Thomas D. Demchuk

Houston, TX 77077

(281) 660-1491

Profile

An accomplished Geological Technology Specialist with over 23 years experience with multi-national oil companies. Expertise in the interrogation of large datasets and the formulation of high-resolution frameworks for conventional and unconventional exploration/exploitation activities. Innovative and meticulous in the execution of both technical and research programs that contribute to significantly mitigate risk to domestic and international business units. Demonstrated ability to establish, promote and execute highly successful in-house technical and research programs. Recognized as a dedicated, enthusiastic and outgoing professional who is well networked within the biostratigraphic and petrographic community. Excellent collaboration, communication, and mentoring skills.

Objective

After more than two decades in the fast-paced and stressful energy industry, energies are now focussed on securing a challenging and rewarding role in the academic realm. Utilizing previous extensiveexperience in applied technology and research focussed towards energy exploration and development, particularly in the fields of stratigraphy and organic petrology, the aim is to transfer this knowledge to the academic setting to helpbroaden the scholarly perspective and better prepare students for their future in earth science, whether in academia or industry. Enormous career satisfaction was taken in the mentoring of young technology specialists and general exploration geoscientists, as well as coordinating and executing multiple training modules as part of the larger new-hire training curriculum. It is envisaged that significant research activities in stratigraphy (particularly bio/chronostratigraphy and micropaleontology) and organic petrology will very much integrate with, and greatly enhance larger research objectives of the respective institution.

Key Competencies

  • Biostratigraphy/Palynology
/
  • Employee Mentorship/Development
/
  • Dataset Interrogation

  • Organic Petrography
/
  • Petrography Program Management
/
  • Technical Editing

  • Project Management
  • Teaching/Training
/
  • Micropaleontological Data Analysis
  • Procedures Documentation

Career Summary

1997 - 2015 / PrinicipalStratigrapher/Petrographer ConocoPhillips Co., Houston TX
  • Coordinated and managed numerous multi-disciplinary biostratigraphic programs, including the interrogation of large-volume datasets and integration with varied geological information.
  • Evaluation, interpretation and integration of large varied stratigraphic/geological datasets from all regions of the world to address exploration/exploitation risk.
  • Designed, executed and promoted a successful in-house organic petrography program to address concerns over source rock quality and maturation assessment, including the development and documentation of in-house analytical procedures.
  • Defined, marketed and documented in-house biostratigraphic programs and outsourced research, emphasizing workflow and software efficiencies, database development and reconciliation
  • Mentored and trained young geological professionals.
  • Created and managed training material for in-house technical classes.

1992 – 1997 Biostratigrapher/Palynologist Amoco Corp., Houston TX

  • Analyzed, interpreted and integrated large micropaleontological datasets, including initial data collection, compilation and database management.
  • Evaluation and calculation of unconventional resources in support of international coalbed methane exploration.
  • Collaboration in large multi-faceted geological teams to reach integrated solutions.
  • Performed basic tasks with enthusiasm, and pursued more challenging opportunities.
  • Eagerly accepted all training classes and prospects for technical/personal improvement.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Geology, The University of Calgary, Calgary AB, Canada May 1992

Dissertation: “Palynology, Organic Petrography and Geochemistry of the Ardley Coal Zone at Wabamun, Alberta.”

Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Geology, The University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada Sept 1987

Thesis: “Palynostratigraphy of Paleocene Strata, Central Alberta Plains”

Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Geology, The University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, Canada Dec 1983

Professional Development

  • Extensive in-house training in various geological/geophysical software packages of relevance to the energy industry (e.g. mapping, modelling and database software training) as well as general software training to enhance personal productivity (e.g. time and project management software)
  • Participation in numerous in-house self-improvement courses including “Public Speaking” (1993), “Time Management” (1994), “Dealing with Difficult People” (1995), and “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People” (2001)
  • General coordination and participation in two versions of the “Pollen and Spore Master Class” held at Utrecht University, The Netherlands: July 2010 and 2013
  • Attendance at four classes of the “Advanced Course in Jurassic-Cretaceous-Cenozoic Organic-Walled Dinoflagellate Cysts”: Urbino 1999, 2001 and 2003, and Tubingen 2005
  • Attendance for one week of the Urbino Summer School of Paleoclimatology (USSP) with classes concentrating on global isotope chronostratigraphy, oceanic anoxic events, and organic geochemical proxies (oceanic paleosalinity, paleotemperature). July 2011

Special Skills

  • Highly proficient in all aspects of Microsoft Office
  • Highly proficient in biostratigraphic software including StrataBugs and TacsWorks
  • Working proficiency in LandMark/DecisionSpace geological and geophysical applications
  • Working proficiency in additional geological software including iPoint and Petrel
  • Working fluency in Ukrainian/Russian and Spanish

Peer-Reviewed Publications

Demchuk, T.D., Gard, G. and Gary, A.C. Editors (2014) Selected Papers, Geological Problem Solving with Microfossils 3 Conference. Special Issue of Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, v.413, pp. 1-172.

