2022 Campbell Medalist, Jean M. Bahr

The AGI Campbell Medal honors Ian Campbell, 1959-1969 State Geologist of California, whose service to our profession was profound. The Medal is presented each year to a nationally recognized, living statesperson with a distinguished record of significant achievements in science, education, and administration, in support of the profession of geology and its role in society. The 2022 Campbell Medalist is Jean Bahr, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison, for her unselfish service to the geosciences through proactive leadership of professional societies, inspirational mentorship of students and colleagues, valued advice on science for sound public policy at the highest levels of the Federal Government, and respected research contributions. Dr. Bahr is a highly respected hydrogeologist whose research contributions focus on the interactions between physical and biogeochemical processes in groundwater, effects of heterogeneity in solute transport, paleohydrology, groundwater and ecosystems. Congratulations, Jean! (americangeosciences.org)

Frye Award to Wisconsin

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 2022 Frye Award will be presented to Wisconsin authors, for their publication: A. C. Fehling, and D. J. Hart, 2021, Potential Effects of Climate Change on Stream Temperature in the Marengo River Headwaters, Wisconsin Geological and Natural History Survey Bulletin 115, 74 p. Congratulations!

https://wgnhs.wisc.edu/catalog/publication/000976/resource/b115

State Geologist of Kansas, Jay Kalbas

On July 25th, 2022, Jay Kalbas will be State Geologist of Kansas. Jay has been with ExxonMobil for sixteen years, with his work most recently focusing on offshore Guyana, subsurface characterization, and fluid flow modeling. Jay has been a visiting assistant professor at Bucknell University, and has presented short courses at Purdue, University of Iowa, and LSU. He has published geologic maps, made contributions to academic literature, and delivered invited lectures. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Furman University, a Master’s from the University of Tennessee, and a doctorate from Purdue University. Welcome, Jay!

https://today.ku.edu/2022/06/27/ku-names-new-director-lead-kansas-geological-survey

Rolfe Mandel to complete his time as State Geologist of Kansas

On July 24th 2022, Rolfe Mandel will complete his time as State Geologist of Kansas, a position he has held since 2016, as successor to Rex Buchanan. Rolfe is a Distinguished Professor of Archaeology at the University of Kansas who has been widely influential over three decades, largely based on his work on the geoarchaeology of the Great Plains and the Mediterranean. He obtained his BS in from the University of Texas at Austin in 1975, and at University of Kansas, his masters in 1980 was on paleosols in Texas, and his PhD in 1991 was on Holocene landscape evolution in southwestern Kansas. Thank-you for your service, and best wishes on your next steps, Rolfe!

Total annual funding to state geological surveys exceeds a quarter billion dollars

The 2022 Report of AASG Statistician Ken Bradbury of WI indicates that FY21 revenue to state geological surveys was $239M, with total staff of 1790 FTE; current estimates for FY22 are $263M and 1885 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. FY21 funding was half state-derived, and 20% 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. A significant upswing in federal funding is underway, from $51M in FY21 to an estimated $65M in FY22. Percent female among science staff has risen steadily over a decade from 24% to 30%. Publication sales have dwindled and stabilized as publications are offered for free online.

Jim Faulds, AASG President, 2022-2023

On July 1st, 2022, Jim Faulds, State Geologist of Nevada, will be President of AASG. James E. Faulds is Director, State Geologist, and Professor, at Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology, Mackay School of Earth Sciences and Engineering, University of Nevada, Reno. Jim received his B.S. from University of Montana in 1981, his M.S. from University of Arizona in 1986, and his Ph.D. from University of New Mexico in 1989. His expertise is in geologic mapping, structural geology, tectonics, paleomagnetism, and geothermal. Previously, Jim was a professor at University of Iowa from 1991 to 1997. Lead on, Jim!

 

The 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada – a great success!

After two years of pandemic online meetings, the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting was very successfully held at the Tahoe Ridge Resort in Nevada, from June 12 – 16, hosted by the Nevada Bureau of Mines and Geology. The meeting included technical sessions, field trips and keynote addresses by invited speakers from science, energy, environment and policy. The meeting offered numerous optional field trips, including a field trip featuring Nevada’s hydrothermal sites. Author of the book "The Bonanza King: John Mackay and the Battle Over the Greatest Riches in the American West" Gregory Crouch spoke at the event's closing reception. What a wonderful meeting! Thanks to the organizers for a superb job.

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jon Arthur

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Jon Arthur, Executive Director of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI). Jonathan D. Arthur was State Geologist of Florida, 2010-2021; AASG Past President, 2015-2016; President, 2014-2015; President Elect, 2013-2014; Vice President, 2012-2013; Treasurer, 2010-2012. Great work, Jon!

 

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki McConnell

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Vicki McConnell, who has been GSA Executive Director since 2015. Vicki S. McConnell was State Geologist of Oregon, 2003-2015; AASG Past President, 2012-2013; President, 2011-2012; President Elect, 2010-2011; Vice President, 2009-2010; Secretary, 2007-2009. Thanks, Vicki!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Bob Marvinney

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Bob Marvinney. Robert G. Marvinney was State Geologist of Maine, 1995-2021; Annual Meeting Host, 1998; Secretary, 2001-2003; President Elect, 2003-2004; President, 2004-2005; Past President, 2005-2006; Honoraries Chair, 2016-2021; Education Chair, 2015-2021; Water Chair, 2010-2012. Thanks for your service and friendship, Bob!

