Timothy Nesheim
Core Library Manager I Subsurface Geologist
Timothy (Tim) Nesheim initially earned a B.S. degree in geosciences from the Minnesota State University of Moorhead (2007), and an M.S. in geosciences from the University of Iowa (2009). After working as a temporary, full-time research assistant at Washington State University (2009-10), Tim started working as a subsurface geologist for the North Dakota Geological Survey in 2010. He was promoted to Head of the Subsurface Section in 2017 and was additionally promoted in 2022 to Core Library Manager of the Wilson M. Laird Core and Sample Library located in Grand Forks, North Dakota.
His early work at the NDGS focused on the preliminary identification and evaluation of petroleum source beds within the North Dakota portion of the Williston Basin. More recently, his research focuses have shifted to core-based sedimentology and stratigraphy investigations of various formations within the Williston Basin in application to hydrocarbon resources and beyond.
tonesheim@nd.gov | 701-777-2460
Ted Starns
Subsurface Geologist
Ted Starns joined the North Dakota Geological Survey as a geologist in the subsurface group based in Grand Forks in December 2022. He received a B.A. in Geology from Colorado College and an M.S. in Geology from the University of Wyoming. Prior to joining the North Dakota Geological Survey, Ted worked as a geologist in the oil and gas industry for 10 years in development, operations, and wellsite roles, mostly in Alaska, and one year in ore control at Red Dog Mine in Alaska. Ted’s current research is on the sedimentology and stratigraphy of the Madison Group, where he focuses on oil and gas-related topics.
ecstarns@nd.gov | 701-777-2441
Steve Chittick
Subsurface Geologist
Steve Chittick started his career in the oil patch as a seismic field hand in the swamps of Michigan. After graduating with his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Geology from Michigan Technological University, he began working for an oilfield services company in wireline: starting as an operator, then becoming an engineer and then into well log analysis. Steve worked as the Lead Petrophysicist for Karachaganak Petroleum Operating, b.v. in Western Kazakhstan and as the wireline advisor in a rock physics group in the UK.
In the ups and downs of the oil industry, Steve has also worked on Ocean Bottom Cable seismic acquisition, subsurface visualization, and teaching field geology and other university courses. He has worked in Trinidad, Saudi Arabia, Abu Dhabi, Kazakhstan, Norway, England and the US. Steve began working for the North Dakota Geological Survey as a Subsurface Geologist in May of 2023 and is currently conditioning data to map the Opeche salts in the Williston Basin.
sdchittick@nd.gov | 701-777-2389
Kent Hollands
Engineering Technician
Kent Hollands began working as a lab technician for the North Dakota Geological Survey in 1985. For the past 37+ years, he has helped industry, faculty, and students worldwide by booking lab space, pulling cores upon request, and cutting rock samples. Additionally, he prepares and facilitates core shipments for industry and core workshops around the U.S.
Kent graduated from East Grand Forks AVTI with a 2-year tech degree in 1984 and more recently received a Certificate in Geothermal Training from Heatspring Learning Institute in 2010. He was promoted to an Engineering Technician position in 2013 and is currently responsible for checking geothermal wells in the eastern 1/3 of the state along with his other duties.
khollands@nd.gov | 701-777-2857
Jonathan LaBonte
Laboratory Technician
Jonathan LaBonte is a Laboratory Technician with 14 years of experience. He has a background in data management, microscopy, instrumentation, and core analysis. Jonathan is a University of North Dakota graduate.