Dolby, G., Demchuk, T.D. and Suter, J.R. (2013 ) The significance of palynofloral assemblages from the McMurray Formation and associated strata, Surmont and surrounding areas in north-central Alberta. (in) Heavy-oil and Oil-sand Petroleum Systems in Alberta and Beyond (Edited by) F.J. Hein, D. Leckie, S. Larter and J.R. Suter. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Studies in Geology, v.64, pp. 251-272.

Pocknall, D.T. and Demchuk. T.D.Editors (2011) A Special Issue in Honor of Douglas J. Nichols. Palynology, v.36, no. 1 Supplement, 160p.

Demchuk, T.D. and Gary, A.C. Editors (2009) Geologic Problem Solving with Microfossils. SEPM Special Publication No. 93, 342p.

Demchuk, T.D. and Riding, J.B. (2008) A history and overview of the American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists (AASP). Palynology, v.32, pp. 83-100.

Wood, G.D., Demchuk, T.D. and Pasley, M.A. 2000 Palynofacies and kerogen analysis. (in) Treatise of Petroleum Geology, Exploring for Oil and Gas Handbook, Exploration Paleontology, Chapter 17, (Edited by) R. Fleischer and H.R. Lane. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Special Publication.

Demchuk, T.D., Moore, T.A. and Shearer, J.C. Editors 1995 Origin of compositional characteristics in Tertiary coals: paleoecology, paleobotany, and palynology. Proceedings Volume, Geological Society of America Coal Division Symposium. Special Volume of the International Journal of Coal Geology, v. 28, pp. 71-343.

Shearer, J.C., Moore, T.A., and Demchuk, T.D. 1995 Coal character and Tertiary flora: cause and effect. (in) Proceedings Volume, Geological Society of America Coal Division Symposium "Origin of Compositional Characteristics in Tertiary Coals: Paleoecology, Paleobotany and Palynology". Special Volume of the International Journal of Coal Geology, v. 28, pp. 71-98.

Demchuk, T.D. and Nelson-Glatiotis, D.A. 1993 The identification and significance of kaolinite-rich volcanic ash horizons (tonsteins) in the Ardley coal zone, Wabamun, Alberta, Canada. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 41, pp. 464-469.

Demchuk, T.D. 1993 Petrology of fibrous coal (fusain) and associated inertinites from the early Paleocene of Alberta. (in) Advances in Organic Petrology and Geochemistry - A Special Volume in Honor of Alex Cameron, (edited by) F. Goodarzi and R.M. Bustin. Special Volume of the International Journal of Coal Geology, v. 24, p. 211-232.

Demchuk, T.D. and Moore, T.A. 1993 Palynofloral and organic characteristics of a Miocene bog-forest, Kalimantan, Indonesia. Organic Geochemistry, v. 20, p. 119-134.

Demchuk, T.D., Cameron, A.R. and Hills, L.V. 1993 Organic petrology of an early Paleocene coal zone, Wabamun, Alberta: palynology, petrography and geochemistry. Organic Geochemistry, v. 20, p. 135-148.

Demchuk, T.D. 1992 Epigenetic pyrite in a low-sulphur, sub-bituminous coal of the central Alberta Plains. International Journal of Coal Geology, v. 21, p. 187-196.

Lerbekmo, J.F., Demchuk, T.D., Evan, M.E. and Hoye, G.S. 1992 Magnetostratigraphy and biostratigraphy of the continental Paleocene of the Red Deer Valley, Alberta, Canada. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 40, p. 24-35.

Demchuk, T.D. and Hills, L.V. 1991 A re-examination of the Paskapoo Formation in the central Alberta Plains: the designation of three new members. Bulletin of Canadian Petroleum Geology, v. 39, p. 270-282.

