Director and State Geologist, Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology

A non-regulatory state agency, within the Montana Technological University, The Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) provides extensive advisory, technical, and informational services on the State's geologic, mineral, energy, and water resources. The MBMG is increasingly involved in studies of the environmental impacts to land and water caused either by past practices in hard-rock mining or by current activities in agriculture and industry. The MBMG is the principal source of earth science information for the citizens of Montana.

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Murray Hitzman, 2026 Campbell Medalist

Murray W. Hitzman of University College Dublin has been awarded the 2026 AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences.

The Campbell Medal is awarded in recognition of outstanding performance in and contribution to the geoscience profession. Ian Campbell was an uncommon man of remarkable accomplishment and widespread influence.

Murray is Director of the Irish Centre for Research in Applied Geosciences, among other roles. He served as Associate Director for Energy and Minerals at USGS, Professor of Economic Geology at Colorado School of Mines, policy analyst in the OSTP and Senate, and exploration geologist worldwide. He holds B.A. degrees in geology and anthropology from Dartmouth College, an M.S. in geology from University of Washington, and a Ph.D. in geology from Stanford University. Congratulations, Murray!

Michael McGlue, Kentucky State Geologist, 50 under 50

Michael M. McGlue, Director, State Geologist, and Professor, Kentucky Geological Survey, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Kentucky, has been recognized in this year’s 50 under 50.

The 50 Under 50 Award is a joint initiative of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC-AGC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM) that honors outstanding mid-career geoscientists across North America who are making significant contributions through research, service, and mentorship.

Michael holds at PhD in geology from University of Arizona.

Simon Jowitt, Nevada State Geologist, 50 under 50

Simon M. Jowitt, Director and State Geologist, Professor of Economic Geology, at the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology (NBMG), University of Nevada, Reno has been recognized in this year’s 50 under 50.

The 50 Under 50 Award is a joint initiative of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC-AGC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM) that honors outstanding mid-career geoscientists across North America who are making significant contributions through research, service, and mentorship.

Simon holds at PhD in geology from University of Leicester, UK.

Bill Haneberg, 1960 - 2026

Dr. William (Bill) Haneberg, passed away suddenly on September 7 due to blood clots. Bill was 66 years old and is survived by his wife Lisa. Bill served as Kentucky Geological Survey Director and State Geologist from 2016 to 2023, where he brought his expertise in geohazards to the survey. Bill oversaw several changes at KGS, including adoption of transdisciplinary research themes, such as radon research. Upon his retirement from UK, Bill worked as a consultant at his home in New Mexico, where he remained active in geohazards and policy research.  

- From Doug Curl

USGS and Nebraska Release First-Ever Statewide Map of Surface Geology

RESTON, Va. — The U.S. Geological Survey and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln have released the first statewide map depicting the geology at Nebraska's land surface, closing a long-standing gap in the nation's geologic map coverage.

https://www.usgs.gov/news/state-news-release/usgs-and-nebraska-release-first-ever-statewide-map-surface-geology

A National Cooperative Subsurface Assessment Program

The US energy future—from geothermal, nuclear, wind, solar, and hydropower to oil and natural gas—depends on the subsurface. Yet despite its strategic importance, the subsurface remains one of the nation’s most undercharacterized assets. As demand grows for secure domestic energy, critical minerals, storage capacity, and water resources, better understanding the subsurface will be essential to reducing uncertainty, unlocking domestic resources, guiding investment, minimizing environmental impacts, and supporting responsible development. To address these gaps, a study released today advances nine cross-sectoral recommendations, together with resource-specific actions. Together, they support an overarching recommendation that Congress establish a National Cooperative Subsurface Assessment Program that builds on existing federal and state authorities to strengthen U.S. energy security, economic competitiveness, environmental stewardship, and responsible management of the nation’s subsurface resources. https://www.npc.org/reports/2026-american-resources/

Investment in Mining Schools

On August 7, 2026, the US Department of Defense announced over $80 million in investments in multiple schools of mines and metallurgy, including the Colorado School of Mines, the South Dakota School of Mines, and Johns Hopkins University. In recent years the federal government has taken action to ensure a domestic supply of critical minerals for America's economy and national security, securing reliable supplies of critical materials and supply chains.

