My name is Jana Aoun, and I’m half Lebanese and half Russian. I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Petroleum Engineering from Gubkin University in Russia and a Master’s degree in Reservoir and Geoscience Engineering from IFP School in France.
I’m currently a Geophysicist at Viridien, where I transform raw acquisition data into processed seismic results that clients in the energy sector can use to make informed decisions. My work often involves helping them gain a deeper understanding of their study areas, refine production plans, determine optimal well locations, identify potential new reservoirs, and monitor existing ones.
We’re living in a time where technology is transforming nearly every aspect of how we live and work. I’ve always been motivated by the idea of making life better for people, not only today, but for the generations to come.
The technology and energy sector are at the forefront of this change, providing tools and innovations that help us find smarter, more sustainable solutions. For me, working in this space is more than just a career choice, it’s a way to contribute to a brighter future, address critical challenges, and enhance the systems that already play such an important role in different sectors.
A typical day usually begins with a team meeting where we review upcoming tasks, set new goals, and address any challenges in our results or workflows. After that, I focus on running quality control tests, particularly after trialing different processing workflows, to ensure the data is accurate and behaving as expected.
Once those checks are complete, we prepare a presentation of the results. We first review them internally, and if everything meets our expectations, we share them with the client before moving on to the next stage of the project.
From the very first day, the Viridien team made me feel not just welcomed, but truly supported. I knew I could count on them to guide me, share their knowledge, and help me grow. We’re an incredibly diverse group, coming from different countries, career paths, and fields of study and that mix of perspectives is one of our greatest strengths. It sparks creative problem-solving and allows us to approach challenges from every angle.
What really sets us apart is our culture: open communication, mutual respect, and a genuine willingness to help each other succeed. At Viridien, success is something we build together, both professionally and personally.
Absolutely! At Gubkin University, my professors and mentor supported me through the challenge of studying in Russian, reminding me I was never alone. During my master’s at IFP School, my mentors guided me through difficult decisions, and sponsorship made that incredible opportunity possible.
When I joined Viridien as an intern, my supervisors, both at the company and from IFP School, helped me build a strong foundation in geophysical principles and, more importantly, taught me how to connect my work to real-world reservoir studies. Their guidance not only sharpened my technical skills but also gave me the perspective to see how my contributions fit into the bigger picture of the energy sector.
One of my biggest challenges has been finding the right balance between personal life and work. I’ve learned to protect that balance by prioritising an organised lifestyle and making time for hobbies that grow my other interests, whether in sports, art, music, travel, or learning languages.
I’m also grateful for the support of my family and close friends. They remind me I’m never facing challenges alone, and their encouragement has been key to overcoming obstacles and continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
I’m proud of my entire journey that led me to this point. Every challenge I’ve faced has strengthened my skills, boosted my confidence, and improved how I collaborate with others. I believe that achievements don’t happen in isolation, they create an effect that benefits the whole team and the client.
A great example is the project my team is currently working on. The data is particularly challenging due to specific geological features, very shallow acquisition, and the large number of datasets. Despite this, we’ve turned those challenges into an opportunity to work even more closely together.
We share ideas, support each other, and continually find ways to deliver results quickly and effectively. The positive feedback from the client has made this more than just a successful project, it’s also an opportunity to expand future collaboration.
I’ve always enjoyed staying connected to new technologies and trends. At Gubkin University, I was part of the Student Scientific Society and regularly attended conferences. Later, at IFP School, I joined the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE), which gave me great exposure to industry developments.
Now, I keep learning through monthly meetings with colleagues at Viridien, where we share articles, discuss new technologies, and exchange ideas. I also follow companies and experts on LinkedIn to stay up to date. I believe that continuing to read and learn a little every day is the best way to stay evolving.
The path isn’t always easy, but challenges help you grow. Set a clear goal, imagine where you want to be in five or ten years, and take steps toward it every day. Technology is a huge field with room for everyone to create their own path. Believe in yourself, keep learning, and don’t be afraid to go after your dream career.
Articles, events, and communities that highlight women in tech help create encouragement and inspiration. But it should start even earlier, at school, so girls can see from a young age that they can become whatever they want to be. When we inspire and support girls early, they grow into women who join the industry and then help the next generation. It’s a cycle that builds a stronger, more inclusive tech community.
