President-Elect - Chris Hogan, CPG-11960, Missouri Section

Vice President - Megan Cleinmark, CPG-12111, Virginias Section

Treasurer - James Adu, CPG-11884, Arizona Section

Early Career Professional - Becca May, ECP-1250, Missouri Section

Incumbent officers:

President- Doug Peters, CPG-08274, Colorado Section

Past President - Chuck Drake, CPG-11179, Florida Section

Secretary - Mark Howell, CPG-9563, Illinois/Indiana Section

Editor - Adam Heft, CPG-10265, Michigan Section

The four advisory board representatives will be elected at the AIPG National Annual Conference on August 29, 2026 in Duluth, Minnesota. If you are interested in running contact your AIPG Section President to become the delegate for your section.

I want to remind everyone that as we are approaching the end of the year, we are coming up on the deadline for the Jan/Feb/Mar edition of TPG. I am planning to publish a member list in that edition again.

We respect your privacy, and we are asking for your consent to print your name and member type. All members MUST OPT-IN to be included in this listing. This past year, a number of disappointed people asked me why their name was not included in the member listing. Unfortunately, it was because they missed the announcement about the Opt-In requirement to be included. Don’t miss the opportunity this year to have your name proudly displayed.

Anyone who does not Opt-In, fails to respond, or select their choice on the website will not be included.

Note that the Opt-In is a separate permission from making your record visible to others for the online directory and would apply only to this single member listing. We will list each member by Section in alphabetical order. Only your name and member type will be included in the listing; there will be no contact information of any kind included.

How do I Opt in? It’s as easy as 1,2,3…

You may select the Opt-In at any point before November 1, 2026 on the AIPG National website.

1. Sign in on the website to access your member profile.

2. Select the "Profile Tab" and scroll to the bottom of the page.

3. Select “Yes” to Opt-In, or “No” to be excluded from the list.

That’s it! We do the rest.

The Professional Geologist (TPG)
Student Edition

November 1st submittal deadline
AIPG First Quarter Publication (January/February/March)

As the AIPG National Editor, I’d like you to submit an article for publication in The Professional Geologist.  Your contributions will enrich the content of The Professional Geologist.  We are not only looking for content for this edition, but for all future editions as well.

We are accepting articles for the Student Edition (January/February/March 2027).  We want articles from students, faculty, and members alike.  Student research projects, student life, and field camp are all great topics of interest to readers.  Share your perspective!  Faculty members, this is a great opportunity for publishing technical articles with students, as well as providing commentary on geoscience education, or other relevant topics.  We are a diverse group of geoscientists, and we are looking for technical articles in your area of expertise, career experiences, advice to students, the state of the science, and other topics you feel would be of interest to our readers.  We accept writings from non-members and encourage you to share this call for articles with your colleagues and the value of being an AIPG member.

Information on article requirements may be found at:  https://aipg.org/page/TPGArticleSubmittal, but here are some points to keep in mind:

• please submit the article in MS Word format
• submit any graphics (figures, tables, photos, etc.) as a minimum 300 dpi image – do not imbed them into the document
• Please verify that you have permission to publish it if the graphic is not your own
• Please indicate if you are submitting the article for peer-review
• Please include a statement that the article has not been submitted to other journals for publication

The TPG editorial staff is supportive of new authors and experienced authors, and we are here to offer guidance and constructive reviews with the goal of helping you publish your best articles.  Our mission is to advocate for the geosciences profession.  We want to highlight the science and work done every day by the individuals, teams, and organizations who are part of our community.  

The deadlines for the 2027 editions of TPG are as follows; however, please note that some articles may be reserved for future editions.  Below are the deadlines; however, we encourage submissions at any time.

Issue Submission                                     Submittal Deadline

• January/February/March                        November 1st
• April/May/June                                         February 1st
• July/August/September                                May 1st
• October/November/December                   August 1st

Please forward this email to anyone you think may be interested in submitting an article.  Feel free to contact me if you have any questions; I’d be happy to discuss article possibilities with you.  Thanks!

Adam W. Heft, CPG
AIPG National Editor
Phone: 517-886-7400
Email:  adam.heft@wsp.com

Challenge categories:

1. Off the Beaten Path - Unique feature formations.
2. The Best Part - Capturing the Spirit of the AIPG National Conference.
3. Geologists in the Field - People at work/field trips.
4. Micro-Geology - Under the microscope.