State Geologist of Illinois, Drew Andrews

On October 1st, 2026, William M. Andrews, Jr., Ph.D., PG, will be the 15th Illinois State Geologist and next Director of the Illinois State Geological Survey. After joining the Kentucky Geological Survey in 1996, he became head of the KGS Geologic Mapping section in 2008, and acting state geologist in 23/24. He moved to the Nevada survey in 2025, and also worked with GSA. Drew received his BS in geology in 1993, his MS in 1997, and his PhD in 2004, all from University of Kentucky. Drew’s education in stratigraphy, tectonics, coal petrology, and structural geology. Congratulations, Drew!

Pat Leahy 1947 - 2026

Dr. P. Patrick Leahy passed August 7, 2026. Pat attended Boston College and received his doctorate in geology (1979) from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in regional groundwater studies. He joined USGS in 1974, where he eventually served as Associate Director for Geology and Acting Director of USGS, before becoming AGI Executive Director from 2007-2016. He was accomplished and respected, he contributed broadly, he was a friend of AASG, and he will be missed.

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/falls-church-va/p-leahy-13010045

Critical Minerals Proposal Selected to Build Wyoming-Idaho-Nevada Coalition

A collaborative team — representing the University of Wyoming, the University of Nevada-Reno and the University of Idaho — was selected for funding under the Intermountain Critical Minerals Research Launchpad (ICMRL) to advance technologies across the critical minerals supply chain by applying artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML).

Source

Multi-Fidelity AI Foundation Model for Coupled Surface-Groundwater Predictions of Water Availability and Flood Hazards Across CONUS

A new AI foundation model blending multi-scale hydrologic simulations with real-time data will deliver fast, high-resolution predictions of water availability and flood hazards to support energy, infrastructure, and community resilience nationwide. Water availability and flood risks are major concerns for energy production and infrastructure resilience across the United States. Predicting these challenges accurately is difficult because current large-scale hydrologic models are often too computationally expensive to provide local detail at a continental scale and tend to oversimplify the complex interactions between surface water and groundwater. Many also do not fully represent human influence such as groundwater extraction, degrading the predictability of water availability in high-demand regions. This makes it hard for communities, industries, and energy providers to plan for droughts, floods, and changing water needs.

Argonne National Laboratory

Jon Arthur has completed his time as AGI Executive Director

Dr. Jonathan Arthur has completed his time at AGI, having been appointed Executive Director on August 1, 2021. He earned his Ph.D. from Florida State University in 1994. Jon joined the Florida Geological Survey in 1993, and was Florida State Geologist from 2008 to 2021. He served as AASG President in 2014/2015, having joined AASG Executive in 2010, and also served as President of the Florida Association of Professional Geologists. Jon is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and received the John T. Galey, Sr. Memorial Public Service Award from the American Institute of Professional Geologists. He was appointed to the Water Science and Technology Board of the National Academy of Sciences. Great work, Jon!

Critical minerals center in Alaska

The NSF Critical Mineral Accelerator Engine in Alaska, led by the University of Alaska Fairbanks, aims to unlock Alaska’s expansive critical mineral resources by integrating advanced mining, processing, and purification technologies, AI-enabled geochemical exploration systems, and novel bioextraction approaches. The NSF ACMA Engine will connect communities, researchers, workforce development, and industry stakeholders to expand workforce training and career pathways that support high-quality jobs, particularly in remote Alaska communities. By strengthening local workforce capacity and enabling new business and supply chain opportunities, the NSF ACMA Engine will contribute to long-term economic growth, regional stability, and domestic industrial capacity.

