KGS expands research, lab space for core, critical materials analysis

Industry executives, state policymakers and University of Kansas leadership joined the Kansas Geological Survey Nov. 6 for a ceremonial ribbon-cutting of the newly renovated Watney CORELAB, which includes a 5,500-square-foot expansion of the existing laboratory space. Wow!

https://kgs.ku.edu/news/article/kgs-expands-research-laboratory-space-for-rock-core-critical-materials-analysis

Mankin Award to Nevada

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 geologic mapping. 

The 2025 AASG Mankin Award has been presented to: 2025 - Jowitt, S.M., Henry, C.D., Crespo Mena, J., Lindsey, C.R., Darin, M.H., Saftner, D.M., Heintz, K.M., and Hershey, R.L., 2024, Lithium in Nevada - origins, extent, role in the energy transition, and implications for economic development and national security: Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology Special Publication 40, 48 p.

Congratulations! https://pubs.nbmg.unr.edu/Lithium-in-Nevada-p/sp040.htm

Frye Award to Delaware

The AASG/GSA John C. Frye Memorial Award recognizes the best recently-published, nominated state geological survey or GSA publication in environmental geology.

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, shortly before his death. John was active in AASG and on national committees, and was influential in the growth of environmental geology.

The 2025 Frye Award was at GSA to Delaware authors, for their publication: 2025 - P.P. McLaughlin, J.L. Tomlinson, and A.K. Lawson, Delaware Geological Survey Bulletin 22, Aquifers and Groundwater Withdrawals, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware, 2023. Congratulations! 

https://udspace.udel.edu/items/bfe0f69f-9caa-4ad3-8169-d6b8d1fb30c2

https://udspace.udel.edu/handle/19716/33550

John LaFave, State Geologist of Montana

John LaFave has been named interim Director of the Montana Bureau of Mines and Geology (MBMG) as successor to John Metesh. John has been part of the MBMG research staff since 1993; most recently, he served as the Research Division Chief. For many years, he served as the Program Manager for the Montana Ground Water Assessment Program. His research has focused on enhancing groundwater monitoring of Montana's principal aquifers and assessing regional groundwater quality. He has also served as an Associate Director of the Montana Water Center, a western-state representative to the National Groundwater Monitoring Network Board, and an Affiliate Faculty member of the Montana Tech Department of Geological Engineering. He holds an M.A. in geology from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. in geology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Welcome, John!

Rodney Alan Combellick, 1951-2025

Rod Combellick passed away unexpectedly at the age of 74 due to a stroke on August 24th, 2025. After his youth in Littleton, Colorado, he completed a BS in geology at University of Washington in 1973, and an MS in geology at University of Southern California. He was employed by the Alaska state geological survey for 32 years, beginning in 1981. His specialties were Quaternary geology, engineering geology, as well as earthquake and tsunami hazards in Alaska. He became Deputy Director in 2002, and was acting State Geologist from 2003 to 2004, prior to his retirement in 2013. He was an accomplished classical organist, and also a pilot. He volunteered with AARP during retirement. He will be missed.

John D. Kiefer, 1940 - 2025

John Kiefer passed away at the age of 85 on September 13, 2025. John earned his Bachelor’s at St. Joseph’s College in Indiana, and his Masters and PhD in Geology from the University of Illinois. He served for three decades with Kentucky Geological Survey, having started in 1979 after brief employment with the Alabama survcey. He was assistant State Geologist most of this time, and in that role he was not known to miss an AASG Annual Meeting. AASG established the Associate and Honorary Associate recognitions with John and few others initially in mind. After retirement in 2009, in 2010, he was the first associate to receive the AASG Distinguished Service Award. He was active with GSA. His service to society was extensive. He will be missed.

John Metesh named Critical Materials Executive Director

On September 1st, John Metesh stepped down as State Geologist of Montana, a position he held since 2012, and was appointed Executive Director of the Montana Tech Critical Materials Initiatives. John was the 2023-2024 AASG President. He holds a Master’s degree in geological/geophysical engineering from Montana College of Mineral Science and Technology, and a Ph.D. in geology from University of Montana. John’s expertise is in geochemical modeling, hydrogeology, and hydrogeochemistry. Thanks for your service, and good luck, John!

