The 2007-2008 Edition of the LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics Alumni Magazine
Geology & Geophysics Magazine LSU G&G students and faculty take the journey of a lifetime to conduct Antarctic research of the Ross Sea.
Geology & Geophysics Magazine
EDITOR & DESIGNER Stacey LeBlanc Halphen CONTRIBUTORS Colleen Fava Emilia Gilbert John W. Grubb Scott Madere Ann Marie Marmande Jim Zietz The LSU Geology & Geophysics Magazine is published annually for alumni and friends of the department. This publication reflects information and events occuring between July 1, 2007 and June 31, 2008.
CONTENTS FIELD CAMP
2
DEVELOPMENT
8
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
14
STUDENT NEWS
17
FACULTY UPDATES
24
ALUMNI NEWS
27
MEMORIALS
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MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR Dear Alumni & Friends, As Chair, this is my first and last annual letter covering the happenings of the LSU G^2 Department. The 2007-08 fiscal year has been an exciting one for me in so many ways. Foremost, I made numerous new friends and acquaintances both inside and outside the Department. These include the faculty, staff and students primarily, but also people in the College of Basic Sciences, The LSU Foundation, numerous alumni, industry recruiters and others. As a unit, the Department has made good progress this year and reviewing those advances and changes is the primary subject of this brief report.
Over the last year, the department has been going through growing pains due to retirements, migrations to industry positions and the untimely passing of Dr. Chan. As a result, teaching loads are up in order to maintain degree course requirements. Nevertheless, definite good signs indicate that the Department is on the mend and is taking bold steps and making steady strides to re-emerge and regain its once lofty national reputation. An international search has been conducted for the Department Chair position, and several faculty position searches are underway. As a result of two of the international faculty searches, we were able to hire individuals from top notch geoscience institutions. Two entry level Assistant Professors, Dr. Sophie Warny (Catholic University of Louvain-la-Neuve, Belgium), a palynologist, and Dr. Alexander Webb (UCLA), a structural geologist, joined the department. During the fall, faculty came together and produced a consensus document defining two research focus areas to guide future development. They were 1) evolution of sedimentary systems and 2) Earth materials and solid earth processes (details appear on the website). These areas reflect existing strengths of the Department and allow for a smooth interface synergistically with other academic units within LSU and the LSU Flagship agenda. I am a 1962 PETE alumni and missed going to geology field camp. During my term as chair, I was fortunate to join the department, alumni, and friends in celebrating the 80th anniversary of the LSU geology field camp. The anniversary took place at the field camp site near Colorado Springs, CO, from June, 25-27, 2008, with President Emeritus and acting Chancellor William L. Jenkins, LSU Foundation President and CEO Major General William Bowdon, and LSU College of Basic Sciences Dean Kevin Carman, presiding over the events. In addition, the new dining hall was unveiled. Frank Harrison was the first donor for the dining hall project and since then, 23 donors, including Charles Barney, A. C. Winslow, Sugar Woods, Dolphe Gueymard, Stewart Henry, Robey Clark and Billy Harrison, have contributed more than $400,000 to erect the new structure. I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support during my year as Department Chair. My first love for geology has been re-ignited, and as a result I am actively working with a geology graduate student on a geology research project. I look forward the possibility of continuing my involvement with this department and its students. Sincerely, Louis Thibodeaux
NOTE: After the compilation of this magazine, Dr. Jeff Nunn took on the responsibility of interim department chair. Since then, a new chair has been identified from the above mentioned international search. We are excited to announce that Dr. Carol Wicks from the University of Missouri-Columbia joined the department as chair in January 2009.
80 YEARS IN THE FIELD: LSU GEOLOGY FIELD CAMP 2008
Field Camp Director: Joe Lebold
FIELD CAMP
The 80th edition of LSU’s Geology Field Camp introduced a new class of geology majors to the idea that there is always more data to be collected. The students charged through scrub oak, poison ivy, and several varieties of cactus to complete seven field-based projects in the Central Front Range of the Rocky Mountains. As they mapped geological units that ranged from 1.76 billion years old to recent stream deposits, they were exposed to a wide variety of rock types, including clastic, chemical, carbonate sedimentary, metasedimentary, and plutonic and volcanic igneous rocks. This year’s class was quite diverse. Among them was an incoming LSU graduate student, a nontraditional student who was one year my senior, and five non-LSU students who decided to experience one of LSU’s longest running traditions. We had all levels of experience—from former boy scouts to students I’m sure had never peed in the woods. But one thing was true about everyone— they were all willing to lend a hand to keep things running smoothly, both at camp and in the remote campsites we called home for two of the six weeks. I could not have done it without them! This was my second year as the director and primary instructor at Field Camp, and what a difference a year makes. It was so nice to know where everything was and to know my staff prior to working with them for seven weeks in the woods. However, as with every year, new challenges were always right around the corner. 2
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The most noteworthy involved our beautiful new dining hall and renovated kitchen. Sounds like a wonderful thing, but, due to circumstances beyond our control, the kitchen was not fully functional until about a week and a half after camp started. This would be a good time to acknowledge the efforts of our kitchen staff, Dave Hall and Jenna Weaver who overcame many challenges while our kitchen was being completed around them— including cooking the first week’s meals without an oven. In the end, we thoroughly enjoyed the new facility and we were all grateful to the many generous donors that made it possible. We were also pleased to host President Emeritus and acting Chancellor William L. Jenkins, LSU Foundation President and CEO Major General William Bowdon, and LSU College of Basic Sciences Dean Kevin Carman, who helped commemorate the opening of our new dining facility and the 80th anniversary of the LSU Geology Field Camp Program. Nearly 40 former field camp alumni and friends joined in the two-day celebration, which included tours of the camp property and facilities,
several meals in the new dining hall, and the sharing of memories that never quite escape the minds of those who “did time” at the camp. The 2008 Freshman Geology Field Camp was a challenging and fun experience for all participants. Laurie Anderson, HV Howe Associate Professor, taught the course for the first time, and was ably assisted by two TAs: Jacob Grosskopf, M.S. student in Geology & Geophysics, and Craig McClarren, a recent M.S. graduate from the University of Buffalo. Chad McCabe, former faculty member and freshman field camp instructor, volunteered his time to help with the class. In particular, Chad led a week-long field trip to New Mexico that included a visit to the Great Sand Dunes National Monument, Chevron Questa molybdenum mine, Bandelier National Monument and the Valles Caldera, and a chance to search for gastroliths in the Morrison Formation.
in one rather remarkable way this year: They held what they deemed the first annual toga party on the last night of camp. It was obvious that everyone there had a great time, and I am sure that it is one of many lasting memories that the students will take from camp this year.
