Archive for September, 2006

Dr. Robert Hatcher to Receive AGI’s Ian Campbell Award for 2006

Friday, September 29th, 2006

The AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for 2006 will be awarded to Dr. Robert D. Hatcher, Jr. in recognition of his contributions to the profession of geology. Hatcher will be presented this prestigious award at the Geological Society of America (GSA) Presidential Address Ceremony in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 21, 2006.

Hatcher received both a B.A. and a M.S. from Vanderbilt University. He then received a Ph.D. in 1965 in structural geology from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Following graduation, he worked for Humble Oil and Refining Company. From there, he moved into a career in academia at Florida State University, and the University of South Carolina-Columbia. In 1986 he moved to the University of Tennessee-Knoxville and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. He remains on the faculty of the University of Tennessee.

Hatcher has been president of both GSA (1993) and AGI (1996). He has also served on several GSA and National Academy of Science committees. Currently, Hatcher is the Chair of the Geological Society of America Foundation Board of Trustees, Chair of the GSA Honorary Fellows Committee, and Co-Chair of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists History of Petroleum Geologists Committee. Hatcher will be the 25th recipient of this award that is given annually in memory if Ian Campbell, a man of remarkable accomplishment and influence.

Dr. Hatcher’s long history of service to the science and profession makes him extremely deserving of this honor.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.

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AGI Announces New Executive Committee Officers

Thursday, September 28th, 2006

The American Geological Institute (AGI) welcomes three new officers to the positions of President-Elect, Secretary, and Member-at-large, Peter J. McCabe, Mary M. Poulton, and Lucy E. Edwards respectively.

Dr. Peter McCabe of the U.S. Geological Survey in Denver, Colorado will join the AGI Executive Committee as President-Elect. He is currently leading research studies on Deltaic Petroleum Systems of the World and Mesozoic-Cenozoic Arctic Depositional History. McCabe has also served in leadership roles for SEPM and AAPG and has been editor for several publications.

Dr. Mary Poulton will be serving as Secretary of the AGI Executive Committee. She has been Chair of the Department of Mining and Geological engineering at the University of Arizona since 2000. Poulton has substantial consulting experience and has been an active contributor to many diverse professional and citizen-based initiatives.

Dr. Lucy Edwards will be joining the AGI Executive Committee as one of the Members-at-Large. She currently works at the U.S. Geological Survey at Reston, Virginia. Edwards has diverse experience in the geosciences having worked in industry, academia and government. She is active in a number of professional societies and organizations.

The new members of the AGI Executive Committee will be installed during the annual Geological Society of America convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 24, 2006.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.

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Kluessendorf to be Presented with the AGI Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences

Thursday, September 28th, 2006

The American Geological Institute (AGI) will be presenting Dr. Joanne Kluessendorf the 2006 Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences. This award, given annually, honors an individual for contributions which lead to greater public appreciation and understanding of the role of the geosciences in society.

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Dr. Kluessendorf received both her B.S. and her Ph.D. in geology from the University of Illinois at Urbana—Champaign. She is currently serving as the Director of the Weis Earth Science Museum and as an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley.

Kluessendorf has a long history of educating the public about the earth sciences. She was instrumental in the development, design, and implementation of construction of the Weis Earth Science Museum, the official mineralogical museum of Wisconsin. She has nominated more areas as National Historic Landmarks than any person in the country. The National Park Service has in turn designated all of Kluessendorf’s nominated areas, located in five states, as National Historic Landmarks.

She will be presented with the Award for Outstanding Contribution to Public Understanding of the Geosciences at the Friends of AGI Awards Reception held during the Geological Society of America annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 24, 2006.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.

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Earth Science Week Kicks Off with International EarthCache Day, Washington, D.C.

Wednesday, September 27th, 2006

Earth Science Week 2006 will begin with the first International EarthCache Day from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, 2006, on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The public is invited to join the EarthCache team from the Geological Society of America, in association with Groundspeak Inc., the American Geological Institute, and the National Park Service, in celebrating the exciting educational geocaching tool of EarthCaching at this event on the grounds northwest of the Washington Monument.

This event will give participants an opportunity to see how EarthCaches are developed and allow them to speak to EarthCaching officials about ideas for potential EarthCaches. Participants also can learn about the EarthCache Masters pin program and receive their own white EarthCache Masters pin. Additional EarthCache events are being held on the same day in other states and countries. To view the locations for this and other EarthCaching events, please go to http://www.earthcache.org/. Currently more than 550 EarthCaches are located in 27 countries, and the number is growing rapidly.

