Source Geothermal is led by operations geologists with deep-rooted expertise in the entire upstream process. Our team, which has collectively drilled over 2,500 wells, brings a critical advantage from day one: we understand the journey from exploration and well planning to real-time execution.
We’ve managed 24/7 geosteering operations and landed horizontal laterals in razor-thin targets, but our focus begins earlier—de-risking complex formations and optimizing the economics of drilling at depth before the first drill bit ever turns.
The shale revolution demanded this end-to-end discipline. Geothermal requires the same. We bring decades of field-proven expertise, starting with smarter well planning, to unlock the Earth’s limitless energy potential.
Karma Doescher is an accomplished field and operations geologist with over a decade of specialized experience in planning and drilling operations for structurally complex Oil & Gas projects across the contiguous United States. Throughout her career, she has participated in the drilling operations of more than 1,000 horizontal wells, spanning most major basins in the region.
Known for her leadership capabilities, Karma has consistently organized and led high-performing teams through challenging technical environments. Her hands-on approach distinguishes her work—she has dedicated significant time at well sites to develop a comprehensive understanding of drilling operations, safety protocols, and the tools essential for efficient execution.
Karma is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Geothermal Rising (GR), Women in Geothermal (WING), and the Mars Society. In 2022, she earned recognition as the Rogii Geosteering World Cup champion, demonstrating her technical expertise and commitment to excellence in her field.
Oscar Esparza is a geologist with nearly two decades of experience in surface and subsurface evaluations with a focus on water resource management and energy development. With his talent for adapting geological expertise to diverse challenges, Oscar has built a versatile career across the energy and public water sectors. During his tenure at the New Mexico Interstate Stream Commission, he has overseen critical water infrastructure initiatives, including brackish groundwater exploration and hydrogeological assessments throughout southern New Mexico.
Oscar earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at El Paso. He is a member of the New Mexico Geologic Society and the Geological Society of America. Oscar was awarded the NM Interstate Stream Commission LRG Employee of the Year in 2024.
Sy Luke is a professional geoscientist with over 16 years of experience in petroleum geology and geophysics, with a focus on production operations and technology development. With a drive for advancing technology and operational excellence, Sy has built a strong track record of creating value through technology-driven improvements and team development. During his tenure at Antero Resources, Sy led the company’s in-house Geosteering Center, a team accountable for more than 1000 horizontal Marcellus and Utica Shale wells within a narrow target window—among the most technically challenging assets in the Appalachian Basin. He also spearheaded the implementation of rotary steerable systems and developed algorithms for real-time stratigraphic mapping.
Sy graduated with a Professional Master’s Degree in Petroleum Reservoir Systems and a Master of Science in Geology from the Colorado School of Mines, and holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Geology from Western State College. He is an active member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
Kyle Fredericks is an operations geologist with over a decade of experience in unconventional resource development and drilling operations. Fueled by a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration, Kyle has built a successful track record of working with engineering teams to overcome the mechanical and geological challenges of complex projects. During his career, he has been responsible for the drilling of over 500 wells across multiple major U.S. basins as both an employee and an independent consultant.
Kyle holds a Master’s of Science in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Houston. He was recognized for building the longest and most productive client relationships during his independent consulting tenure.
Eric Gottlieb is a geologist with over two decades of experience within a unique and diverse career spanning upstream onshore US unconventional resource development, federal land management, and financial consulting. His background includes over ten years in geologicoperations and asset development risk. With a talent for interdisciplinary collaboration, Eric hasbuilt a career on being trusted and relied upon to work effectively with others on a variety of complex, cross-disciplinary projects.
Eric graduated with a PhD in Geology from Stanford University, a Master of Science in Geology from New Mexico State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Geology from Western Washington University. He is the author of numerous tectonics and geochronology-focused publications in various journals and books.
Phill Szymcek is a geologist with over 18 years of experience in petroleum geology, distinguished by a extensive background in geological operations and geosteering across a global portfolio of conventional and unconventional plays. With a career that bridges cutting-edge academic research and high-volume industry operations, Phill has built a reputation for delivering quality and precision in some of the world’s most technically demanding environments. His operational expertise is exemplified by having simultaneously managed drilling operations on three different continents.
During his career, Phill has been responsible for the geosteering and geological operations on over 1,000 wells, working with a diverse range of partners from national oil companies and super majors to independents and small private companies. This deep operational experience was recognized with his victory in the ROGII Geosteering World Cup in 2023. Prior to his work in oil and gas, Phill served as a research scientist at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, focusing on gas hydrates, and conducted foundational geological research in Antarctica.
Phill earned his Master’s and Bachelor’s degrees in Geology from Southern Illinois University, where he was honored as Geology Senior of the Year. He is an active member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) and is the author of numerous publications on gas hydrates and paleoclimatology in prominent scientific journals.
The energy transition is activated. Geothermal energy offers the rare combination of reliability, scalability, and zero emissions that our grid desperately needs. At Source Geothermal, we provide the subsurface expertise to make it happen.