FIELD CAMP
There were 10 freshmen students this year, nine incoming petroleum engineers and one geography major that will be starting an M.S. at LSU in 2009. In addition to the New Mexico trip, the freshmen attended lectures and participated in labs at the camp facility on topics ranging from Snowball Earth to the hazards of being caught in a volcanic ash fall. To take advantage of the outdoors, the freshmen were assigned several field-based projects. The first set of projects involved both ancient and recent geologic features at the camp property and a field area near Cañon City, CO. For the final project, the students were divided into three groups and completed one of the following projects: 1) A depositional history of the Little Fountain Creek Delta exposed in the Keeton Reservoir (it was a dry year!), 2) A history of terrace development on Little Fountain Creek, and 3) Stratigraphy and deformation along the Dakota ridge on the camp property. Recruiting will soon be underway for the 2009 freshman field camp, and it is never too early to apply! Please check the Freshmen Field Camp link at our department website: www.geol.lsu.edu/ fieldcampfreshman.html. Overall, the 2008 field camp was a success. We ended camp with the same number of students and staff that we began with, and there were no major injuries. The senior class did distinguish themselves 3
Geology & Geophysics Magazine
Building on a Legacy
FIELD CAMP
After years of hard work and dedication by many LSU faculty, staff, alumni, and friends, the Geology Field Camp Campaign comes to a successful close. In 2000, the department launched an ambitious, ongoing development campaign to support the LSU Geology Field Camp. The campaign set forth to revitalize and endow the field camp facility as well as the field camp instructional programs offered. To date, the campaign has raised over $6.1 million, which includes the $4.75 million endowment of the camp by its new namesake, Charles Barney (B.S., PETE 1949). These funds have supported improvements such as cabin foundation work, new utility poles, electrical re-wiring of lower camp, and even a new dining hall facility. Geology Field Camp Campaign co-chairman, Frank W. Harrison, Jr. (B.S., 1950) described the success of the campaign best when he stated, “Without a doubt the LSU Field Camp is now the No. 1 Field Camp facility in America! The accomplishments of the campaign will allow the department to maintain the camp as a source of pride for its alumni and as a major instructional facility that serves as a standard of excellence in Geoscience education.”
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Improvements to Date Repaired and replaced bridges over Little Fountain Creek Purchased John Deere tractor Purchased caretaker’s residence and water well Repaired shower house steps Completed foundation work on various cabins and other structures Purchased three new vans Purchased trailer Put in new utility poles Re-wired outdoor electrical for lower camp Replaced water cisterns Kitchen: replaced ovens, dishwasher, sink, plumbing, dry storage, and freezers Built new dining hall facility
Field Camp Campaign Committee CHAIRMEN Frank Harrison, Jr.
Bill Stone
Billy Tidwell
MEMBERS O.R. Carter Carlo Christina Robey Clark Tom Collins Baron Craft 4
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Jack Dickson Dolph Gueymard Billy Harrison Stewart Henry
Ed Picou, Jr. Jim Raymond Joe Reid Fred Stricklin Mike van den Bold
Thank you to all donors who supported the Field Camp Campaign INDIVIDUALS $4,750,000 Charles and Frances Barney $250,000-$300,000 Frank and Patricia Harrison
$10,000-$60,000 Billy & Katherine Blake Robey & Joanne Clark Stewart & Lauren Henry Jeff Hughes Randy Limbacher Ron Neal Joe Reid Bill & Connie Stone Harty & Evelyn Van Armour Winslow Sugar Woods $1,000-$9,999 Charles Brocato John & Diane Brock Carlo & Beverly Christina Jack Colle Tom Collins Hardtner Coon Clyde Crouch Wes & Teresita Fiandt Max Fugler Aurelien & Daisy Gaudin Fred Haston, Jr. Lamar Loyd
Up to $999 Laurie Anderson Michael van den Bold Dan Bonnet Irion Bordelon Larry Burch Gary Byerly & Maud Walsh Kirby Cockerham Virginia Colten-Bradley Peter Connelly Harry Conrad Frank Cornish Douglas Cristina Kenneth Dice Randy Downing Brooks Ellwood James Harvey Dana Hutchinson Leonard & Patricia Jordan Forrest Joyner Donald Kupfer Robert Lewis Jonathan & Emily Marcantel James Moncrief Ruby Neely J.S. Rosenthal Yvonne Russell
Stacy Smith Joseph Storey Fred Stricklin Del Tucker William Wade Roy & Mary Walther William Walter John Wappler Charles Weiner Frank Welder Jerry Wermund Jimmy Whittington CORPORATIONS $300,000 Marathon Oil Corporation
FIELD CAMP
$100,000-$200,000 Henry Alexander Dolphe Gueymard Billy & Ann Harrison
Eric Maidla Phil Martin, Jr. James Painter Ed Picou, Jr. Jim Raymond Wayne Simpson John Smith Pauline Stanley Billy Tidwell H.V. Watkins, Jr.
$100,000-$200,000 Chevron ExxonMobil $10,000-$50,000 BP Devon Energy Halliburton Houston Energy Shell Up to $9,999 ARCO Conoco Phillips Maxus Energy New Orleans Geological Society Schlumberger Spear, Leeds & Kellogg Triche & Associates Union Pacific Foundation 5
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FIELD CAMP
New Dining Hall Dedicated
Mrs. Frances Barney cuts the ribbon at the field camp dining hall dedication At the LSU Geology Field camp near Colorado Springs, Colorado, the six o’clock dinner bell is always a welcome sound. On June 26, 2008, LSU alumni, friends and their families each rang bells of their own as Mrs. Frances Barney cut the ribbon to open the newly constructed dining hall. In addition to the dedication of the new facility, LSU Geology and Petroleum Engineering alumni came together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the field camp. President Emeritus and acting Chancellor William L. Jenkins, LSU Foundation President and CEO Major General William Bowdon and LSU College of Basic Sciences Dean Kevin Carman were all present to for the occasion. Throughout its existence, the field camp has been maintained and updated by students during their attendance at the program. A campaign to secure funds for permanent renovations and endowments
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began in 2000. 1950 Geology alumni, Frank Harrison and Billy Tidwell served as co-chairs. Harrison was the first donor to the dining hall project. Since then, 23 donors including Charles Barney, A. C. Winslow, Sugar Woods, Dolphe Gueymard, Stewart Henry, Robey Clark and Billy Harrison have contributed more than $400,000 to erect the new structure. Since both LSU geology and engineering students began going to Colorado 80 years ago, the six weeks spent at field camp are among their most memorable experiences as a part of the university and their education. To commemorate the experience, most classes have left their mark on the camp by signing boards in the dining hall. Though the new facility has completely replaced the old building, the history has been preserved and all of the signed boards hang in the new hall.
80th Field Camp Anniversary Celebration
FIELD CAMP
Schlumberger Donates $9.6 Million In-kind Software Gift Kevin Carman said, “I am extremely grateful to Schlumberger for their generous software donation to the University. Students in these programs will gain a competitive edge in their fields with the training and experience that the software provides.” In 2006, Schlumberger named LSU as one of their 11 international Ambassador Schools, signifying LSU’s importance to Schlumberger in the areas of research and recruiting.
Screen shot of a one montage plot in the Petrel seismic software.
With the Petrel seismic software, LSU students can sample 3D seismic data sets, allowing them to predict the properties of petroleum reservoirs with a geo-statistical approach. The software helps reduce uncertainty in geologic exploration and assists in future oil-well planning. “The software donation made by Schlumberger to the Craft and Hawkins Petroleum Engineering and the Geology & Geophysics Departments will enable us to incorporate state-of-the-art computing applications in our undergraduate course offerings,” said Stephen O. Sears, Petroleum Engineering Department Chair. “It will also provide an opportunity to expand our collaborative teaching efforts between Petroleum Engineering and Geology & Geophysics. We very much appreciate the support that Schlumberger is giving LSU.” Petroleum Engineering received 15 software licenses and Geology & Geophysics received the other 7 licenses. College of Basic Science’s Dean
Schlumberger comprises 23 research and engineering facilities in 80 countries. Through these facilities, the world’s leading oilfield services provider seeks to optimize reservoir performance in the oil and gas industry. The Department of Geology & Geophysics would also like to thank BP, Inc. for their donation of hardware valued at over $10,000. This computer hardware will allow the department to run the newly donated Petrel seismic software.