Chris Keane is the AGI Interim Executive Director

Dr. Christopher Keane is the AGI Interim Executive Director, following the departure of Dr. Jonathan Arthur, who held the role for five years. A search for a permanent Executive Director will be launched. Since joining the AGI in 1997, Dr. Keane has served as Director of Communications & Technology and Editor of EARTH Magazine (Geotimes), and many other roles, such as Director of Geoscience Profession and Higher Education. Before that, he worked at the U.S. Bureau of Mines Industrial Minerals Section. He earned his Ph.D. in Marine, Estuarine, and Environmental Science at the University of Maryland. We are eager to support you as always, Chris!

Members of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), June 2026

 

Outgoing AASG Executive

Many thanks to the 2025-2026 AASG Executive, who will complete their terms at the end of June. From left to right: Vice President - Nick Hayman of OK; Secretary - Harley Means of FL; Past-President - Jessica Moore of WV; Treasurer - Claudio Berti of ID; President - Matt Morgan of CO; President-Elect - Ruarri Day-Stirrat of OR

Nick Tew is the longest-serving State Geologist

Nick Tew of Alabama has served over two decades as State Geologist, having been appointed in 2002.  Those with over a decade of State Geologist service are Andrew Kozlowski of NY, Matt Joeckel of NE, and Gale Blackmer of PA. Those with more than five years of service include David Dockery of MS, Erin Campbell of AK & WY, Keith Schilling of IA, Tim Cowman of SD, Casey Hanell of WA, Claudio Berti of ID, Brian Savage of RI, Nicholas Hayman of OK, and Scott Howard of SC. Thirty-nine of 49 SGs were appointed in the 2020s. There is no SG in HI or PR. Appreciation and respect to all!

Frye Award to Montana

The AASG/GSA John C. Frye Memorial Award recognizes the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey or GSA publication in environmental geology, including water and hazards. John C. Frye joined USGS in 1938, he went to the Kansas Geological Survey in 1942, he was its Director from 1945 to 1954, he was Chief of the Illinois State Geological Survey until 1974, and he was GSA Executive Director until his retirement in 1982. John was active in AASG and on national committees, and was influential in the growth of environmental geology.

The 2026 Frye Award will be presented at GSA to: Hanson, A.E.H., Bobst, A.L., Abdo, G., LaFave, J.I., and Sutherland, M., 2024, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR): An initial hydrogeologic screening for surface infiltration suitability in Montana: Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology Report of Investigation 37, 26 p., 1 sheet. Congratulations! 

https://doi.org/10.59691/SXSP1714

https://mbmg.mtech.edu/mbmgcat/public/FileDirector.asp?fn=14044&

Mankin Award to Utah

The AASG Charles J. Mankin Award is given each year to the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey geological map, compilation, or report on regional, energy, or mineral resource geology. The award honors Charles Mankin (1932-2012), who as Director of the Oklahoma Geological Survey for forty years (1967-2007) was a tireless advocate for the role of state geological surveys. The 2026 AASG Mankin Award has been presented to: Stephanie E. Mills, 2025, The Intersection of Framework Geology and Mineral Potential Assessment in the Gold Hill Mining District, Utah Geological Survey Special Study 175, 67 p. Congratulations!

https://doi.org/10.34191/SS-175

https://ugspub.nr.utah.gov/publications/special_studies/ss-175/ss-175.pdf

AASG President Matt Morgan presents Presidential Awards

It is AASG tradition for the outgoing President to have the option to present AASG Presidential Awards, to recognize extraordinary service to the objectives of AASG by one or more active member(s) of the AASG community during recent time, or by friends of AASG over the long term. At the 2026 AASG Annual Meeting in Virginia, AASG President Matt Morgan of CO therefore presented the AASG Presidential Award to Claudio Berti of ID, who performed superbly as AASG Treasurer, to Harley Means of FL who performed superbly as AASG Secretary, and to our good friend Mike Marketti of USGS, who has for many years done an incredibly good job on geological mapping programs. Thank-you for your service, Harley, Claudio, and Mike!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to John Yellich