Entries must be original and taken by a member. Entry authorizes publication of the image in The Professional Geologist by AIPG with credit given to the photographer.

Challenge Rules:

• Image requirements: digital, 300 dpi, 8.5”x11,” portrait orientation full color.
• Members are allowed one entry per category with up to four submissions (one per category).
• All images must be original and taken by the member.
• Submit entries via email to aipg@aipg.org.

Entries must include:

• Name
• Member number
• Section
• Title of image
• Less than 200 word description of the image
• Names of any identifiable persons in the image and permission to publish their photo
• Year photo taken

Entry deadline: November 1, 2026.

Awards:

First place in each category:

• Image published on the cover of TPG in 2027.
• Winners will receive a personalized Estwing rock hammer engraved with their name and member number or AIPG Gear of choice up to $50.
  

Runners Up in each category:

• Images will be published in the TPG in a special feature album.
• Runners up will receive AIPG gear of choice up to $30.

July/August/September (pdf)

Digital Link (turns like a magazine)

Features

Page 5 - Horizontal Groundwater Monitoring to Detect Leaks from Lined Waste Disposal Facilities
Paul F. Hudak

Page 8 - Controls on Widespread Platform-Scale Dolomitization in Paleozoic Carbonate Systems
Mossbah M. Kolkas, CPG-10180

Page 28 - Insights into Uranium
Barney Paul Popkin

Page 31 - Field Trip Guide: Caves, Springs, and Streams in the Upper Cambrian of Missouri
Jeffrey Crews

Page 57 - The Part Nobody Warns You About: Why Every Stage of a Geology Career Deserves its Voice
Becca May, ECP-1250

Departments

Page 3 - Editor's Corner

Page 4 - Letters to the Editor

Page 14 - Student Scholarship Recipients

Page 38 - Executive Director's Message

Page 39 - President's Message

Page 40 - Early Career Professional Spotlight

Page 42 - Test Your Knowledge

Page 43 - Professional Ethics and Practices

Page 48 - Tales from the Field

Page 50 - In Memoriam

Page 52 - Educator's Corner

Page 58 - The Foundation of the AIPG

Page 60 - AIPG Membership Totals

Page 60 - Professional Services Directory

Back Cover - New Certified Professional Geologists

Past Issues of TPG available online.

This issue spotlights the ideas, innovations, and collaborations shaping the geoscience enterprise today. Headlines include:

• New Directory of Geoscience Departments App Applauded 
• 'Join Us in Geoscience Enterprise Rising' 
• Earth Science Week Enhances Access with Online Resources 
• Congressional Fellow Offers Geoscience Perspective in DC 
• Groundwater and Soil Contamination Database Thrives 
• New from AGI 
• Geoscience Event Calendar

"AGI Connections showcases the people, programs, and innovations accelerating progress across policy, education, and resource management," said AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. "Our federation's collective strength is a formidable force. The stories unfolding here reflect the power of the geoscience enterprise, where collaboration, ingenuity, and shared expertise drive meaningful progress on society's most urgent challenges."

AGI Connections is free and available to all. Society leadership and interested members of the geoscience community are invited to subscribe on the e-newsletter's subscription management page. View the AGI Connections archive on the main page. To share your events, contact AGI Communications' Geoff Camphire at gac@americangeosciences.org.

About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
____________
Contact:
Geoff Camphire, Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org

The Foundation of AIPG also sponsored $10,000 for undergraduate AIPG National Scholarships.

Scholarship essay will be in the TPG July/August/September Issue.

Scholarship essays is in TPG July/August/September Issue.

