KGS staff members recognized for their accomplishments, Kentucky Geological Survey, University of Kentucky

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KGS staff members recognized for their accomplishments

The accomplishments of several KGS staff members were recognized at the October 5 – 9 joint annual meeting of the Geological Society of America and the Association of American State Geologists.

Dan Carey

Dan Carey, of the KGS Geospatial Analysis Section, received the 2008 John C. Frye Memorial Award in Environmental Geology for the series of Generalized Geologic Land-use Planning Maps published during the past few years. Dan led the effort, authored or co-authored many of the maps, and coordinated with others both inside KGS and from other agencies to get each map completed. This award is given jointly by GSA and AASG.

The award goes to “the best environmental geology paper published either by the Geological Society of America or by one of the state geological surveys. Papers published during the preceding three calendar years are judged,” according to the AASG web site.

Steve Greb

Steve Greb of the Energy and Minerals Section was elected a GSA Fellow at the Houston meeting. Fellowship is an honor bestowed on the best of the geologic profession once a year at the GSA Spring Council meeting. GSA members are elected to Fellowship in recognition of distinguished contributions to the geosciences.

KGS Director Jim Cobb

KGS Director Jim Cobb received the first AASG Presidential Recognition Award. Assistant State Geologist John Kiefer nominated Cobb for the recognition, citing a number of Cobb’s projects and achievements for AASG, particularly serving as editor for the publication of Association of American State Geologists Centennial History: 1908 – 2008. “I doubt that more than a few individuals have spent as much time or made such a valuable contribution to the organization,” Kiefer said in his nomination letter.

Donald Haney

State Geologist Emeritus Donald C. Haney received the AASG Distinguished Service Award, given to those who “have worked to advance the science and practical application of geology and the related earth sciences in the United States and its territories, possessions, and commonwealths.”

Also, during the annual meeting of the Eastern Section, American Association of Petroleum Geologists in Pittsburgh, three KGS staff members were recognized for their work and accomplishments.

Jim Drahovzal

Jim Drahovzal, who retired in 2006 as section head of the Energy and Minerals Section, received the Honorary Membership Award to recognize “more than 40 years of distinguished achievement in the energy industry and public service and his dedicated leadership in AAPG and its Eastern Section.” Jim now works part time on a variety of projects for the Energy and Minerals Section.

Dave Williams

Dave Williams, who manages the KGS office in Henderson, Kentucky, was recognized with the Gordon H. Wood Jr. Memorial Award. The award notes his “dedicated service with the Kentucky Geological Survey and providing geologic service to private companies, state and federal agencies, and the public in western Kentucky for 33 years.” Dave is also co-primary investigator on a project to test the carbon dioxide storage potential of deep saline reservoirs in the Western Kentucky Coal Field.

Mike Solis

Mike Solis, who works in the Energy and Minerals Section as well, received the Energy Minerals Division Best Poster Award for the poster “Analyzing Deep Coal Resources of Eastern Kentucky for their Carbon Sequestration Potential” Solis was the main author of the poster; Steve Greb was co-author. The poster was created as part of the research work of the Southeast Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership, of which KGS is a partner.