At the 2026 AASG Annual Meeting in Virginia, AASG President Matt Morgan of CO presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to John Yellich of MI. The DSA goes to particularly deserving, living, retired or retiring AASG people other than current officers who deserve to be recognized for the excellence of their efforts over the long term, in particular through AASG. John was State Geologist of Michigan from 2013-2024; AASG President, 2020-2021; President Elect, 2019-2020; and Vice President, 2018-2019. Thanks for your service, John!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to David Wunsch

At the 2026 AASG Annual Meeting in Virginia, AASG President Matt Morgan of CO presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to David Wunsch of DE. The DSA goes to particularly deserving, living, retired or retiring AASG people other than current officers who deserve to be recognized for the excellence of their efforts over the long term, in particular through AASG. David was State Geologist of Delaware from 2011-2025, and State Geologist of New Hampshire from 2000-2010; AASG President, 2009-2010; President Elect, 2008-2009; Vice President, 2006-2008; Statistician, 2002-2004; and Annual Meeting Host, 2018. Thanks for your service, David!

New AASG Officers elected

At the 2026 AASG Annual Meeting in Virginia, AASG Members elected their 2026-2027 Officers who will take office on July 1st. The Past President will be Matt Morgan of CO, Ruarri Day-Stirrat of OR will move up from President Elect to President, and Nick Hayman of OK will transition from Vice President to President Elect. The new Vice President – pictured here – will be Simon Jowitt of NV. A new slate of junior Executive members will be Treasurer Matt Heller of VA and Secretary Dwain Veach of NC. New non-Executive Officers will be Scott Ausbrooks of AR as Editor, and Stephen VanRyswyck of MD as Statistician, while Scott Howard of SC is returning as Historian. Thanks to all for your willingness to serve and to lead!

Ruarri Day-Stirrat, 2026-2027 AASG President

On July 1st, Ruarri Day-Stirrat will commence his term as President of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG). He was appointed State Geologist of Oregon in 2022. Ruarri received degrees in geology from Cardiff and Newcastle University in the UK. He was with the Bureau of Economic Geology in Texas from 2006 until 2011, and was then with Shell Research in Houston. Dr. Day-Stirrat has expertise in clay minerals, rock properties, mineralogy, and diagenesis. We anticipate a highly successful year, Ruarri!

Matthew Johnson, State Geologist of Indiana

On August 1st, Matt Johnson will be acting State Geologist of Indiana and Director of the Indiana Geological and Water Survey. Matt has been Assistant Director for Information Services since 2021. According to the IGWS web site, Matt has worked as a professional cartographer for nearly two decades. He joined IGWS in 2012, and has overseen the production of both printed and interactive web maps, publications, collections, outreach, project archiving, and provided support to the IGWS scientist and researchers with data visualization and techniques. In 2003, Matt obtained a Bachelor of Science in Geography with a concentration in GIS from Appalachian State University. Welcome, Matt!

Todd Thompson to retire as Indiana State Geologist

Dr. Todd Thompson will retire as Indiana Geological and Water Survey Director and State Geologist at the end of July. Todd has held the position since 2015. His successor in an acting capacity will be IGWS assistant director for information services Matt Johnson. A graduate of Allegheny College in Pennsylvania, Todd moved to Indiana in 1981 and completed master’s and doctoral degrees from Indiana University – he was named Outstanding Associate Instructor at IU in 1984. In his PhD, Todd conducted highly influential research on lake-level and the southeastern shore of Lake Michigan, with much reliance on the vibracorer. He also has done much work on carbonate rocks. As a team-oriented former football player, Todd has for almost four decades been active and influential in leadership roles at the Survey and leaves a legacy of many innovations and improvements in the Survey. Well done, Todd!

2026 AASG Annual Meeting underway

The 118th annual meeting of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG) is being held from June 6th to 11th in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The meeting is featuring strong participation by USGS leadership, continued focus on Earth MRI, critical minerals, and geologic mapping, discussions on workforce development and ADA compliance, and excellent field trips hosted by Virginia and West Virginia. There is much work to be done!