DEVELOPMENT
Students in the LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics and Petroleum Engineering are enhancing their study of subsurface materials and petroleum reservoirs without getting dirty, thanks to a software donation worth $9.6 million from Schlumberger. The world leader in oilfield services donated 22 Petrel software licenses to LSU, furthering LSU’s status among Schlumberger’s 11 Ambassador Schools worldwide.
“Schlumberger’s dedication to LSU shows their commitment and sends an important message throughout the LSU community and statewide of the important role that industry plays in supporting higher education,” said Dr. Zaki Bassiouni, Dean of the LSU College of Engineering.
Pledges Scholarship Support Due in part to their recruiting success at LSU, EnCana Oil & Gas has pledged $45,000 to the Department of Geology & Geophysics. The gift will be used to support scholarships, awards, and research for graduate students, especially those with an interest in the oil and gas industry. Representatives from EnCana have expressed their excitement and desire to continue building a relationship with the department and its students, and this gift is a great step in that direction. 9
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DEVELOPMENT
Marathon Oil Corporation Donates $2.5 Million to LSU
On April 7, 2008, the Department of Geology & Geophysics was excited to welcome home Clarence Cazalot, CEO of Marathon Oil Corporation (and LSU G&G alum), for the announcement of a $2.5 million gift commitment from Marathon to the university. This philanthropic gift to LSU will support programs in both the College of Basic Sciences ($1.5 million) and the College of Engineering ($1 million). The donation earmarked for the College of Basic Sciences’ Department of Geology & Geophysics represents the largest corporate donation in the history of the college. This gift to the department reflects not only a corporate commitment from Marathon, but also a personal commitment from Clarence Cazalot, and his wife, Ann. $750,000 of the $1.5 million gift is a personal contribution from Clarence Cazalot and Ann to the department. “This combined gift from Clarence and Ann Cazalot and Marathon is unprecedented in both its scope and its magnitude and will have a transformational impact on the Department of Geology & Geophysics,” said Dean Kevin Carman
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of the LSU College of Basic Sciences. This gift will provide funding and support to the Department of Geology & Geophysics for the following: • $89, 000 to establish the Marathon Geoscience Diversity Enrichment Program (Marathon GeoDE), which will fund up to 20 undergraduate scholarships and five doctoral research fellowships aimed at attracting high-achieving students from underrepresented groups into the undergraduate and graduate programs. This gift also supports travel and laboratory expenses for these scholarship and fellowship recipients. • $200,000 to establish the Marathon Oil Corporation Distinguished Lectureship Series, which seeks to attract prominent leaders in the geoscience industry and academia to LSU as guest lecturers. • $410,000 to renovate the atrium of the Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex, to be known hereafter as Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr./ Marathon Oil Corporation Atrium.
(Marathon continued) “We share Marathon’s commitment to promoting diversity within geosciences and are honored by this opportunity to partner with them to advance this most critical objective. The donation will also provide permanent resources to expose our students and faculty to national and world leaders in the geoscience community. The atrium renovations will give the entire university a first-rate inspiring gathering space that recognizes and honors our long-standing relationship with the Cazalots and Marathon,” said Carman.
DEVELOPMENT
The relationship between Marathon Clarence Cazalot [R] speaks to two grauate students at the Marathon and LSU has provided untold student reception. opportunity and benefit for LSU’s students and Louisiana’s workforce. Prior to this $2.5 million donation, Marathon Oil Corporation and its related business units have given more than $1,375,000 since the inception of the Forever LSU campaign.
Continues Tradition of Support ExxonMobil continues its tradition of support for LSU with a gift of $79,000 to the university. On November 8, 2007, ExxonMobil Senior Project Manager, Lloyd Guillory, presented the LSU Foundation with a check that will support the various departments from which ExxonMobil recruits its employees. The Department of Geology & Geophysics was among the recipients for this gift. The department will use these unrestricted funds in its effort to recruit outstanding undergraduate and graduate students to the department. “LSU is grateful to have ExxonMobil’s longstanding support to the university,” said Lisa Geddes, Associate Director of Corporate Relations at the LSU Foundation. “Annual support from corporations like ExxonMobil exemplifies the important role that corporations play in supporting higher education”. 11
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Becomes a Corporate Partner of ADG Devon Energy demonstrated its desire to build on their relationship with the LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics with a recent gift of $50,000. Representatives from the company, including Greg T. Kelleher, VP and General Manager of the Southern Division, as well as students, faculty, and staff from the geology department were present to celebrate the gift on September 12, 2007, with a check presentation and reception.
DEVELOPMENT
Funds from this gift will be used in support of the Applied Depositional Geosystems (ADG) program, the LSU Geology Field Camp, and student field trips for the GeoClub and AAPG student chapter.
Field Camp Receives Donation for New Van Lt. Col. Harty (B.S. 1963) and Evelyn Van have made a gift of $25,000 through the LSU Foundation to the Department of Geology & Geophysics. Their gift enabled the department to purchase a new passenger van to transport students on field trips and to travel the field camp near Colorado Springs. Field Camp Director, Joe Lebold, explains, “The acquisition of a new van was a critical and timely addition to the LSU Geology Field Camp Program. Our vans are the single most important piece of equipment at field camp. Most everything we do at camp happens through the vans. In addition to transporting students to the field areas, we use the vans to station water and first aid kits in more remote areas. At the camp facility, we use the vans to deliver groceries, take out the trash, and transport students or staff in case of emergency.” As an LSU student, Van attended field camp and still has many fond memories of the experience. “I wouldn’t trade anything for the weeks we spent traveling around Colorado and viewing geologic
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sights. I drove the LSU 1955 Ford Fairlane Station Wagon, and Dr. Sandberg sat beside me in the front seat telling wonderful stories of the great Colorado mining towns. It was great fun and a wonderful educational experience for a young person.” After graduating in 1963, Van served in the U.S. Army for more than 22 years. He joined Amoco in New Orleans, working in the offshore division for 20 years. He and his wife, Evelyn, now reside in Slidell, LA.
