• Permian Basin geology and resource assessment
• Upstream operations in challenging environments
• Energy resource management and development
• Geological characterization of hydrocarbon systems

As Deputy Director, Shuster oversees multiple research consortia including the Advanced Energy Consortium, Applied Geodynamics Laboratory, Fracture Research and Application Consortium, and Gulf Coast Carbon Center. His leadership integrates decades of field experience from Shell with academic research priorities.

Dr. Shuster's career trajectory from Research Geologist to global exploration roles at Shell and now research leadership at BEG demonstrates a unique blend of industry experience and academic perspective. He manages research directions that address critical energy challenges while maintaining strong industry connections through BEG's various research partnerships.