Funding to state geological surveys continues positive trend

The 2026 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Heller of VA indicates that FY25 revenue to state geological surveys was $315.8M, down from $327.7M in FY24, mainly due to a change in CA, with total staff of 2082 FTE; current estimates are for a bounceback in FY26 to $334.7M and 2117 staff. Funding had peaked at $237M in FY12, due to the federal stimulus, and as federal funds fell by $45M, and total funding bottomed out at $216M in FY14, surveys raised diverse funds to achieve stability, although states vary. Adjusted for inflation, state surveys have been financially stable since the early 80s, although staffing has fallen in that time by a third. FY25 funding was over half state-derived, and 21.8% federal, with the remainder in other categories. State funds are mostly recurring rather than non-recurring; whereas recurring state funds were over 90% of budgets in 1960, this fell to 40% in 2010 and has since stabilized. An upswing in federal funding has occurred, from $51M in FY21 to $68.8M in FY25. However, several states have seen an even stronger surge in state funding. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 34%; the % for all staff is 41%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.

Clint Boyd, State Geologist of North Dakota

On July 1st, Clint Boyd will be State Geologist of North Dakota, as successor to Ed Murphy who held the position since 2004. Clint is from Wisconsin, and he has had a passion for paleontology since high school. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and studied both biology and geology. He volunteered in fossil preparation at the university’s Geology Museum and joined field expeditions to Montana, Wyoming, and British Columbia. His graduate work at UT Austin was on dinosaurs, and in the summers, he worked on Eocene and Oligocene mammals at Badlands National Park in South Dakota. After his PhD in 2012, he was a Postdoc at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. In 2015, he joined the North Dakota Geological Survey as the Paleontology Section Manager. We wish you well, Clint!

Ed Murphy honored by his Governor

Pending his retirement as State Geologist at the end of June, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong has commended Ed Murphy for his leadership, professionalism, and commitment to serving the people of North Dakota. As State Geologist since 2004 and more, Ed has made major contributions to the study of North Dakota’s geochemical and mineralogical resources, stratigraphy, geohazards, and other key geological fields. Anyone who worked with Ed can likely remember a time when he paused over a 35mm slide to share a story from his early days in the field. The knowledge and experience he gained over his nearly five-decade career helped establish North Dakota as a leader in geoscience and energy research. Well deserved, Ed! Congratulations on a successful career and your upcoming retirement!

- North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources

Brian Gootee, State Geologist of Arizona

On July 6, 2026, Brian Gootee will be State Geologist and Director of the Arizona Geological Survey, as successor to Phil Pearthree who has held the post since 2016. Brian has been with the AZGS for 19 years, after working as a consulting geologist in Arizona for 5 years. Brian has contributed extensively regarding geologic mapping, sedimentology, stratigraphy, water resources, landslide, floodings, fault hazards, and in recent years, geothermal, hydrogen gas storage, and carbon sequestration. Originally from Texas, he received his BS and MS degree at Arizona State University. Best of luck, Brian!

David Wunsch receives Emeritus honors at University of Delaware

Following his retirement in 2025, University of Delaware has appointed David Wunsch as an Emeritus Professor of Earth Sciences and Officer of the Delaware Geological Survey. He was State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey from 2011 to 2025. The UD President and Provost recognized David’s long history of contributions and honors, many prior to his Delaware service, and noted that Emeritus status recognizes meritorious service and distinguished contributions to the university and the field. They stated their anticipation that David's legacy of excellence will continue to inspire and impact their academic community. Congratulations David!

Katie Sweeney JD, AASG Pick and Gavel Award 2026 recipient

The 2026 AASG Pick and Gavel Award has been presented to Katie Sweeney, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the National Mining Association, by AASG President and Colorado State Geologist Matt Morgan. Katie has been a respected advocate for the essential role of mining, and a good friend of AASG, for many years. The award honors people who have made significant contributions to advancing the role of geoscience in public policy and who have supported AASG’s goals in government affairs. Thank you for your ongoing service, Katie!