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT If there is an error, please let us know. Names listed below reflect donations given to the LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics through the LSU Foundation from July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008. Every effort is made to be accurate in reporting donors. $200,000 and above Marathon Oil Corporation Clarence and Ann Cazalot $50,000-$199,999 ConocoPhillips Devon Energy Corporation Frank and Patricia Harrison Billy and Ann Harrison
$5,000-$9,999 Entergy Services, Inc. Andrea M. Glaser Armour C. Winslow Charles & Frances Barney Joseph E. Reid $1,000-$4,999 Hess Corporation Imagine Resources, LLC J.P. Raymond, Inc. Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Carlo C. Christina Edward B. Picou, Jr. Jim Raymond Marilyn M. Hazel Thomas A. Collins
$250-$499 Jack L. Woods $100-$249 Chevron Inc. Adrian R. Snider Christopher D. Schott Huiming Bao Lawrence C. Menconi Richard P. Zingula Rodney A. Barlow Ruby R. Neely Rutledge H. Deas, Jr. Stacy A. Smith Wendy M. Hazel Up to $99 Freeport-McMoRan Jocan Trucking, Inc. Alison A. Hartman Amanda M. Veazey Anton J. Dumars Betty E. Eberhardt Carolyn Ho Clyde H. Moore, Jr. Col. Walter S. White, Jr. Douglas E. Jones H. Ryan Bicknell, Jr. John L. Hoyt, Jr. Judy A. Henson Jules A. Rousseau Mark T. Hunter Mary B. Caluda
Norbert P. Psuty Pearla T. Despot Rhonda K. Brock Robert D. LoPiccolo Robert G. Gerdes Robert M. Jemison, Jr. Robert S. Picard Sara S. Watters Scott A. Wainwright Stephen O. Moshier William H. Walter
Alumnus Donates to Science Honors Scholar Program LSU geology alumni, Scott Brodie (BS 1982), and his wife, Susan, recently donated $200,000 to the College of Basic Sciences. $140,000 will be designated for the Science Honors Scholar program with preference going to geology and physics students. The Science Honors Scholar program is a partnership with the Honors College to actively recruit the very best undergrads in Louisiana and around the country. The other $60,000 will be designated for graduate student support in Physics & Astronomy.
DEVELOPMENT
$10,000-$49,999 BP Foundation, Inc. Chevron Products Company EnCana Oil & Gas (USA), Inc. ExxonMobil Corporation Halliburton Foundation, Inc. International Society for Technology Shell Oil Company Lt. Col. Harty and Evelyn Van Joannne Clark Michael & Carol Stamatedes
$500-$999 Helen H. Downer Jerry Wermund Joseph E. Hazel, Jr. Julie E. Hazel
Scott is a geophysicist currently employed with Castex Energy, Inc. He and his wife, Susan, chose to make the gift because they strongly believe in an education from LSU. They hope this gift will allow LSU to recruit the very best students in the country.
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LSU SURGE Program
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
In 2006, Shell Oil Company and the LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics realized the need to educate Louisiana high school students about geology, and as a result created the LSU SURGE (Shell Undergrate Recruitment and Geoscience Education) program.
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The week of June 9, 2008, Dr. Jeff Nunn and Jeff Agnew led the second annual 3-day LSU SURGE workshop to educate high school biology
LIVES Thanks to the Hewlett Packard technology grant, the LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics can now make 3-D learning a reality. The grant has helped the department in the re-design of laboratory courses, allowing for Live Interrogation and Visualization of Earth Systems (LIVES). This technology is now being utilized in the GEOL 1601, 1602, 1002, and HNRS 2000 lab classes. Previously, laboratories have been taught using colored pencils and static illustrations provided in manuals. This three-dimensional technology will give LSU students an opportunity to think and “see� their projects more accurately. Approximately 750 students taking the lab courses each year will now have a faster way to analyze data, allotting more time for critical thinking and problem solving. Geology & Geophysics Magazine
teachers on how to incorporate geology lessons into their classrooms. The workshop consisted of classroom lessons on geologic time, fossils, evolution, and geochemical cycles, as well as, a field trip to a fossil site near Jackson, Mississippi. The teachers were given a collection of shark teeth, rock samples, and tree rings to be used in a variety of lesson plans. The teachers were very enthusiastic about sharing their new knowledge of geology with their students when they returned from their summer break! The program continues to grow, as an additional workshop was conducted in North Louisiana. To learn more about the LSU SURGE program, please visit www.geol.lsu.edu/lsusurge.html
BASIC SCIENCES OPENS CxC STUDIO Four years ago, LSU began the Communication across the Curriculum (CxC) initiative. The CxC program was developed to improve the communication skills of all students through a cross-campus, interdisciplinary model. CxC supports the development of CommunicationIntensive (C-I) courses in all majors. Students participating in C-I courses can earn the Distinguished Communicator designation. As the need for college-specific support became apparent, the College of Engineering, the College of Arts & Sciences, and the College of Art & Design all established a CxC studio. In the summer of 2007, the College of Basic Sciences followed suit by opening its own CxC studio, funded by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). This studio houses a student lounge, a conference room equipped with a SMARTboard interactive computer, the Basic Sciences Drafting and Design Center, and an office for the studio coordinator, Colleen Fava.
South Louisiana was transported to the North and South Poles as POLAR PALOOZA: Stories from a Changing Planet, a multimedia science extravaganza came to Baton Rouge on November 16, 2007. Baton Rouge was one of only eight cities to be selected for the 2007 POLAR PALOOZA tour.
POLAR PALOOZA brought together a team of six scientists (including Phil Bart, LSU professor of
(CxC continued) Faculty, students, and industry professionals are quickly learning the value of this initiative. Previously, students were not being given direct instruction and feedback on communication elements. “Those skills have become intuitive to professionals who are regularly required to give presentations, create posters, or write for industry and scholarly journals. Our program is ensuring that Basic Sciences’ students are prepared on day-one to accomplish such tasks, giving them a highly competitive edge,” stated Fava.
The 200 plus participants learned more about and gained a better understanding of global warming and why it is important to the Louisiana coastline. Sophie Warny, education director at the museum, reiterated the importance of polar research. “Like the Inuit population in Barrow, Alaska, we are in the front line here. We are in a low lying area, so that even a slight melting of polar ice could produce a big [disruption] of the coastline, with [a] major impact on our economy – fisheries and oil production in the coast – geography, population distribution, way of life, culture, etc.” Overall the event was a big hit, and at the conclusion participants were already trying to find out ways they could do their part for the environment. In conjunction, POLAR PALOOZA also supported a poster contest in the LSU College of Basic Sciences. LSU Geology & Geophysics graduate students took honors for their work, Juan Chow (2nd place) and Vincent Adams (3rd place). Congratulations!
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
Thanks to this event hosted by the LSU Museum of Natural Science (MNS), Baton Rouge residence had an opportunity to learn how research in the polar regions affects Louisiana. This traveling road show is a public education and outreach initiative supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF) and NASA, and locally by the Irene W. and C.B. Pennington Foundation.
Geology & Geophysics) who shared personal stories of life, research and adventure in the polar regions. Their stories were supported by dynamic high-definition documentary video, as well as graphics, animation, original artifacts, research tools and equipment. In addition, participants were able to touch a 70 million yearold dinosaur bone and see a threethousand-year-old ice core from Antarctica.
The Department of Geology & Geophysics currently has four faculty (Annette Engel, Darrell Henry, Juan Lorenzo, and Jeff Nunn) teaching C-I courses.