2027 President-Elect (2028 President, 2029 Past President)

• Chris Hogan, CPG-11960, Missouri Section

2027 Vice-President (one-year term)

• Rasoul Sorkhabi, CPG-11981, Utah Section
• Megan Cleinmark, CPG-12111, Virginias Section

2027-2028 Treasurer (two-year term)

• James Adu, CPG-11884, Arizona Section

2027 Early Career Professional (ECP) Representative (one-year term)

• Dominic Ombati, ECP-1260, California Section
• Becca May, ECP-1250, Missouri Section

In 2027 incumbent officers:

Past President, Chuck Drake, CPG-11179, Florida Section

President, Doug Peters, CPG-08274, Colorado Section

Secretary, Mark Howell, CPG-09563, Indiana/Illinois Section

Editor, Adam Heft, CPG-10265, Michigan Section

Ben. H Parker Memorial Distinguished Service Medal 
Debra W. Struhsacker, CPG-08259, Nevada Section

Martin Van Couvering Memorial Service to the Institute Award 
R. Doug Bartlett, CPG-08433, Arizona Section

John T Galey, Sr. Memorial Public Service Award 
No nominations received 

AIPG Honorary Membership 
Raymond W. Talkington, CPG-07935, Northeast Section

John Stewart Memorial Early Career Professional Award 
Sienna M. Meekhof, ECP-0983, Michigan Section

Outstanding Achievement Award Major Contribution to the Profession 
No recipient 

AIPG Section Leadership Awards

• Kelvin J. Buchanan, CPG-06058, Nevada Section 
• Jake T. Dalbec, MEM-1599, Minnesota Section 
• Daniel E. Hunter, CPG-10091, Minnesota Section 
• Robert J. McKinnon, MEM-3205, Florida Section
  

President – Chuck Drake (Florida Section)

President-Elect – Doug Peters (Colorado Section)

Past President – Sara Pearson (Michigan Section)

Vice President – Mark Schaaf (Maryland, Capitol Section)

Secretary – Mark Howell (Indiana, IL/IN Section) (year 1 of 2)

Treasurer – Todd McFarland (Tennessee Section) (year 2 of 2)

Editor – Adam Heft (Michigan Section) (year 1 of 2)

Early Career Professional – Skylar Vertes (North Carolina, Carolinas Section)

Advisory Board Representative #1 - TBD

Advisory Board Representative #2 - TBD

Advisory Board Representative #3 - TBD

Advisory Board Representative #4 - TBD

AIPG National Advisory Board Representatives will be elected at the AIPG National Annual Conference in
St. Louis, Missouri on October 4, 2025.

Electronic round CPG stamp with the AIPG seal, your name and CPG member number (available only to CPG members).

Purchase an electronic stamp for AIPG Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) Members online. The electronic stamp is provided in jpg and png formats.

https://aipg.org/store/viewproduct.aspx?id=21692190

Energy. Water. Critical minerals. Hazard resilience. Infrastructure. National security. Economic competitiveness. All depend on geoscience. Yet today, the enterprise that supports these essential systems is at risk.

A convergence of challenges — including workforce shortages, declining student enrollment, aging data infrastructure, and limited integration of geoscience into policy decisions — threatens the geoscience community's ability to respond to these growing environmental and economic demands. The need for geoscience expertise has never been greater.

"This is a defining moment," said AGI Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Arthur. "The structural challenges we're facing require a coordinated, enterprise-level response to reimagine and revitalize the geoscience enterprise for the future. The question is not whether geoscience matters, but whether we will invest in it at the scale required to meet the emerging challenges and opportunities."

For more than 75 years, AGI has served as a unifying force across the geoscience community, representing over 250,000 geoscientists through its federation of more than 60 professional societies. Now, through Geoscience Enterprise Rising, AGI is mobilizing that collective capacity to ensure the geosciences remain a cornerstone of societal progress.

A Strategic Response to a System Under Strain
Geoscience Enterprise Rising is designed to address systemic gaps while unlocking new opportunities for growth and innovation across the geoscience enterprise.

Geoscience Enterprise Rising focuses on targeted investments in five interconnected areas:

• Workforce & the Profession — Building career pathways and readiness for a skilled, adaptable next-generation workforce.
• Education & Outreach — Increasing Earth science literacy among young people and the public. 
• Policy Engagement — Delivering trusted, nonpartisan geoscience expertise to decision makers.
• Research & Innovation — Accelerating discovery and access to current intelligence to advance the geoscience enterprise.
• Strategic Collaboration — Bridging industry, academia, government, and the profession for seamless connections.

At the same time, Geoscience Enterprise Rising will expand and accelerate AGI's proven programs, including the GeoRef database of nearly 5 million references, the Earth Science Week public awareness campaign reaching millions annually, workforce intelligence reports guiding national talent strategies, and policy support for decisionmakers at all levels.

