Keynote Speakers

As the 13th Chancellor of Montana Technological University, Dr. Johnny MacLean brings a breadth of experience to his role. His rich background as a petroleum geologist, environmental scientist, geology professor, and executive administrator provides a powerful blend of industry insight and academic vision for Montana Tech. He is deeply committed to the university’s heritage and its vital role in the Butte–Silver Bow community. Under his leadership, Montana Tech continues its unwavering focus on its mission: preparing the next generation of leaders in STEM, health sciences, and other vital fields. Away from campus, Dr. MacLean and his family enjoy exploring western Montana's mountains and rivers.

Dr. Carlotta B. Chernoff

Dr. Chernoff is Global Chief Geoscientist for ConocoPhillips.

Chernoff has 24 years of experience working in oil and gas exploration, appraisal and development opportunities across multiple basins within ConocoPhillips’ US and global assets. She has served in her current role as Global Chief Geoscientist since January 2026, and prior to that she was Global Chief Geologist from February 2023.

Chernoff joined Phillips Petroleum as a geologist in Houston, TX in 2002. She has held a variety of technical roles in offshore Brazil, the Gulf of Mexico (GOM), Australia, onshore US Lower 48 and Alaska. Leadership roles spanning across the petroleum lifecycle have included L48 New Ventures Manager screening for new unconventional plays, Project Integration Manager for the non-operated Shenandoah Discovery (GOM) and Appraisal Manager in Alaska, where she led evaluation of the Willow and Narwhal discoveries. Most recently, Chernoff served as the Greater Kuparuk Area Asset Development Manager in Alaska, and was responsible for delivery of new opportunities and production from the prolific Kuparuk area reservoirs.

Chernoff grew up in Houston, Texas, the daughter of Canadian parents. She earned a BS degree in Geophysics and a Masters degree in Geology from The University of Texas at Austin in 1992 and 1995, respectively, and a PhD in Geology from the University of Arizona in 2002. She has served on Advisory Boards at both The University of Texas and the University of Arizona and is a strong advocate for undergraduate research and field experiences in the Geosciences.