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Applied Depositional Geosystems
PROGRAMS & INITIATIVES
LSU’s Program in Applied Depositional Geosystems (ADG) has entered its fifth year of operation. Since its inception in 2004, $512,000 has been donated from alumni and industry partners. While the majority of the money has been used to support M.S. students as ADG assistants, funds have also been used for student travel to meetings, student field work and speaker programs. An additional $110,000 has been pledged for the 2008-2009 academic year. Current ADG sponsors are Marathon, Shell, Chevron, and Devon. Marathon Oil Corporation made a five year commitment to the program in 2007. Over the last five years, ADG has been a great help in recruiting excellent students. The average undergraduate GPA of the ten ADG stipend recipients is 3.58 out of 4.0, and the average undergraduate GPA of the twenty-three past and current students in the ADG program is 3.44 out of 4.0. This year we were able to offer ADG stipends to two new Masters students, Erin Elliott and Andrew Sampson. Five additional Masters students have committed to completing the ADG program certificate: Ruben Cisneros, Jake DeHamer, Amy Cone, Adam D’Aquin, and Russell Crouch. Some of our recent graduates, Anna Marie Belanger (ConocoPhillips) and Matthew Garvin (ExxonMobil) have gone on to careers in the oil and gas industry. Several new courses have been developed as part of the ADG curriculum. Jeff Nunn of Geology & Geophysics and Steve Sears of Petroleum Engineering developed a new graduate course in Reservoir Characterization, which was first offered in the Fall Semester of 2005 and taught again in Spring Semester 2008. In 2008, this class had six petroleum engineering students and five geology students. ADG students take either Well Logging or Formation Evaluation in Petroleum Engineering as part of their curriculum. Phil Bart offered a graduate class in Subsurface Mapping in the spring semester 2007. Subsurface mapping 16
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was offered again in the spring 2008 semester, and was co-taught by Jeff Nunn and Alan Brown of Schlumberger. Petroleum Engineering and Geology and Geophysics jointly received a grant of Petrel Software from Schlumberger in 2008. We now have a twenty-two seat Petrel laboratory in Petroleum Engineering. This laboratory was used extensively in teaching Subsurface Geology in 2008. By the end of the semester, students could compute volumetrics using Petrel. Finally, an ADG seminar class will be held in the spring semester 2009 to assist our students in preparing for their first AAPG Imperial Barrel competition. During 2007-2008, the ADG program brought in guest speakers to the department, including Chester Young of Baker Hughes, Peter Flemings of the University of Texas, and Mark Durkee of Devon. If you are interested in learning more about the ADG Program, please contact Jeff Nunn at gljeff@lsu.edu.
AAPG Student Chapter Update Tech University is in the planning process for spring 2009, along with a short field trip to the U.S. Corp of Engineers office in New Orleans, Louisiana. This visit will include a tour of the modern Mississippi River delta and associated environments.
The Louisiana State University student chapter of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) ended the spring term (2007) with a fantastic and informative trip to the United States Army Corp of Engineers office in Vicksburg, Mississippi. During our tour, we visited the inner workings of the Old River Structure, which is diverting 30% of the Mississippi River’s discharge down the Atchafalaya River. In addition, we were given a presentation outlining the physical explanation of the catastrophic levee breaks in New Orleans, Louisiana, which occurred as a result of hurricane Katrina’s unfortunate power as it made landfall.
Lastly, AAPG has upheld the honorable tradition of treating Wilbert Lecture Series presenters to food and refreshments in our traditional TGIF style. We also coordinated a spring crawfish boil sponsored by Baker Hughes. In holding with tradition, we also held the AAPG Annual Crawfish Boil funded by Devon Energy. Both faculty and students joined in the festivities of this true Louisiana style tradition.
STUDENT NEWS
2007-2008 AAPG President: Eric Prokocki
Over the last year the AAPG student chapter, in conjunction with Stacey Halphen, has volunteered its time to help recruit undergraduates into the department of Geology and Geophysics. Representatives were sent during spring term 2008 and summer term 2008 to different LSU undergraduate recruiting events in order to speak with undergraduates and incoming freshmen about the great opportunities of pursuing a degree and career in the Earth Sciences.
Oil industry recruiting ramped up in fall of 2007, and many companies graciously donated funds for extensive field trips, and student travel to scientific conferences. We utilized the funding to send representatives to the annual AAPG meeting (spring 2008) in San Antonio, Texas. Funds are currently being spent to send representatives to give scientific talks on their current research at the 2008 Geological Society of America conference in Houston, Texas. Also, an extensive field trip in conjunction with Devon Energy and Texas 17
Geology & Geophysics Magazine
STUDENT NEWS
Fall Recruiting 2007
Given all the media hype about the baby boomer generation beginning to retire, it is no surprise that geology students are in demand. This need for geologists is no different in the oil and gas industry and as a result, they are seeking to employ bright LSU geology students. The 2007 Fall Recruiting Program lived up to this hype with seventeen companies participating, looking to hire interns and full-time geology employees. From the months of September through October, both undergraduate and graduate students attended numerous company information sessions and interviews. Though this is a very busy time for students trying to juggle classes, studying, and personal lives, along with 2007 Internships Amy Lasseigne- Hess Amy Spaziani- BP Andrew Steen- Chevron Jake DeHamer- Newfield Exploration Rhonika Robinson- Hess Rebecca Tedford- BP Taylor Gray- Nexen Vincent Adams- Devon Energy
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recruiting, the rewards from participating in the program are immeasurable. Students have an invaluable opportunity to expand their networks with industry recruiters and LSU alumni, as well as gain experience in the interview process. Below is a list of students who accepted either internship or full-time job offers. If you or your company would like to receive more information about participating in the fall recruiting program, please contact Stacey Halphen at slebl23@lsu.edu
Full-Time Positions Matthew Garvin- ExxonMobil Corine Armstrong- Chevron Chad Phillips- Chevron Jennifer Castle- Devon Energy Mike Blevins- BP Jill Womack- Marathon Oil Corporaion
Geology Club Update 2007-2008 Geo Club President: Jessica Mumphrey As the Geology Club at LSU wraps up its third year, we can reflect on the club’s activities and events to assess the success of the year. The main goals of the club for the 2007-2008 fiscal year were to have a well established tutoring program for introductory Geology classes, begin conducting short informative lectures at local schools about geology, and, as always, go on field trips. I am happy to say that all of these goals were accomplished!
