Geophysics and geothermal expertise turning subsurface knowledge into energy decisions
Exploration, resource assessment and project management through energy consulting, research and university teaching.
Subsurface exploration and interpretation since 2008.
Resource assessment and technical coordination.
Doctoral research and geothermal specialization.
Geological and geophysical analysis with multidisciplinary teams.
Joaquín Pablo Aguilera Bustos is a physicist from Universidad Industrial de Santander, with an MSc in Earth Sciences from EAFIT and a PhD in Geology and Geophysics from The University of Auckland. He also holds a postgraduate diploma in Geothermal Energy from Universidad de El Salvador. His career since 2008 connects geophysical exploration, subsurface characterization and energy resource development.
Since March 2023 he has worked with JRG Energy as a geoscientist, geothermal specialist and project manager. His responsibilities include geological and geophysical analysis for resource development, project planning and execution, multidisciplinary coordination and client technical reporting.
Previously he was a geophysical consultant at Geophysics GPR and Ecopetrol–Instituto Colombiano del Petróleo. He conducted surveys and data interpretation for exploration and subsurface characterization, preparing technical recommendations. At G2 Seismic he oversaw field quality control and seismic analysis, and at GMás he led the geophysical department.
His academic experience includes teaching geology and geophysics at Universidad EAFIT, preparing materials and laboratory activities and supervising student projects. This background connects physical principles, field observations and interpretation to explain how a resource assessment is developed.
In recent professional forums he has discussed exploration, well testing and island geothermal project management. His participation at GSIS 2026 in Gran Canaria addressed geothermal risk reduction from geoscientific and project-management perspectives.
March 2023–present
Leads consulting projects, assesses geothermal resources, coordinates multidisciplinary teams and delivers geological and geophysical analysis and reporting.
July 2018–June 2019
Conducted surveys and subsurface investigations, interpreted data and prepared exploration and engineering reports and recommendations.
July 2016–June 2017
Taught undergraduate courses, developed materials and laboratories and supervised student projects and academic activities.
September 2012–May 2015
Interpreted geophysical and seismic information for subsurface characterization, hydrocarbon exploration and reservoir studies.
June 2011–July 2012
Supervised seismic acquisition quality, analyzed data and coordinated field operations and technical reporting.
January–June 2011
Led exploration and technical staff, managed planning and budgets and reviewed interpretations and deliverables.
May–November 2008
Supported research, data processing and interpretation and technical studies in Earth sciences.
The challengeIntegrating geological and geophysical information to guide energy resource development.
Applied experienceConsulting, technical coordination and deliverable management at JRG Energy.
The challengeDeveloping technical conclusions from field data.
Applied experienceExperience in seismic acquisition quality control, data analysis and exploration recommendations.
Geoscientific resource assessment and interpretation of uncertainty.
Surveys, interpretation and subsurface characterization.
Planning, multidisciplinary teams and technical reporting.
Physical principles, laboratory activities and discussion of evidence.
The University of Auckland · 2019–2024
Universidad de El Salvador · 2017
Universidad EAFIT · 2009–2010
Universidad Industrial de Santander · 2002–2008
His background combines doctoral research, geophysical interpretation and geothermal professional communication. He has shared perspectives on risk reduction and energy project development, connecting subsurface evidence with investment and operational decisions.
Participation in De-risking Island Geothermal: geoscientific and management experience.
View contribution ↗Geoscientist and geothermal specialist team profile.
View contribution ↗Exploration, resource assessment and project management through energy consulting, research and university teaching.
A professional perspective for examining problems, discussing assumptions and interpreting alternatives.
What evidence supports a geothermal interpretation and what information is missing?
How does acquisition quality influence an exploration decision?
How can geoscientific findings become project deliverables and decisions?
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24 months · 42 credits · 100% online
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