Ranie Lynds is State Geologist of Wyoming

In August, Ranie Lynds was named Interim Director of the Wyoming State Geological Survey, upon the departure of Erin Campbell who served in the role since 2017. Ranie joined the survey in 2012 and has served as Energy and Mineral Resources Manager since 2017. She has focused on oil and gas, and led the Wyoming Statemap and EarthMRI programs. Ranie earned her Bachelors and Masters degrees from Stanford University and a PhD in fluvial sedimentology from the University of Wyoming. Welcome, Ranie!

New facility for USGS and CO School of Mines taking shape

The Colorado School of Mines and USGS have announced progress on a partially built new building. The USGS Energy and Minerals Research Facility to open in 2027 will include 20 labs and space for 70 CSM and 200 USGS scientists. Included will be a comprehensive mineral characterization lab, and a fluid inclusion lab. The Colorado Geological Survey will be nearby on the School of Mines campus, where they have been located since 2013. Construction of the building signifies the great importance and bright future of geological survey work and public sector research in supporting the needs of the nation.

Erin Campbell, State Geologist of Alaska

In August, Erin Campbell will commence duties as Director of the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys. She served superbly as Wyoming State Geologist from 2017 to the present, and as AASG President in 2021-2022. Erin also served as a cabinet member for the governor of Wyoming, and member of the Wyoming Oil and Gas Commission. She spent a year as manager of the Energy and Mineral Resources division at the Wyoming Survey before being appointed state geologist. Before that, during 15 years at University of Wyoming, she taught undergraduate and graduate courses, directed the Geology Field Camp, and conducted research in structural geology and geomechanics. She also was a geologist with Chevron in Louisiana and California. Erin holds a B.S. degree in geology from Occidental College and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Wyoming, specializing in structural geology. Good luck with your next stint, Erin!

Peter Mclaughlin, State Geologist of Delaware

Peter Mclaughlin will be Director of the Delaware Geological Survey on August 1, as successor to David Wunsch, who held the post since 2011.  Peter has over 35 years of professional experience, and has been with DGS since 1999, after a decade with Exxon. His expertise is in stratigraphy and hydrogeology. He holds a 1984 B.S. in Geology from the University of Delaware and a 1989 Ph.D. in Geology from Louisiana State University. He also is Geology Professor at UD. Welcome Peter!

Steve Brown is Illinois State Geologist

As of May 1, Steve Brown was named the Interim Director of the Illinois State Geological Survey, upon Dick Berg’s retirement. Recently, as a long-time member of ISGS staff, after service in other states, he has been working on the Lake Michigan shoreline and lake-bottom change. His expertise is in glacial geology. He received his A.B. from Albion College, and his M.S. from University of Wisconsin in Madison. Good work, Steve!

AASG/BOEM MOU

An updated version of the Memorandum of Understanding between AASG and the Bureau of Ocean and Energy Management (BOEM) was ceremonially signed by AASG President, Jessica Moore, and BOEM Associate Director for Strategic Resources, Megan Carr, during the AASG annual meeting in Baton Rouge. This MOU maintains and strengthens the partnership between state geological surveys and BOEM by leveraging onshore expertise to help solve offshore problems. These include the identification and characterization of industrial and critical minerals, offshore energy and submarine cable placement, coastal zone hazards, and habitat mapping. Initial efforts to align State and Federal priorities on these important issues will focus on seamless onshore-offshore mapping, with a data call from BOEM to be released in the coming months.

The 2025 AASG Annual Meeting was enjoyable and successful!

State Geologist of Louisiana Clare Falcon hosted an enjoyable 2025 AASG Annual Meeting – our 117thg - on May 31 - June 5 in Baton Rouge. Scenic and informative field trips were held to Avery Island, home of Tabasco® Sauce, and to the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Center for River Studies, to explore a large-scale model of the Lower Mississippi River and other engaging exhibits. The annual meeting was a success, capped off by a ceremonial MOU signing with BOEM for onshore-offshore mapping. Thanks to our friends in Louisiana for hosting!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jim Faulds

At the 2025 AASG Annual Meeting in Louisiana, AASG President Jessica Moore of WV presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jim Faulds of NV. 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. Jim was State Geologist of NV from 2012-2024; AASG President, 2022-2023; President Elect, 2021-2022; Vice President, 1920-2021; and Annual Meeting Host, 2022. Recently, he co-led the Economic Analysis of the Costs and Benefits of Geological Mapping in the United States of America from 1994 to 2019. Thanks for your service, Jim!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Dick Berg

At the 2025 AASG Annual Meeting in Louisiana, AASG President Jessica Moore of WV presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Dick Berg of IL. 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. Dick was State Geologist of IL from 2014-2025. He served as AASG Editor from 2019 to 2021, and has been a Committee Chair. As an example of his diverse and highly admirable service, for many years, he has been a leader of the Great Lakes Geological Mapping Coalition. Recently, he co-led the Economic Analysis of the Costs and Benefits of Geological Mapping in the United States of America from 1994 to 2019. Thanks for your service, Dick!