AASG Distinguished Service Award to Chip Groat

At the 2022 AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Distinguished Service Award to Chip Groat. Charles G. Groat was State Geologist of Louisiana from 1978-1990; in 1992; and 2017-2021; Director, U.S. Geological Survey, 1998-2005; Ian Campbell Medalist, 1998; AASG Honorary Member, 1993-present; AASG Past President, 1988–89; AASG President, 1987–88; AASG President Elect, 1986-1987

AASG Presidential Award to Harvey Thorleifson

On June 15th, 2022, at the AASG Annual Meeting in Nevada, AASG President Erin Campbell of Wyoming presented the AASG Presidential Award to Harvey Thorleifson, State Geologist of Minnesota. Harvey was a big asset to AASG during the past year through his service as interim secretary, taking co-lead on the Liaison Committee, assistance monitoring many federal matters including the BIL, sharing of institutional knowledge, and willingness to step in whenever needed.  Thank you, Harvey!

DMT returns to an in-person format

After two years of virtual sessions during the pandemic, the 26th annual Digital Mapping Techniques workshop was hosted by the Missouri Geological Survey, as an in-person event, May 22-25, in Rolla, MO. Vicki Voigt and her colleagues did a great job hosting this event.  In addition to federal staff, twenty-three State geological surveys were represented. Thanks as always to Dave Soller!

Vicki Cowart, 2022 Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame Inductee

Vicki Cowart is one of seventeen extraordinary women who have been inducted into the Colorado Women’s Hall of Fame for the class of 2022. Vicki was State Geologist of Colorado from 1992 to 2003, AASG President in 2001/2002, and AGI Campbell Medalist in 2010. In 2021, Cowart retired as president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains (PPRM). Vicki graduated from the Colorado School of Mines (CSM), and has been honored by that institution. Congratulations, Vicki!

https://www.cogreatwomen.org/

Ruarri Day-Stirrat, State Geologist of Oregon

On April 1, 2022, Dr. Ruarri J. Day-Stirrat was appointed State Geologist of Oregon, after several months in which Sarah Lewis was acting in this capacity. 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. Welcome, Ruarri!

 

Steve Dickson Named Maine State Geologist

In December 2021, Stephen M. Dickson was named State Geologist with the Maine Geological Survey, after acting in this capacity after Bob Marvinney’s retirement at the end of last June. Steve joined the Maine survey in 1986 after graduating from the University of Rhode Island. With MGS, he has served as State Marine Geologist (2000-2021), Marine Geologist (1990-1999), and Senior Geologist (1986-1989). He holds a Ph.D. in Geological Oceanography from the University of Maine, an M.S. in Geological Oceanography from the University of Rhode Island, and a B.A. in Environmental Sciences from Wesleyan University. Stephen co-chairs the Science and Technology Subcommittee of the Maine Climate Council and co-authored the Scientific Assessment of Climate Change and Its Effects in Maine Sea Level Rise and Storm Surge chapter. Welcome, Steve!

https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=6216903

2022 AASG Pick and Gavel Award to Senator Barrasso

AASG presents the Pick and Gavel Award to distinguished friends of geology who have made significant contributions to advancing the role that geoscience plays in public policy. The 2022 recipient is Senator John Barrasso M.D. of Wyoming. Senator Barrasso was sworn in to US Senate in 2007, and previously served in the Wyoming Senate from 2003 to 2007. He is the ranking member of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. He also serves on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the Senate Finance Committee. During 24 years as an orthopedic surgeon, he served as President of the Wyoming Medical Society and was named Wyoming Physician of the Year. Senator Barrasso received his M.D. from Georgetown in 1978, and conducted his residency at Yale Medical School in New Haven, Connecticut.

David LePain, State Geologist of Alaska

In March this year, David LePain will become State Geologist of Alaska, as successor to Steve Masterman. David has been a Petroleum Geologist at the Alaska survey since 2014. His specialties are applied sedimentology and stratigraphy, basin analysis, and petroleum geology. David obtained his B.S. in geology with distinction at Wayne State University in Detroit, his M.S. in geology in 1987 at Wright State University in Dayton Ohio H, and his Ph.D. in geology at University of Alaska Fairbanks in 1993. David has gained much industry experience over the years, as well as early career service with the Wisconsin and Alaska state geological surveys. Welcome, David!

Steve Masterman to complete his time as State Geologist of Alaska

Steven S. Masterman is planning to retire as State Geologist and Director at the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys this spring. Steve was appointed to this role in 2013, as successor to Bob Swenson. He performed superbly as AASG VP, President Elect, President, and Past President from 2015 to 2019. Steve hosted a wonderfully successful AASG Annual Meeting in 2016, and the Alaska team heroically hosted AASG digital infrastructure for over a decade. Prior to his Alaska state government service, Steve worked extensively in the mineral industry, including work in Alaska, Peru and Nevada. He earned a bachelor’s degree in mining geology from the Royal School of Mines, and a master’s degree in geological engineering from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Thanks for your service, Steve!

Harley Means, State Geologist of Florida

Guy “Harley” Means is the 7^th State Geologist of Florida, as successor to Jon Arthur, who is now Executive Director of AGI. Harley was born and raised in Tallahassee as a fourth generation Florida native. He grew up on Tall Timbers Research Station where his father was director. He received his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in geology from Florida State University. At the Survey, he has worked on stratigraphy, paleontology, karst, geoarchaeology, and hydrogeology. He is coauthor of Roadside Geology of Florida. Congratulations, Harley!