Demchuk, T.D. 1990 Palynostratigraphic zonation of the Paleocene strata in the central and south-central Alberta Plains. Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences, v. 27, p. 1263-1269.

Demchuk, T.D. and Strobl, R.S. 1989 Coal facies and in-seam profiling, Highvale No. 2 seam, Highvale, Alberta. in Western Canadian Coal Geoscience Forum Proceedings. Alberta Research Council Information Series No. 103, p. 201-211.

Published Abstracts

Burns, B.A. and Demchuk, T.D. 2012 Development of a circum-Arctic chronostratigraphic framework: Application and refinement of the sequence stratigraphic record on the North Slope of Alaska. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Meeting, Long Beach, CA.

Demchuk, T.D., Suter, J.R., Dolby, G., Turich, C. and Waszczak, R.F. 2011 A multi-disciplinary approach to unraveling the mysteries of the McMurray Formation and associated strata. Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Joint Annual Convention. Calgary, AB.

Demchuk, T.D., Dolby, G., McIntyre, D.J. and Suter, J.R. 2007 The utility of palynofloral assemblages for the interpretation of depositional paleoenvironments and sequence stratigraphic systems tracts in the McMurray Formation at Surmont, Alberta. AAPG Hedberg Conference “Heavy Oil and Bitumen in Foreland Basins-from Processes to Products” Banff, Alberta, Canada (Invited Extended Abstract)

Demchuk, T.D., Krebs, W.M. and Waszczak, R.F. 2007 High-resolution chronostratigraphy of varied biostratigraphic data from Sirt Basin wells: An example of graphic correlation and discussion of other methodologies. European Association of Geologists and Engineers (EAGE) 3rd Annual Afrian/Mediterranean Petroleum and Geoscience Conference and Exhibition. Tripoli, Libya

Demchuk T.D. and Riding, J.B. 2005 The recent history of AASP: The past may not be the key to the future. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Annual Meeting. St. Louis, MO

Demchuk, T.D., Dolby, G., Michoux, D., Suter, J.R. and LeJay, A. 2005 The confirmation of depositional paleoenvironments for the Cretaceous McMurray Formation utilizing palynofloral assemblages, Surmont heavy-oil lease and surrounding areas. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Meeting. Calgary, Alberta, Canada (Invited Abstract)

Krebs, W.N. and Demchuk, T.D. 2005 Graphic correlation, sequence stratigraphy and paleoenvironments of two Sirt Basin (Libya) wells. Geologic Problem Solving with Microfossils Abstracts Volume with Program. Houston, TX

Demchuk, T.D. and Krebs, W.N. 2004 Graphic correlation, sequence stratigraphy and paleoenvironments of two Sirt Basin (Libya) wells. The First Conference on the Microfossils Around the Tethys Margin, Abstracts and Excursion Guide Book. Tripoli, Libya.

Demchuk, T.D. and Morley, R.J. 2004 Generalpalynofloral characteristics from Nigeria Deepwater offshore: Chronostratigraphy and calibration to sequence stratigraphy. Palynology v.28, pp. 238-239, Niagara, Ontario, Canada.

Demchuk, T.D. Gonzalez-Guzman, E., Gordon, I.R., Curtis, C.M. and Suter, J.R. 2003 Integrated chronostratigraphy for the Oficina Formation at Petrozuata, Venezuela: A year 2003 evaluation based on additional stratigraphic and micropaleontological data. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists, Program with Abstracts. Niagara, Ontario, Canada.

Demchuk, T.D., Gonzalez-Guzman, E, Gordon, I. and Suter, J.R. 2003 An integrated chronostratigraphic evaluation and calibration of the early Miocene Oficina Formation at Petrozuata, Venezuela. American Association of Petroleum Geologists Annual Meeting. Salt Lake City, UT (Invited Abstract)

Demchuk, T.D., Gonzalez-Guzman, E. and Suter, J.R. 2002 Palynological calibration of a sequence stratigraphic framework for the Oficina Formation at Petrozuata, Venezuela. American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Annual Meeting, Joint Meeting Program with Abstracts, London, U.K.

Demchuk, T.D. and The Conoco Taiwan Exploration Team 1999 Palynological characterization and multi-disciplined chronostratigraphic interpretation of Cenozoic strata from the Taiwan Straits region. Palynology, v. 24, p. 255, Savannah, GA.