Earth Science Week is an annual event sponsored by the American Geological Institute to expand the public understanding and appreciation for the earth sciences and to encourage stewardship of the Earth. This year’s Earth Science Week will be October 8-14. To learn more about Earth Science Week and this event please visit http://www.earthsciweek.org/.

As well as meeting the EarthCache and Earth Science Week teams, Greg Forbes, the Severe Weather Expert of The Weather Channel will speak on the effects of weather on the Washington Monument and other local edifices. Participants will learn about the various stones that make up the nation’s monuments.

Speakers will discuss how EarthCaches can be developed. Participants will be encouraged to engage in hands-on activities as well as sharing ideas and stories about their geocaching experiences. Travel bugs and geocoins may be exchanged with other participants. Afterward, participants are encouraged to try their hands at finding and logging geocaches and waymarks in the close vicinity.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.

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Dr. M. Ray Thomasson to Receive the 2006 William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI

Tuesday, September 26th, 2006

The American Geological Institute (AGI) announces Dr. M. Ray Thomasson as the 2006 William B. Heroy, Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI recipient. This annual award is given in recognition of exceptional long-term service and support of AGI programs and activities.

Thomasson has served in a number of leadership roles for AGI, including as the first Chair of the independent AGI Foundation, as a Trustee of the AGI Foundation, and as AGI President in 2003. He has been instrumental in the development of a number of AGI outreach activities, including nurturing relationships between AGI and the National Park Service, promoting the development geoscience-oriented children’s books, and championing the development of the forthcoming Faces of Earth TV series being produced in cooperation with The Science Channel. His leadership in the areas of outreach has extended beyond AGI, including campaigning for additional support for the Geological Society of America’s GeoCorps program that places geoscientists in the National Parks.

Thomasson obtained both a B.S. and a M.S. from the University of Missouri and a Ph.D. from the University of Wisconsin. He has received Distinguished Alumni awards from both institutions. Thomasson worked in management for Shell Oil Company, as Vice President of Exploration for McCormick Oil and Gas, Inc., as President of Spectrum Oil and Gas, Inc., and as President of Pend Oreille Oil and Gas, Inc. In 1990, he founded Thomasson Partner Associates, Inc., a firm that generates and promotes high-potential exploration projects to industry. In addition to strong leadership roles at AGI, Thomasson has also been President of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.

Dr. Thomasson’s constant involvement and support of AGI, and the geoscience community as a whole, has made him very deserving of this award.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.

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The American Geological Institute (AGI) and Scholastic Bring Earth Science Week to Life in Classrooms Nationwide October 8-14

Tuesday, September 26th, 2006

Science Teaching Guide, Classroom Activities and AGI’s New GeoSource Online Science Professional Development Tool Available for Teachers

The American Geological Institute (AGI), together with Scholastic, the global children’s publishing, education and media company, and the American Geological Institute Foundation, have developed “The Wonders of Earth,” a new science teaching guide to promote science education in celebration of Earth Science Week 2006, October 8-14, 2006, and AGI’s newest educational program, K-5 GeoSource, an online science professional development tool for elementary-level teachers.

Next month, “The Wonders of Earth” poster teaching guides will be distributed to more than 150,000 educators nationwide. The teaching guides provide teachers with grade-appropriate and standards-based classroom activities that explore and celebrate science. Every lesson helps students dig into earth science by teaching the six scientific processes. Following these steps, students will explore the earth’s minerals, what causes earthquakes and how to predict the weather.

“We are excited to unlock the Earth’s secrets and provide teachers with classroom tools that will further science discussions and activities with their students,” Ann Benbow, AGI Director of Education and Outreach. “Earth Science Week is a wonderful teaching moment that allows students to explore and better understand the world around them.”

Through AGI’s web site, elementary science teachers in grades K-5 can access GeoSource (http://www.k5geosource.org/index.html), a new professional development program with science activities, educational resources, and information on how to enroll in graduate-level online courses.

The teaching guides are also included in AGI’s Earth Science Week 2006 Toolkit, a materials packet to help educators, museums, and parks celebrate the annual event. The theme of this year’s Earth Science Week is “Be a Citizen Scientist.” In addition to the teaching guides, the toolkits contain classroom posters, an activity calendar, a DVD, brochures, and more. Teachers can learn more about Earth Science Week and order materials at http://www.earthsciweek.org/.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represents more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interest in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society’s use of the resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org/. The Institute also provides a public outreach site at http://www.earthscienceworld.org/.