of unintentional human impacts. We also took a day trip to Atlanta to visit the some of the largest assembled dinosaurs of the Mesozoic at the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. At the close of the semester, it was time for the 2007-2008 officers to step down and for the club to elect new officers. We would like to welcome our new officers, as we know they will continue to have great success. President- Philip Bergeron Vice President- Jessica Mumphrey Secretary- Ann Savage Treasurer- Carl Frisby Graduate Representative- Travis Atwood
STUDENT NEWS
Tutoring was a major success with the help of professors who got the word out to their introductory class students and the club members who volunteered their time. Before each tutoring session, professors would let their students know the date and times of tutoring sessions. Since most professors gave out four tests a semester, there were four tutoring weeks with at least two sessions per week prior to the exam. Every session had a great turnout with even more than 30 students for the session prior to the final exam! Although the visits to local schools did not take off until April of 2008, a few volunteers were able to make it out to two local schools. A group of volunteers gave a presentation to several science classes at Dutchtown High School in Prairieville. On two different occasions, a second group made it over to St. George Middle and Elementary School to speak with 4th and 5th graders. Each visit ended with smiles and enthusiastic students hungry for more information on Geology. The final goal of the officers and the club was to go on a field trip of geologic significance. We managed to do this the second week of January 2008. A group of members and officers took a trip to Providence Canyon in Georgia for a geologic adventure. At Providence Canyon we encountered valleys and ravines of Cretaceous age multicolored sand and clay deposits rapidly exposed as a result 19
Geology & Geophysics Magazine
The Real GEEKs of Geology
STUDENT NEWS
2008 GEEK Club President: Kathleen Brannen Now there is one more way for geology students to get involved with research in the department. This past year the Geomicrobiology in Extreme Environments and Karst (GEEK) Club was formed by Annette Engel and a group of undergraduate students. The idea for the club came about from an opportunity for students to travel to a karst conference and do some “real” caving. When a handful of students expressed an interest in the trip, the GEEK Club was born. The club’s main objective is to learn about different extreme geological environments (from caves to high altitude springs to deep sea vents) and the organisms that thrive in these environments. Interdisciplinary sciences are becoming more prominent in the academic realm, and this club brings together the interests of both geology and biology students. During the summer 2008 intersession, club members participated in GEOL 4002 (everything caving) taught by Annette Engel. Upon completion of the formal classroom work, students attended a Karst Field Course at the 16th International Karstological School in Postojna, Slovenia. For many GEEK Club members, this was their first experience in a cave. Students will be presenting work from their GEOL 4002 experience as a poster at the Geological Society of America meeting in Houston, TX, October, 2008. 20 Geology & Geophysics Magazine
For LSU students, the educational and enrichment opportunities in Slovenia were tremendous. The International Karstological School was attended by students, professors, and specialists from more than 20 countries. As part of the School, students sat through lectures, participated in a poster session, and went on several excursions in the classical karst. Following the School, 12 karst springs were sampled, so that spring geochemistry and microbiology could be evaluated back at LSU. Students had the opportunity to break up the research by visiting a natural laboratory studying Proteus anguinus, a cave salamander, a mercury mine in Idrija, Križna Jama (cave), and Dante’s Cave in the Triglov National Park. Back in the US, students are completing their assignments for the GEOL 4002 course, and are involved in the laboratory analysis of the spring samples. In 2009, Dr. Janez Mulec will come to the LSU to assist in data analysis.
In addition to these activities, the GEEK Club, along with the Geology Club, and AAPG Student Chapter now co-sponsor the newly established G&G Morning Louisiana Technical Talk Extravaganza (LATTE). The purpose of these talks is to improve communication and learning in the department. The clubs hope to get more students and faculty involved in these shorter, informal talks in order to encourage feedback and increase awareness of research opportunities and resources within the department. Each month will incorporate a theme where a different student or faculty member will present information on the monthly topic.
LSU in ANTARCTICA
Bart’s research has focused on understanding the evolution of the Antarctic cryosphere during the Neogene (i.e., the past 25 million years). During the Neogene, the Antarctic Ice Sheets have undergone dramatic modifications that either forced and/or responded to climatic changes. Through his research, he hopes to obtain evidence about the age and site of ancient ice sheets. This data can help determine how the ice sheets formed and how they might behave in the future. Research projects such as this one, are of great importance to low-lying Louisiana’s coastline. At present, Antarctica contains sufficient ice volume to raise the global sea level by ~70 meters if the ice were melted and returned to the global ocean.
The LSU research team boarded the Nathaniel B. Palmer for a science cruise on the Ross Sea. While on the ship, these geologists worked 24-hours a day in two 12-hour shifts at temperatures of 30 to -20 degrees Fahrenheit. They collected three different types of data, including core samples. Coring is really the only way we can get definitive dates of how long ago it has been since the ice sheets extended all the way out to the middle of the Ross Sea. These sediment cores contain tiny fossils that can be dated to determine how long ago they were alive, which suggests how long ago the ice retreated from this particular area. These core samples will be brought back to Louisiana to be analyzed.
STUDENT NEWS
Seven LSU Geology students (5 undergraduates and 5 graduates) received an opportunity of a lifetime and set out on an adventure of discovery to explore the coldest desert on the planet. These students accompanied LSU Geology professor, Phil Bart, and co-investigator, Jonathan Tomkin, on a two and a half month mission funded by the NSF Office of Polar Programs. The objective of this trip was to conduct research on the Antarctic Ice Sheets to determine how these ice sheets affect our global environment.
Photo: Kathleen Gavahan 21 Geology & Geophysics Magazine
Student Briefs Anna Marie Belanger (M.S., Advisor Jeff Hanor), whose thesis is entitled “Fluid Flow in the Central North Slope Foreland Basin, Alaska”, graduated Fall 2007 and is employed with ConocoPhillips in Anchorage, Alaska.
Anna Marie Bellanger
Samuel Gray (M.S., Advisor Phil Bart), whose thesis is entitled “Analysis of Miocene Stratigraphy and Sedimentology in the Ross Sea, Antarctica: A First Order Test of Proxy of Based Climate Interpretations”, graduated Fall 2007 and is employed with an environmental firm in Oregon. Cherie Lee (M.S., Advisor Ray Ferrell), whose thesis is entitled “Heavy Mineral Analysis of the Pecan Island Complex, Louisiana Chenier Plain, Southwest Louisiana”, graduated Fall 2007.
STUDENT NEWS
Angela Green Garcia Clint Edrington (M.S., Advisor Mike Blum), whose thesis is entitled “LongTerm Subsidence and Compaction Rates: A New Model for the Michoud Area, South Louisiana”, graduated Spring 2008 and is pursuing a PhD at the LSU Coastal Studies Institute under Harry Roberts. Angela Green Garcia (M.S., Advisor Annette Engel), whose thesis is entitled “Characterization of the Lucinid Bivalve-Bacteria Symbiotic System: The Significance of the Geochemical Habitat on Bacterial Symbiont Diversity and Phylogeny”, graduated Spring 2008 and is currently employed as a Historical Geology instructor with the University of Houston Downtown in Houston, Texas.
Clint Edrington
LSU in Antarctica (continued) The LSU students learned a great deal about conducting research, but this trip proved to be so much more than a geological learning experience. Students were able to explore a continent like no other with its “larger than life” glaciers, lack of color and vegetation, and unique marine life. It was like nothing else they had ever seen or experienced. Kristie Cornell, PhD student, explained it best when she said, “When you get there, you realize how beautiful this place is… it’s a completely surreal landscape.” All students participating agreed, despite the hard work and harsh conditions, they would do it again in a heartbeat.
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Congratulations to the following graduate and undergraduate students who received scholarships and awards for the 2007-2008 fiscal year!
