Tales of a geologist: Rattlesnakes, black widows and rabies filled a long career

  • State Geologist Ed Murphy gives his final quarterly report to the North Dakota Industrial Commission on May 12, 2026. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)
    State Geologist Ed Murphy gives his final quarterly report to the North Dakota Industrial Commission on May 12, 2026. (Photo by Jacob Orledge/North Dakota Monitor)

    State Geologist Ed Murphy retiring after five decades

    North Dakota’s state geologist is quietly one of the most important energy officials in state government.

    The current occupant, Ed Murphy, is retiring this summer after half a century. His 49-year career with the North Dakota Geological Survey has involved advancing research crucial to oil and gas exploration, laying the foundation for a potentia…