Nat Usher has joined Tesla Offshore LLC as director of geoscience. For the past 30 years, Usher has worked for ARCO/BP.  

Usher plans to assist Tesla in optimizing use of state-of-the-art technology in their geophysical survey operations and to further the development of geohazards interpretation services for clients worldwide.

Usher began his career specializing in data acquisition around the world, including: 2-D and 3-D seismic (onshore and offshore), VSP, geotechnical, metocean, aeromagnetic, geochemical, geo-botany and geohazards.  His primary focus then shifted to marine geohazards and high-resolution seismic surveying.  Geohazards project management included survey design, contracting, quality control and the interpretation of the data for writing shallow hazard assessment reports for company drillers.

Usher has been involved in marine archaeological projects including the discovery of the German WWII submarine U-166.  He has served on the US Department of Energy’s methane hydrates research steering committee.  He is a frequent presenter at international conferences, most recently regarding mitigating geohazards to subsea developments from submarine landslides at conferences in Argentina and Japan.  

Usher is a licensed professional geoscientist by the state of Texas. He has a bachelor of science degree and master of science degree from the University of Michigan. Usher is also certified by NEBOSH for health and safety risk assessment and management.