New AASG Officers elected

At the 2025 Annual Meeting in Louisiana, AASG Members elected their 2025-2026 Officers who will take office on July 1st. The Past President will be Jessica Moore of WV, and Matt Morgan of CO will move up from Vice President to President. Ruarri Day-Stirrat of OR – pictured here – will be President Elect, and Nick Hayman of OK will be Vice President. Returning junior Executive are Treasurer Claudio Berti of ID and Secretary Harley Means of FL. The non-Executive Officers will be Casey Hanell of WA returning as Editor, Matthew Heller of VA returning as Statistician, and Scott Howard of SC coming in as Historian. Thanks to all for your willingness to lead!

AASG Presidential Award to Matt Morgan

At the 2025 AASG Annual Meeting in Louisiana, AASG President Jessica Moore of WV presented the AASG Presidential Award to Matt Morgan, State Geologist of Colorado. 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. Thank-you for your service, Matt!

Matt Morgan of Colorado, 2025-2026 AASG President

Matt Morgan, State Geologist and Director at the Colorado Geological Survey since 2022, will be the 2025-2026 AASG President on July 1st. Matt was AASG VP in 2024-2025, and 2023 Annual Meeting Host. Matt received his bachelor’s degree in Geology from New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 1996. He received a Professional Degree in GIS and Remote Sensing from University of Denver in 1997, and a Master’s degree in geology from the Colorado School of Mines in 2006. He also studied advanced project management at the Stanford School of Business in 2015. He was with the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources from 1993 to 1995. He joined the Colorado Survey in 1996, and became Deputy Director in 2015. Thanks for your leadership, Matt!

Funding to state geological surveys continues positive trend

The 2025 Report of AASG Statistician Matt Heller of VA indicates that FY24 revenue to state geological surveys was $327.7M, up from $307.7M in FY23, with total staff of 2069 FTE; current estimates for FY25 are $327M and 2139 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. FY24 funding was half state-derived, and 23.5% 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 is underway, from $51M in FY21 to an estimated $76M 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%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online. The final report may be slightly revised at the end of June. The survey predates very recent federal developments.

Hugo F. Thomas, State Geologist of Connecticut from 1974 to 1989

Hugo Thomas passed away on January 27, 2025 at age 89. He was an associate professor at the University of Connecticut prior to his appointment in 1974 as the Director of a renewed Connecticut Geological Survey which had previously been based at Wesleyan University. He worked closely with USGS, established the Natural Resource Center, and was a leader in GIS. He hosted the 1985 AASG annual meeting in Mystic, CT. Hugo received the USGS John Wesley Powell Award in 1988, and the citation noted his leadership in the use of a comprehensive water resources information system. He was elected an AASG Honorary Member in 1990. He will be missed.

Bradford James Avy, Former State Geologist of Oregon, 1955-2024

Brad Avy passed away in September 2024. He was State Geologist of Oregon from 2015 to 2021. Before that he was with the Washington Agriculture department in commodity inspection, a senior research analyst with the Washington House of Representatives, and also with Washington State Departments of Health, and also Ecology. He began his career in geotechnical field studies as an engineering geologist in Alaska, co-founded the Eureka Drilling Company, and worked as a hydrogeologist in Washington on toxic site cleanup investigations. His bachelor's degree in geology was from the University of Washington, and his master's in geology from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He will be missed.

David Wunsch to complete his time as Delaware State Geologist

Dr. David R. Wunsch will retire this year as State Geologist and Director of the Delaware Geological Survey, a position he has held since 2011. He was Director of Science & Technology for the National Ground Water Association (NGWA) in 2010/2011. From 2000 to 2010, he was State Geologist of New Hampshire. He received his PhD from Kentucky in 1992. At the Kentucky Geological Survey, beginning in 1982, he was Coordinator of the Coal-Field Hydrology Program. Before that, he was instructor of geology at Central Michigan University. David was AGI President in 2021-2022, and AGI Executive Secretary in 2002-2004. He was an NGWA Division Director in 2002-2005, AASG President in 2009-2010, and AGI's first Congressional Science Fellow in 1998-1999. He has served on multiple high level panels, and has been the recipient of several prestigious awards, including being 2024 Campbell Medalist. Thank-you for your superb service, David!