Demchuk, T.D. and The Conoco Taiwan Exploration Team 1999 Integration of event palynostratigraphy with seismic facies and sequence stratigraphy, Cenozoic strata of the Taiwan Straits region. Palynology, v. 24, p. 255-256, Savannah, GA.

Nummedal, D. et al. (Azerbaijan Consortium Geological Team) 1999 The Paleo-Volga Delta and lacustrine sequence stratigraphy of the South Caspian Basin. Houston Geological Society International Explorationists Dinner Meeting, Houston, TX.

Sonuga, M.S., Fearn, L.B., Cooke, J., Stein, J.A., Geen, A.F., Demchuk, T.D., Beltran, M. Z. and Pierce, R.W. 1996 Quantitative approaches to optimizing biostratigraphic data for exploration applications in offshore eastern Niger Delta, Nigeria. Nigerian Association of Petroleum Exploration Annual Meeting Abstracts with Program, Lagos, Nigeria.

Demchuk, T.D., Krebs, W.N., Bergen, J.A. and Scharpf, C.R. 1996 Palynology and associated micropaleontology of proto-Mekong deltaic strata, Oligocene-Miocene of offshore Vietnam. 9th International Palynological CongressAbstracts with Program, p. 32, Houston, TX.

Demchuk, T.D., Damassa, S.P. and Stein, J.A. 1996 Delineation of an unconformable Oligocene-Miocene boundary from dinoflagellate cyst biostratigraphy and graphic correlation, Eastern Carpathians, Romania. 9th International Palynological Congress Abstracts with Program, p. 32-33, Houston, TX.

Demchuk, T.D. and Stein, J.A. 1996 Dinoflagellate cysts as a new tool in the correlation between brackish water basins in the eastern Paratethys region. Palynology, v. 20, p 237, Ottawa, ON.

Demchuk, T.D. and Damassa, S.P. 1996 Needles in the haystacks: the Oligocene-Miocene boundary in the Eastern Carpathians of Romania. Palynology, v. 20, p. 236-237, Ottawa, ON.

Demchuk, T.D. and Moore, T.A. 1994 Palynoflora from an Indonesian Miocene lignite, and an integrated paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Palynology, v. 19, p. 235, College Station, TX.

Shearer, J.C., Moore, T.A. and Demchuk, T.D. 1994 Coal character and Tertiary flora: causes and effects. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts with Program, v. 26, no. 7, p. A-30, Seattle, WA.

Demchuk, T.D. 1992 Petrology of inertinite-rich coals from the Paleocene of the central Alberta Plains. Geological Association of Canada-Mineralogical Association of Canada Annual Meeting Abstracts with Program, p. A24, Wolfville, NS.

Demchuk, T.D., Cameron, A.R. and Hills, L.V. 1991 Palynologic, petrographic and geochemical variations in an early Paleocene coal zone, Wabamun, Alberta. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts with Program, v. 23, p. A86, San Diego, CA.

Demchuk, T.D., Cameron, A.R. and Hills, L.V. 1991 Paleoecological reconstruction of an early Paleocene coal zone, Wabamun, Alberta. The Society for Organic Petrology Annual Meeting Abstracts with Program, Lexington, KY. (extended abstract)

Demchuk, T.D. and Moore, T.A. 1991 Paleoecological reconstruction of a Miocene lignite, Kalimantan, Indonesia. The Society for Organic Petrology Annual Meeting Abstracts with Program, Lexington, KY. (extended abstract)

Lerbekmo, J.F., Sweet, A.R., Demchuk, T.D. and Braman, D.R. 1991 Magneto- and biostratigraphic correlations in Upper Cretaceous and Paleocene strata of the western Canadian Plains. Palynology, v. 15, p. 246, Banff, AB.

Demchuk, T.D. 1990 Palynology of a lower Paleocene coal seam, central Alberta Plains: an interdisciplinary approach to paleoecological reconstructions. Palynology, v. 14, p. 210, Tulsa, OK.

Demchuk T.D. and Strobl, R.S. 1988 Preliminary investigation of coal facies for the Highvale No. 2 coal seam, Wabamun, Alberta, Canada. Geological Society of America Annual Meeting Abstracts with Program, v. 20, p. 90, Denver, CO.

Demchuk, T.D. 1988 A modified Momipites-Carayapollenitespalynofloral lineage: central Alberta Paleocene zonation. Palynology, v. 12, p. 236, Halifax, NS.