Walter A. Anderson, State Geologist of Maine from 1978 to 1995

Walter Anderson died on February 15, two weeks before his 96th birthday. He was born in Worcester MA in 1930, and studied geology at UMass and Rochester. In the 50s and 60s, he worked for Texaco in Houston. In 1968, he joined the Maine Geological Survey as Assistant State Geologist. He served as State Geologist from 1978 until his retirement in 1995. Walter worked with great integrity, as he built and broadened the Survey for the immense benefit of the people of Maine. He was very active in AASG, and led an active service in geology during retirement. He will be missed.

Mimi Garstang to receive Missouri State honorary doctorate

Missouri State University will grant its 25th honorary doctorate to alumna Mimi Garstang. “Mimi is deserving of this doctorate because she is the embodiment of Missouri State’s public affairs mission,” said the selection committee chair. “She has done so much for the field of geology and the state of Missouri.” In 1972, she graduated with a bachelor’s degree in geology from what was then Southwest Missouri State University. In 1978, she joined the Missouri Geological Survey. She rose through the ranks and made history as the first woman to serve as state geologist of Missouri and director of the Missouri Geological Survey in 2000 – a position she held until 2008. Congratulations, Mimi!

- Missouri State

Ed Murphy to complete his time as North Dakota State Geologist

Edward C. Murphy will soon complete his time as Director of the North Dakota Geological Survey, a position he has held since 2004, when he was successor to John  Bluemle. Ed earned his B.S. in 1979 and his M.S. in 1983 in Geology from the University of North Dakota. He has worked as a geologist for the North Dakota Geological Survey for 46 years. Ed grew up in Bismarck as the son of a petroleum geologist. The position has been advertised. Well done, Ed!

Phil Pearthree to complete his time as Arizona State Geologist

Philip A. Pearthree, Ph.D. will retire as Director of the Arizona Geological Survey in July 2026, having held the position since 2016 as successor to Lee Allison. The position has been advertised. Phil received his B.S. at Oberlin College, and M.S. and Ph.D. at the University of Arizona. He joined AZGS in 1988 and was chief of the Environmental Geology section for more than a decade. Phil is a Kirk Bryan Award co-winner, and authored or co-authored more than 100 geologic reports and maps in nearly four decades with the Survey. Phil was AASG Treasurer from 2020 to 2023. Well done, Phil!

State Geologist of Louisiana, Greg Upton

Dr. Gregory B. Upton is Acting Director of the Louisiana Geological Survey. Greg’s expertise is in energy and environmental economics, mainly oil and gas markets, and energy transition in Louisiana. Dr. Upton holds a B.S., M.A., and Ph.D., the latter in 2014, in Economics from Louisiana State University. Welcome, Greg!

Utah Geological Survey ROI

The Utah Geological Survey (UGS) is Utah’s “go-to” source for all geologic resources information. The data we collect has a wide variety of uses across entities ranging from all types of private industry to local, state, and federal government. Our research often forms the basis for important activity that drives the current and future economy of the state. As such, the information and data that we make readily accessible add significant value to the prosperity of the state of Utah, our industry, and our citizens. In this article, we provide insights from recent efforts to assess the value of geological data provided by state geological surveys.

Ohio launches new interactive geology map

The Ohio Geological Survey has launched a refreshed version of the Ohio Geology Interactive Map (OGIM). The update features new search and visualization tools, an improved user interface, and enhanced accessibility considerations. The application serves as the primary platform for public access to geological observations and inferences in the state. Included are well logs, aquifer details, and potentiometric surfaces, as well as earthquake epicenters, seismic stations, coastal erosion, aggregate extent and thickness, and groundwater vulnerability. The update is emblematic of the Survey’s commitment to fully up-to-date public service that is in tune with the needs and capabilities of the late 2020s. Well done!