Lee Gerhard, 1938-2025

Dr. Lee C. Gerhard died on April 12, 2025. He was born in New York State, received his BS in geology from Syracuse in 1958, and his PhD from Kansas in 1964. He served in the military, and worked in academia and consulting. He was State Geologist of North Dakota from 1978 to 1982 and State Geologist of Kansas from 1986 to 1999. He will be missed.

Darlene Batatian, State Geologist of Utah

Darlene Batatian has been named Utah State Geologist and director of the Utah Geological Survey, as successor to Bill Keach who held the position since 2019. She had been serving as Deputy Director since last year. She began her career working for USGS and has been in consulting, as well as Salt Lake County Geologist from 1998 to 2006. She received her geology undergrad from UC Santa Cruz, and a master’s from Idaho State. Welcome, Darlene!

Dick Berg to complete his time as Illinois State Geologist

On April 30th, Dick Berg will retire as State Geologist of Illinois, a position he has held since 2014. Deputy Director Steve Brown will step in as Interim Director. Dick holds a Bachelor’s degree from Indiana State, a Master’s from Eastern Michigan, and a Ph.D. from Illinois in 1979. He joined Illinois State Geological Survey in 1974. He has received many honors, such as co-Recipient of the Frye Award in 1991, and numerous honors since, and he has served extensively in AASG, and GSA, for example. Dick served as AASG Editor from 2019 to 2021, for example, and as AASG Committee Chair. His contributions to fields related to geological mapping, and to addressing the needs of society, have been immense. He played major roles, for example, in the Great Lakes Geological Mapping Coalition. Dick, we thank you for your tremendous contributions so far, and we look forward to your ongoing influential and highly constructive roles.

2025 AASG Annual Meeting

The 117th AASG Annual Meeting will be hosted by Louisiana Geological Survey on May 31 - June 5, 2025 at Cook Hotel and Conference Center on the LSU campus in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Scenic and informative field trips are being planned to Avery Island, home of Tabasco® Sauce, and to the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority Center for River Studies, to explore a large-scale model of the Lower Mississippi River and other engaging exhibits. AASG Members, Associates, Honorary Members, and guests, as well as representatives from partner agencies are welcome to register. See you in Baton Rouge!

https://www.lsu.edu/lgs/conferences/aasg2025/index.php

Importance of State Geological Surveys

This interview with Dr. Jon Kim and Dr. Ben Dejong from the Vermont State Geological Survey showcases the important work state geological surveys do, how it is done, & highlights an exciting upcoming session they are hosting for the Northeastern/Northcentral Geological Society of America Sectional Meeting this March 2025! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXoHABOfsBs

Charles G. Groat, 1940-2025

Chip Groat, who was born in New York State, passed away on March 14th. Charles G. Groat held degrees from Rochester, U Mass Amherst, and UT Austin. He was associate professor and acting director of the Bureau of Economic Geology between 1968 and 1978. He was State Geologist of Louisiana from 1978-1990, in 1992, and 2017-2021. He was executive director for AGI (1990-1992), and executive director (1992–1995) for the LSU Center for Coastal, Energy, and Environmental Resources. In 1995 he moved to UT at El Paso. He was Director of the USGS from 1998 to 2005, and Campbell Medalist in 1998. In 2005, he returned to UT Austin as program and center director and Interim Dean. In 2012, he again moved to Louisiana to lead the Water Institute of the Gulf, and then from 2017-2021, he was acting Director of the Louisiana Geological Survey, before retiring from public service in 2021. He has been an AASG Honorary Member since 1993. He was AASG President in 1987–88. He will be missed. 

Bob Jordan, Delaware State Geologist

Robert R. Jordan, Delaware State Geologist from 1969 to 2003, recently passed away at the age of 87. Bob received an A.B. from Hunter College, and both M.A. and Ph.D. in geology from Bryn Mawr College. He joined the Delaware Geological Survey in 1958. Bob was AASG President in 1983-84, he received the Ian Campbell Award in 1996, and the AASG Distinguished Service Award in 2007. He will be missed.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito, AASG Pick and Gavel Award 2025 recipient

The 2025 AASG Pick and Gavel Award has been presented to WV Senator Shelley Moore Capito by AASG President and West Virginia State Geologist Jessica Moore. The Senator was given a brooch made of silicified Lithostrotionella, a fossil coral that is the WV state gemstone. 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 service, Senator!