About Scholastic

Scholastic Corporation (NASDAQ: SCHL) is the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books and a leader in educational technology. Scholastic creates quality educational and entertaining materials and products for use in school and at home, including children’s books, magazines, technology-based products, teacher materials, television programming, film, videos and toys. The Company distributes its products and services through a variety of channels, including proprietary school-based book clubs, school-based book fairs, and school-based and direct-to-home continuity programs; retail stores, schools, libraries and television networks; and the Company’s Internet site, www.scholastic.com.

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AGI Announces Dr. Gail M. Ashley as New President

Tuesday, September 26th, 2006

Alexandria, VA – The American Geological Institute (AGI) is pleased to announce Dr. Gail M. Ashley as its new President She will be inducted on October 24, 2006 at the Geological Society of America annual meeting in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Ashley received both her B.S. and M.S. from the University of Massachusetts in geology and her Ph.D. in geology from the University of British Columbia. After receiving her Ph.D., she entered academia and has been a member of the faculty at Rutgers University since 1977 as both an educator and researcher in modern sedimentological studies.

During her career she has edited six books and been an author on over 70 publications. While at Rutgers she has mentored over 35 graduate students and served on the thesis communities of many more. Ashley has been a role model and advocate for women in the geosciences. Because of her education and advocacy leadership she was the recipient of the 2002 AWG Outstanding Geoscience Educator Award.

Dr. Ashley has been professionally active in numerous geoscience societies including the Geological Society of America (GSA), Society for Sedimentary Geologists (SEPM), Association for Woman Geoscientists (AWG), and the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

She has served as Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Sedimentary Research, Associate Editor for both Geomorphology and the GSA Bulletin, and has served on the Editorial Boards of Geology and Geotimes. Ashley’s leadership within the geoscience community has included being President of SEPM and GSA. Ashley has also served on numerous NSF, NASA and NRC panels. In addition, by governor’s appointment, she was a part of the New Jersey Environmental Risk Assessment and Risk Management Study Commission.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.

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Tobacco Root Geological Society 2006 Scholarships Announced

Friday, September 15th, 2006

The Tobacco Root Geological Society normally awards three $500 scholarships to students conducting research in the Northern Rocky Mountain region, but for 2006, six $500 awards were made. Awardees are:

  • Julian G. McCune, University of Montana, Cenozoic Sedimentary Basin Evolution and Hydrostratigraphic Assessment of the Upper Blackfoot River Basin, Western Montana(TRGS scholarship)
  • Erin Haney, University of Montana, P-T Paths of Metamorphic Pelitic Rocks in the Anaconda Metamorphic Core Complex (TRGS scholarship)
  • Brandon Mijal, Western Washington University, Holocene glacial chronology for the Sawtooth Range, Idaho (TRGS scholarship)
  • Heather M. Henry , University of Montana, Mapping of the Rocky Mountain Front Triangle Zone, Montana (Prospector scholarship)
  • John MacLean, University of Montana, Stratigraphic analyses to test the Siberia-Laurentia connection (Harrison scholarship)
  • Amy Kelly, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Using biomarkers to analyze biogeochemical changes across the Precambrian-Cambrian boundary (Harrison scholarship)

Information for applicants for the 2007 awards can be found on the Society’s web site, http://www.trgs.org.

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AGI Publishing the Geoscience Handbook

Tuesday, September 5th, 2006

The American Geological Institute (AGI) announces the publication of The Geoscience Handbook: AGI Data Sheets 4th Edition. The book is now available for pre-order and is expected to ship to customers on September 15th, 2006. The Geoscience Handbook is the latest edition of AGI’s long-standing Data Sheets publication. With a new format and expanded coverage of technical topics across the geosciences, the Data Sheets earned its new title for the 4th edition. This compilation of geologic information includes references for key geological concepts and short tutorials useful for all professionals and students needing geoscience information quickly in the field, office or lab. The Geoscience Handbook covers diverse subjects from geophysics to geologic map symbols to GPS usage and everything in between.

This edition is now in full color and has been extensively revised and expanded from previous editions, reflecting the ongoing progress in the concepts, methods and technologies of the geosciences. This edition has a lay-flat spiral binding and divided into 16 principal sections including such topics as geologic time, mapping, volcanology, chemistry and engineering. The full-color Geoscience Handbook is now in a larger, easier to read format but remains very portable for use in the field or office. A laminated cover helps protect the book when used under field conditions.

The Geoscience Handbook: AGI Data Sheets 4th Edition (ISBN 0-922152-75-6) can be ordered from the American Geological Institute by calling 703-379-2480 or by visiting http://www.agiweb.org/pubs/. A PDF sample of the book is available through the website.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 44 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in our profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in mankind’s use of resources and interaction with the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org. The Institute also provides a public-outreach web site, http://www.earthscienceworld.org.

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