Dr. Debra Higley is a research geologist that has been with the U.S. Geological Survey for 31 years. The USGS serves the nation by providing reliable scientific information to describe and understand the Earth; minimize the loss of life and property from natural disasters; manage water, biological, energy and mineral resources; and enhance and protect our quality of life. She graduated Mesa State College with a Bachelor of Science in Geology, Colorado School of Mines with a Masters in Geochemistry and a Ph.D in Geology.
She is a current member and former President of the Rocky Mountain Association of Geologists, and the SEPM/RMS. Some of her other professional organizations include AAPG, Tulsa Geological Society, and Canada Society of Petroleum Geologists.
Interests include reservoir/basin characterization, oil and gas resource assessment, and 1D and 4D petroleum system modeling for U.S. basins in the Rocky Mountain and Mid-Continent regions, and in Canada and South America. She has numerous publications through USGS.