Lorena Moscardelli, State Geologist of Texas

Dr. Lorena Moscardelli has been named State Geologist of Texas, as successor to Scott Tinker who held the position from 2000 to 2024; Mark Shuster was acting State Geologist for several months. She joined the bureau in 2003 as a doctoral student, and was there for a decade before joining Equinor. She returned in 2021 to lead the STARR program on efficient production and profitability of energy and natural resources in Texas. Moscardelli holds a bachelor’s degree in geological engineering from Central University of Venezuela, a doctoral degree in geology from UT, and executive education at the Wharton. Welcome to AASG, Lorena.

Ned Mamula, USGS Director nominee

Ned Mamula has been nominated to be USGS Director. Recently, Ned has been Chief Geologist at GreenMet. He was with DOE as Critical Minerals Program Director from 2019-23, Cato Institute from 2015-19, the DOI Presidential Transition Team in 2016-17, CIA from 2009-15, USGS in Reston from 2003-09, Anadarko in Houston from 1997-03, DOE in Tulsa from 1993-97, and USGS in Reston as Resource Geologist from 1977-87. He is author of Groundbreaking! America’s New Quest for Mineral Independence. Dr. Mamula holds geology degrees from Slippery Rock, Penn State, and Texas A&M University, and a Master’s in Strategic and Resource Policy, from Johns Hopkins. Great to be working with you yet again, Ned!

Andrea Travnicek, DOI Assistant Secretary for Water and Science nominee

Dr. Andrea Travnicek (Trav-nick) has been nominated to be DOI Assistant Secretary for Water and Science. Since 2021, she has been Director of North Dakota Department of Water Resources, and before that, she was head of the North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department. She previously held senior leadership positions with DOI in the late 2010s. Andrea holds a 2008 Ph.D. in Natural Resources Management/Communication from North Dakota State University, and she is an accomplished soccer player. Good to be working with you again, Andrea!

Doug Burgum, DOI Secretary

On January 31st, Doug Burgum was sworn in as the Secretary of the Interior. Secretary Burgum was first elected North Dakota Governor in 2016. Before that, the company he led was acquired by Microsoft, and he was in real estate. He was born in North Dakota, and he holds degrees from North Dakota State University and Stanford University. Best of luck, Secretary Burgum!

Bill Keach to complete his time as Utah State Geologist

In April 2025, Bill Keach will retire as Director of the Utah Geological Survey, a position he has held since 2019. He holds a B.S. in Geology from BYU and an M.S. in geophysics from Cornell. He worked in the Gulf of Mexico offshore and with California Division of Oil and Gas. He worked on 3D visualization for Landmark Graphics, now Halliburton, for 17 years. In 2006, he returned to Utah to take on roles in seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling at the Energy and Geoscience Institute at the University of Utah and BYU. Thanks for your tremendous contributions so far, Bill!

Dwain Veach is State Geologist of North Carolina

Dwain Veach has been appointed State Geologist at the North Carolina Geological Survey, where he has been employed for five years. Previously, he was with Devon Energy and Chaparral Energy in Oklahoma. He has a Masters degree in geology from University of Oklahoma and a Bachelor’s in geology and physics from Southern Utah University. He has specialized in organic chemistry and sedimentary basin characterization. Welcome Dwain!

Simon Jowitt, State Geologist of Nevada

On February 1st, 2025, Dr. Simon Jowitt was appointed State Geologist of Nevada, as successor to Jim Faulds, and Bill Hammond who had been interim Director. He has been with the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology since 2023. He has applied his expertise in geochemistry to mineral systems, igneous petrology, and tectonics. He has undertaken extensive research on mineral economics and supply. Simon also studies the environmental impact of mining and the potential uses of mining and other wastes for metal production and CO2 sequestration. He was awarded the SEG Waldemar Lindgren Award in 2014. He has degrees from the University of Edinburgh, the Camborne School of Mines, and the University of Leicester, all in the UK. For eight years, he was at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia before seven years on the faculty University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Welcome, Simon!