ADG Fellowship Kyle Metz Charles L. Jones Scholarship Jessica Mumphrey Chevron Texaco Field Camp Scholarship Adam D’Aquin Ana Felix Daniel Armstrong Ryan Armbruster
Chevron Texaco Scholarship for Best Upper Level TA Corine Armstrong ConocoPhillips Scholarship Corine Armstrong Eric Prokocki Devon Energy Corporation Enhancement Scholarship Matthew Huber Andrew Steen General Scholarship Grad Award Rhonika Robinson George N. May Scholarship for Best Sophomore Samantha Fields
Houston Geological Society Corine Armstrong H.V. Howe Scholarship for Best Junior Jessica Mumphrey Matthew Clark
STUDENT NEWS
Chevron Texaco Scholarship for Best Lower Level TA Terry Lambert
Halliburton Field Camp Scholarship Carl Frisby Jordy Babineaux Jordyn Spizale Michael Massengale Remy Leger
Leo W. Hough Scholarship for Best Senior Amy Lasseigne New Orleans Geological Society-Graduate Award Rhonika Robinson New Orleans Geological Society- Junior Award Jessica Mumphrey New Orleans Geological Society- Senior Award Amy Lasseigne Painter Scholarship Jessica Mumphrey Patrick F. Taylor Scholarship Jessica Mumphrey Matthew A. Clark
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FACULTY UPDATES
Faculty Updates Laurie Anderson (H.V. Howe Distinguished Associate Professor) has been awarded a Temminck Fellowship from the National Museum of Natural History Leiden (the Netherlands). The Fellowship will support a 3-month residence at the museum to work with collaborators and conduct museum research. With funding from the Biotic Surveys and Inventories program of the National Science Foundation, Laurie Anderson is participating in a multiyear international collaboration to inventory the aquatic animals of Alto Purús National Park and Purús Communal Reserve. In addition, Anderson spent her summer at the Charles Barney LSU Geology Field Camp teaching the freshman course. Huiming Bao (Assistant Professor) was cited in Science (March 2008: Vol. 319. no. 5868, p. 1336) in the Technical Comments section: “Early Archaean Microorganisms Preferred Elemental Sulfur, Not Sulfate.” Bao’s research entitled “Triple oxygen isotope evidence for elevated CO2 levels after a Neoproterozoic glaciation” was featured in Nature 453, 504-506 (22 May 2008). Sophie Warny Bart (Assistant Professor) received a grant for “Preliminary Palynological and Paleoenvironmental Characterization of ANDRILL’s Southern Macmurdo Sounds,” NSF, June 2007 through May 2008, $27,879. Warny also received a grant for “Past environmental conditions on the Antarctic Peninsula: a palynological characterization of in-situ sediments recovered during the 2006 SHALDRIL campaign,” NSF, July 2007 through September 2009, $100,049. William Blanford (Assistant Professor) received a grant along with
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PI Thomas Boving (University of Rhode Island) and co-PI Bheemanagoud Choudri (The Energy and Resources Institute, Goa, India), “Clean Water by Riverbank Filtration,” The World Bank Development Marketplace, (ongoing) $189,558. Brooks Ellwood (Robey H. Clark Distinguished Professor) was awarded the Harrison Family Field Camp Distinguished Professorship. Annette Engel (Assistant Professor) and colleagues were featured in the June 2007 issue of Environmental Microbiology. Meisinger, D.B., Zimmermann, J., Ludwig, L., Schleifer, K.-H., Wanner, G. Schmid, M. Bennett, P.C., Engel, A.S., Lee, N.M., 2007, “In situ detection of novel Acidobacteria in microbial mats from a chemolithoautotrophicallybased cave ecosystem,” (Lower Kane Cave, WY, USA). Environmental Microbiology. 9(6): 15231534. doi:10.1111/j.1462-2920.2007.01271.x The abstract is available at blackwell-synergy.com. Jeff Hanor (LSU Alumni Professor) attended the 12th Water-Rock Interaction (WRI-12) Conference in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China. The conference was hosted by China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China, which has an enrollment of 53,000 students. Hanor gave a talk on preproduction variations in formation water chemistry at the Bullwinkle (Green Canyon 65) field in the offshore Louisiana Gulf of Mexico. Hanor will be spending the Spring 2009 semester on sabbatical leave at the University of Arizona. Darrell Henry (Campanile Charities Professor) served as the co-editor of a special volume of the American Mineralogist in honor of Charles V. Guidotti. The special volume is
currently scheduled to appear in February 2008. Henry has been named as an associate editor of The Handbook of Mineralogy. In addition, he has recently been elected to a four-year term as Treasurer to the Mineralogical Society of America. Judith Schiebout (Adjunct Professor) was the second author on a journal article, White, P.D. and J.A. Schiebout. Paleogene paleosols and changes in pedogenesis during the initial Eocene thermal maximum: Big Bend National Park, Texas, USA. Geological Society of America Bulletin 120 (11), 1347-1361.
Barb Dutrow (Adolphe Gueymard Professor) was elected as a fellow of the Geological Society of America.
Top Producing Research & Creative Faculty Dubbed “Rainmakers” The metaphorical “Rainmaker,” a term borrowed from the business parlance, is one whose special skills and efforts bring welcome resources or respect to an organization. In the university context, Rainmakers are those who are nationally and internationally recognized for innovative research and creative scholarship, who compete for external funding at the highest levels and who attract and mentor exceptional graduate students. Among this year’s round of award recipients are faculty from all disciplines on the LSU campus. Vice Chancellor Brooks Keel, head of the Office of Research & Economic Development, solicited nominations from nearly 50 departments representing 12 major academic divisions in both scientific and artistic fields. “We didn’t want to define the winning criteria too narrowly,” said Keel of the award’s initial conception. “We see the Rainmaker event as a way to encourage and reward scholarly productivity in general, by whatever measures are commonly accepted in each field.” The nomination process will be repeated annually, giving opportunity for recognition to all faculty who demonstrate exceptional academic productivity in a given year. Nominees are eligible regardless of their tenure at LSU and may include both emerging and well-established university scholars. This year two faculty members from the Department of Geology & Geophysics, Annette Engel and Huiming Bao, were honored with the Rainmakers distinction.
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FACULTY UPDATES
Offering due recognition for their exceptional productivity, LSU will celebrate the accomplishments of 100 outstanding research and creative faculty in the first annual Rainmakers Gala, a dinner and award ceremony to be held Sept. 10, 2008.
Spotlight on New Faculty & Staff LaTosha Mullins (Academic, HRM and Building Coordinator) joined the department in August 2007. She is responsible for scheduling all geology courses, managing Human Resources, and coordinating building and facility services for the entire Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex.
FACULTY UPDATES
Alex Webb (Faculty) joined the department in August 2008 as an Assistant Professor in Structural Geology / Tectonics. His research interests concern the evolution and deformation of the continental crust. During his Ph.D. (UCLA, 2007) and postdoctoral work, he focused on testing and developing models for the construction of the Himalaya by integrating field mapping, geochronology, thermochronology, and petrologic investigations. He and his students are furthering this research, collaborating with researchers at Universität Freiberg to investigate crustal flow along the eastern margin of Tibet, and developing new projects in the western USA. Sophie Warny (Faculty) joined the department in July 2007 as an Assistant Professor in Palynology. She holds a joint appointment with the Museum of Natural Science as the Assistant Curator of Education. She is a micropaleontologist who received her Ph.D. from the UniversitÊ Catholique de Louvain, in Belgium. Her research interests include the evolution of palynomorphs (dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs, pollen and spores) in fossil records through time and their use for paleo-environmental reconstruction and stratigraphic studies. The palynology results of her current NSF-funded project in the Ross Sea (ANDRILL SMS) will be an important addition to the total ANDRILL database, particularly that for biostratigraphy, palaeoceanography and paleoclimate. On the basis of preliminary results and fossils recovered to date, her work shows the potential to make a significant contribution to the understanding of plant evolution and biogeography. Warny and colleagues are currently preparing papers of significance to Antarctic and temperate latitude paleoclimate and biogeography. In addition to her research, she manages the education and outreach programs for the Museum. She is very enthusiastic about assuming her new role as tenure-track faculty in the department. She is currently looking for graduate students to conduct palynological research.