Demchuk, T.D. and Singh, C. 1987 Palynostratigraphy of the Paleocene strata of west-central and southern Alberta. Geological Society of America Rocky Mountain Section Meeting Abstracts with Program, v. 19, p. 270, Boulder, CO.

Demchuk, T.D. 1986 Palynostratigraphic applications to the Paleocene coals of the Alberta Plains and Foothills. Western Canadian Coal Geoscience Forum Abstracts with Program, p. 34, Calgary, AB.

Grey-Literature Publications

Suter, J.R. and Demchuk, T.D. 2002 Clastic Depositional Systems and Sequence Stratigraphy; A fieldguide to the Cretaceous Book Cliffs and Ferron Sandstone of Eastern Utah. Louisiana State University, AAPG Student Fieldtrip.

Demchuk, T.D. and Wood, G.D. 1999 The American Assoication of Stratigraphic Palynologists - AGI’s 50th Birthday Celebration, Member Societies. Geotimes, January 1999.

Demchuk, T.D. 1993 Book ReviewA comprehensive study of Neogene sporomorphs in Hungary: Geological Hungarica, Series Palaeontologica, Fasciculus 53, by Eszter Nagy inPalynos - Newsletter of the International Federation of Palynological Societies, v. 16, no. 2, p. 7.

Cameron, A.R., Demchuk, T.D., Greggs, J. and Hills, L.V. 1990 Depositional environments of late Cretaceous coal seams and exploration history, Red Deer River valley, Drumheller, Alberta. The Society for Organic Petrology Fieldtrip Guidebook.

Demchuk, T.D. 1990 The Ardley coal zone of central Alberta. (in) Coal Geology and its Application to Coalbed Methane Reservoirs, Lecture Notes and Fieldguide for Short Course. Alberta Research Council Information Series, p.135-142.

Demchuk, T.D. 1987 Book ReviewPaleoenvironmental and tectonic controls in coal-forming basins in the United States, Geological Society of America Special Paper No. 210. (in)Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Coal Division Newsletter, v. 1, No. 2.

Demchuk, T.D. 1986 The Obed-Marsh coal zone. (in) Geology of the Coalspur Formation (edited by) F.M. Dawson, T. Jerzykiewicz and T.D. Demchuk. Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Coal Division Fieldtrip Guidebook No. 2.

Professional Affiliations

American Association of Petroleum Geologists

Energy Minerals Division

AASP – The Palynological Society

Treasurer 1997 – 2015

Secretary 1997 – 2014

Editorial Board 2005 – Present

Director at Large 1994 – 1996

Canadian Association of Palynologists

Canadian Society for Coal and Organic Petrography

Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists

Paleontology Division: Chair 1991- 1992

Coal and Coalbed Methane Division

Geological Society of America

Coal Geology Division: Secretary 1995 - 2002

Houston Geological Society

International Commission for Coal and Organic Petrography

Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain

SEPM The Society for Sedimentary Geology

State of Texas Board of Professional GeoscientistsLicense #6215

The Micropaleontological Society

The Society for Organic Petrology

Spackman Student Scholarship Committee 2007

Honorary Membership Committee 1997 – 1999

Service

General Chair, Joint Meeting of The Society of Organic Petrology, AASP-The Palynological Society, and the International Committee for Coal and Organic Petrography, Houston TX September 2016

General Organizer and Instructor, 3rdEdition of Pollen and Spore Master Class, University of Utrecht, The NetherlandsJuly 2016

Organizing Committee, AASP – The Palynological Society Annual Meeting, Mendoza, Argentina (in association with the International Paleontological Congress)September 2014

General Organizer and Instructor, 2nd Edition of Pollen and Spore Master Class, University of Utrecht, The NetherlandsJuly 2013

Co-Instructor, Palynology Short Course associated with the Geological Problem Solving with Microfossils III Conference, University of Houston, Texas March 2013

Organizing Committee, Chair Proceedings Volume Committee, Geological Problem Solving with Microfossils III, Joint Meeting of several International Micropaleontological Associations, University of Houston, Texas March 2013

General Organizer and Instructor, 1stEdition of Pollen and Spore Master Class, University of Utrecht, The NetherlandsJuly 2010

Co-Chair, Topical Session American Association of Stratigraphic Palynologists Joint Annual Meetingwith Geological Society of America, Philadelphia, PAOctober 2006