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.
Email: sdchittick@nd.gov Phone: (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.
Email: khollands@nd.gov Phone: (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.