Dr. Jeff Nunn utilizes technology in the CxC studio to teach his Geology students. 26 Geology & Geophysics Magazine
Dr. Laurie Anderson works on her research in Peru.
ALUMNI NEWS WHERE ARE THEY NOW??
Send us your alumni news by filling out the electronic update form on the alumni pages of our website at www.geol.lsu.edu. You can also view information on upcoming alumni events or pictures from past events.
Benjamin Bourgeois (B.S. 1982) is a geologist for Llog Exploration Company in Metairie, LA. Robert Conger (B.S. 1982; M.S. 1996; Ph.D. 2003) writes, “Since graduation in 1982, I have game fully employed in environmental protection. The past 18 years have been the most fulfilling of my career, working for the world’s largest chemical company, BASF. I have used the education I earned as an undergrad in geology at LSU as the cornerstone for continuing my education and building a rewarding career.” William “Bill” Drennen (M.S. 1976) is senior vice president for global exploration and new ventures for Hess Corporation.
John Jordan (B.S. 2007) is a QA Officer/ Environmental, Health and Safety Coordinator for PetroChem Inspection Services, Inc. in New Orleans, LA. William McAlister, Jr. (B.S. 1979) is owner/partner of Leon Comeaux and Associates. Terry O’Hearn (M.S. 1984) is an ES Advisor with Chevron. Stacy Smith (B.S. 1987) writes, “I have three children now – Forrest, Shelby, and Laney (Ages 10, 5, and 3). I originally started my professional career in 1990 with Texaco in New Orleans. I stayed on with Chevron after the merger. Chevron subsequently relocated us from Louisiana to Houston in 2004. Although we enjoy living here in Houston, we still enjoy coming back to Baton Rouge several times a year to see family and an occasional football game in Tiger Stadium. Most of my 18 year career has been working in the Gulf of Mexico and I have been lucky enough to have been working on some great producing fields and exploratory projects for Texaco and Chevron (Tahiti, Tonga, Great White, and Big Foot) focusing mostly on seismic and structural evaluation. My current assignment is within the GOM deepwater Appraisal/Projects group. Although I don’t have much free time away from my young family, I try to stay active in the professional community by participating in conferences and meetings and maintaining my membership in AAPG, SEG, and the Houston Geological Society.” Lt. Col. Harty Van, Jr. (B.S. 1963) retired from BP and lives in Slidell, LA, with his wife Evelyn.
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ALUMNI NEWS
Katie Howell (M.S. 2006) is employed as a writer/reporter with Greenwire, an online energy and environmental policy daily in Washington D.C.
Alumni News (continued) Amanda Nikiel Veazy (B.S. 1998) writes, “After having worked for a couple of environmental consulting firms in Houston, TX, for several years, I am now back in the E&P industry as a geologist with Seneca Resources Corporation. My husband Matthew and I packed up and moved our two kids and two cats to Buffalo, NY right after Christmas 2007 and we absolutely love it!� Frank Vollenweider (B.S. 1954) is a self-consulting petroleum geologist in Kerrville, TX. Roy Walther (B.S. 1953; M.S. 1954) is an independent geologist in New Orleans. Peter Yuan (Ph.D. 1984), after teaching at National Sun Yat-Sen University for over 20 years is now working at the Department of Earth Sciences, National Chen Kung University in southern Taiwan.
ALUMNI NEWS
Eric Zimmerman (B.S. 1998; M.S. 2001) is a geologist at Llog Exploration Company in Metairie, LA.
Clarence Cazaolt gives inaugural lecture for the Marathon Oil Corporation Lectureship Series
LSU Geology Alumni reminisce at the LSU Alumni & Friends Reception during the 2008 AAPG Annual Meeting and Exhibition
L: Alumnus, Frank G. Cornish (B.S. 1973 ) poses in front of the exhibit booth for his company, Imagine Resources, LLC, at NAPE.
Alumnus, Charles Barney (B.S., PETE 1949), was recognized for his significant contributions to the university at the LSU vs. Florida game on October 6, 2007.
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In Memory of... W. L. “Billy” Tidwell (B.S. 1950), age 81, died June 28, 2008 in Houston, TX. A WWII veteran, he proudly served our country in the Army Air Corps. As a Geologist, his career spanned many years in the world-wide petroleum industry. He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen Beaugh Tidwell; daughter, Stephanie Tidwell Schumacher and husband Mark; son, David Tidwell; grandsons, Jeremy and Joshua Tidwell; and many other loving relatives and friends.
News of Other Lost Alumni & Friends:
Tidwell has been a volunteer leader at LSU for decades, including the role of co-chairman for the LSU Geology Field Camp Campaign.
Ed Harrington McGlasson (M.S. 1956) died May 11, 2007.
Mr. Lee was the second longest-serving sheriff in Jefferson Parish history, after Frank Clancy, whose 1928-56 tenure he would have surpassed in April. His death came three weeks before he hoped to win an eighth term in office. He had signed up to run in the October 20th election against Harahan Police Chief Peter Dale and Harvey contractor Julio Castillo. Despite his ill health, Mr. Lee had been the heavy favorite to win re-election.
Charles Guy Bilberry (B.S. 1950) died September 8, 2007. Robert Henderson Cross (M.S. 1948) died April 14, 2007. Byron Bennett Gibbs (B.S. 1941) died September 16, 2007.
Emil T. Monsour (B.S. 1935; M.S. 1936) died March 12, 2007. Gene Anthony Radzewicz (B.S. 1972) died January 2, 2007. James Edward Ray (B.S. 1951) died July 25, 2007. James Alexander Savage (M.S. 1952) died July 31, 2007. Edward Stephen Sibley (B.S. 1970) died January 14, 2007. Roger T. Trindell (Ph.D. 1966) died February 15, 2007. Bret Timothy Turner (B.S. 1984) died April 2, 2007. Louis Rew Wilson (B.S. 1941) died December 25, 2007. To share your alumni news or to update your contact information, please fill out the online form at www.geol.lsu.edu/alumniupdateform.html or e-mail Stacey Halphen at slebl23@lsu.edu
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ALUMNI NEWS
Harry Lee (B.S. 1956), Jefferson Parish’s irrepressible sheriff since 1980 and one of the most famous politicians in Louisiana history, died Monday, October 1, 2007, at Ochsner Medical Center after a five-month battle with leukemia. He was 75. Beloved husband of Lai Woo Lee. Father of Cynthia Lee Sheng, father-in-law of Stewart Sheng. Grandfather of Gavin and Miranda Sheng. Son of the late Shee Yip Lee and Bing Lee. Brother of Frank Lee of Bogota, Columbia, Lorraine Allen of Hilton Head, S.C., Virginia, Davis and China Lee of Metairie and the late Hellen Lee. Survived by many nieces and nephews.
At the printing of this newsletter, we only had minimal information on the passing of the following alumni:
Department of Geology & Geophysics Louisiana State University E-235 Howe-Russell Geoscience Complex Baton Rouge, LA 70803