"The
Geoscience Community Honors the Man Who Shook Up Earthquake Science"
Alexandria, VA - The American Geosciences Institute is
honoring one of the scientists who advanced earthquake hazards preparedness and
mitigation in the U.S. by his superlative service to the earth sciences. This
year's recipient of the Ian Campbell Medal, Dr. James "Jim" Davis, is
one of the key scientists behind U.S. earthquake hazards and loss reduction
policy as it is known today. [Photo credit, Calif. Dept. of Conservation]
He also has helped to shape how geoscientists communicate
with the public to help people better understand the seismic environment they
live in. Davis has been a State Geologist of not one, but two states, and has the
distinction of being the longest serving State Geologist in California history;
a tradition started in 1850.
His career started in New York with the New York State
Geological Survey. There, he demonstrated the importance of using geology and
seismology in siting of nuclear power plants and nuclear waste-disposal
facilities, as well as publishing reports detailing mineral resources,
developing geologic standards for a variety of environmental quality
applications and creating the Northeastern US Seismic Monitoring Network.
Davis' successes made him a candidate for the California
State Geologist position which was vacant. He has been a strong advocate for
expanding modern seismic monitoring systems as a tool for assessing regional
earthquake vulnerability enabling structural engineers to design structures
that are more earthquake resistant. Emergency responders can also better
evaluate post-earthquake needs. He oversaw the implementation of the Seismic
Hazards Mapping Act in California which has resulted in high-resolution
geologic mapping of faults, liquefaction-, and land-hazard susceptibility maps.
Following the Northridge Earthquake in 1994, he accelerated seismic safety
reviews of new public school construction and hospital upgrade construction
designs.
Davis has taken every opportunity in his career to apply
a robust knowledge of geoscience to creating legislation to protect Americans,
and his techniques have been replicated globally. He is a Past-President of
AGI, and his work continues with leadership positions at AGI member
organization, the Geological Society of America and his colleagues continue to
laud him for "strength, good character, and a willingness to listen to
others." He has been recognized by AGI member organization the Association
of American State Geologists, the Consortium of Strong-Motion Operating Systems
(COSMOS) and was awarded the University of Wisconsin Geoscientist Distinguished
Alumni Award in 2008. AGI thanks Davis for his monumental contributions to
geoscience and public policy.
The Ian Campbell Medal is given in recognition of
singular performance in and contribution to the profession of geology.
Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, whose
service to the profession touched virtually every facet of the geosciences.
Campbell was a most uncommon man of remarkable accomplishment and widespread
influence. In his career as a geologist, educator, administrator, and public
servant, he was noted for his candor and integrity. The title of the award was
changed for the 2009 award to add "for Superlative Service to the
Geosciences" in order to emphasize the importance of service shown by the
recipient.
[taken from the AGI announcement]
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