Rick Abegg

For my job today, I am a team leader for development of the Marcellus Shale. I lead a cross-functional group that plans development for our dry gas core acreage in southwestern Pennsylvania.

My fondest Penn State class was Intro to Field Mapping. Any class that got me out hiking around to look at real geology was fantastic.

Penn State helped prepare me for my career by teaching me the fundamentals of geology from which everything builds.

If I could have a second chance to do over my education, I would talk to the professors more and try to get involved with research in any way possible.

My advice for students: Set your sights high. Looking back I have done far more than I could have ever imagined, and I have benefited from challenges I have accepted. Get out of your comfort zone and this will help you grow in your career.

The thing I’ll always remember about my time at Penn State is watching Penn State beat Nebraska at Beaver Stadium in 1982, scoring the winning touchdown with only 9 seconds remaining. Storming the field (mid-life crisis?) after the 2016 Ohio State game was a close second.

The work I do every day makes a difference in the world because my work is to provide the world with energy to heat our homes, generate electricity to light our buildings, and to provide gasoline that powers our automobiles. I promote that my projects are done responsibly, protecting people and the environment.

If the TV is on, you can bet I’ll be watching Seinfeld, not that there's anything wrong with that.

The holiday I always look forward to is Christmas. Family who are dear to me, gather near to me. Sometimes we go to Disneyworld at Christmas so I can enjoy better weather while waiting in long lines.

On weekends, you can find me running and watching sports. Besides rooting for Penn State, I am a Pittsburgh Penguins and Pirates fan.