Meet the Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Our staff, scientists, & experts have over 100 years of combined experience in field research, teaching, and field expeditions. Staff members include museum educators, classroom teachers, professional scientists, researchers, & board members.
Director/Board President
Ron Giesler
Ron has enjoyed a 30 year career in museums and education. Since 2002, he has been leading adventures into the badlands of Montana. He loves creating unique experiences and watching the excitement when someone ID's their first fossil or having a real paleontologist answer their question.
"I especially enjoy cruising the canyons and coulees looking for the next "big find"...I know it's there"
Fossil & Design Lead/Board Member
Gene "Woody" Woodford
Woody has dedicated many years of his life to science and the museum world. Woody is a vital part of our Paleo X organization helping to find, catalog, and prep fossils for displays. Did you know that Woody worked the Defense Mapping Agency who mapped the lunar surface for Apollo moon landing? He is one of two people we know who had a large impact on the space program and has a T. rex named after him!
We are lucky to have him on our team.
Paleontologist Field Expert
Michael Morales, Ph.D.
Dr. Morales has an extensive background in geology and paleontology. He has been researching the Hell Creek Formation for decades. He has served as our field paleontologist and has played an important role in our programs since 2002.
Paleontologist Field Expert
Program Manager
Erin Roberts
Erin received her Master's degree in Paleontology from Emporia State University with an emphasis on Triceratops.
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"I think all dinosaurs are amazing. My favorite thing about Paleo X is the experience. You can go out and discover real remains of what had once been a living, breathing dinosaur."
Paleontologist Field Expert
Dr. Nick Thurber
Nick is completing his Ph.D. in paleontology with an emphasis on prehistoric tortoises through the Earth and Planetary Sciences Department at the University of California-Davis. Nick has been assisting Paleo X adventures for several years now and you guessed it, he really likes turtles!
Board Secretary
Gretchen Bertz
Gretchen helps to keep us all on track! Without her we'd be lost!
Board Member
Gary Schaefer
Gary has been with Paleo X for many years and offers a wide range of expertise for our organization.
Volunteer
Alan Westfall
Alan has been a part of and played many roles in Paleo X for several years. His expertise in business and his guidance has helped to navigate us where we are today.
Media Manager
Michael Toeniskoetter
Michael joins the Paleo X team with a wide background from neurosurgery to museum CEO. His expertise in the social media realm will help bring Paleo X and Adventure 360 into the future.
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Paleontologist and Field Expert
Dr. Ben Faulkner
Ben was awarded his Ph.D. from the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Department from the University of California-Davis. Ben loves dinosaurs, running, and music.
Field Technician and Vehicle Manager
Jake Angell
​Jake has been joining us on Paleo since his high school days. He now assists with drone use, excavations and carrying fossils from the field. Even more importantly, Jake keeps the vehicles packed, gassed and ready for the field!