A Call to Invest in the Future
To realize this vision, AGI aims to raise $2 million over two years to scale impact and reinforce the backbone of the geoscience enterprise. "With the right investment, we can close critical gaps, empower the next generation, and ensure geoscience continues to drive innovation, resilience, and prosperity," said AGI President Dr. Claudia Mora.

With over $100,000 already raised to support Geoscience Enterprise Rising, the effort is underway. These initial contributions are funding efforts including AGI's Student Exit Survey, which will inform a new and broad-sweeping workforce initiative, aligning education, skills development, and professional readiness across the geoscience enterprise.

Every dollar invested contributes to a stronger, more connected geoscience enterprise. AGI's track record, national network, and operational capacity position the organization to deliver measurable, enterprise-wide impact. 

"Across the United States, geoscience programs are shrinking and public confidence in science is under pressure, even as communities face increasing risks from natural hazards, climate impacts, and resource constraints. Without decisive action, these trends will erode our capacity to address society's most pressing challenges," added Dr. Mora. "Geoscience Enterprise Rising is designed to reverse that trajectory."

Rising Together
AGI invites individuals, organizations, and partners to support this transformative effort through one-time gifts, recurring contributions, multi-year pledges, or major investments.

Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law and directly support programs that advance workforce development, education, policy engagement, research coordination, and the data systems that underpin the geoscience enterprise.

To learn more, visit Geoscience Enterprise Rising online today. Invest in the science that powers the world.

About AGI
The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the geoscience needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.
____________

Contact:
Geoff Camphire, AGI Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) announces the launch of its new Geoscience PolicyApp, a powerful, free online tool designed to help users easily monitor policy developments across the United States and European Union that impact the geoscience enterprise. Built for geoscience professionals, policymakers, educators, and industry leaders, the tracker delivers timely, accessible insights into current policy actions that impact the geoscience enterprise. It covers a wide range of activity, including research funding, trade policies affecting resources, land use and access, and emerging areas that may create new opportunities for geoscientists. "The Geoscience PolicyApp helps connect policy activity to its real-world implications for geoscience professionals and organizations," said AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. Users can explore policy activity by date, filter by source, and access concise AI-assisted summaries. The platform highlights both newly published policies and the most recent additions within the past 30 days, making it easier than ever to stay current. The PolicyApp follows U.S. legislative bills, U.S. federal agency rules and notices, Executive Orders & Presidential Documents, European Union legislation and decisions, and EU judicial rulings that shape policy interpretation. Using curated data feeds and intelligent filtering, the tracker surfaces the most relevant policy actions affecting the geoscience community. Items are organized by publication date and system entry, offering multiple ways to explore and analyze developments. Stay tuned as new features are added to the PolicyApp in the near future. The Geoscience PolicyApp is available at https://policyapp.americangeosciences.org.  Data and summaries are provided for informational purposes and may leverage AI, so review for accuracy. For questions or attribution inquiries, contact AGI Director of Geoscience Profession and Higher Education Christopher Keane at keane@americangeosciences.org. About AGI The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the geoscience needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia. ____________ Contact: Geoff Camphire, AGI Communications gac@americangeosciences.org

The Professional Geologist

FEATURES

Page 23 Mapping at East Canyon U-V Project
in Utah, USA: A Source of Carbon Free
Energy Sitting in the Ground
Regina M. Molloy, CPG-12345

Page 38 Important News from the American
Geosciences Institute
R. Doug Bartlett, CPG-08433

Page 49 Here comes AOM
(Anaerobic Oxidation of Methane)
Terry Gulliver, CPG-06569

Page 52 Landfill Hydrogeology and
the Law of Unintended Consequences
Peter H. Dohms, CPG-07141

On the Cover: 2026 Photo Contest Winner - Off the Beaten Path
Description: Petrified Wood in Blue Mesa Gully – The Blue Mesa Trail in Petrified Forest National Park (Arizona) wanders through the Blue Mesa badlands. The badlands are dominated by the Blue Mesa Member of the Chinle Formation. This Triassic tropical floodplain unit includes bentonite clay which provides the bluish color. In this image of a small gully, the orangish color of the petrified wood stands out against the gray and bluish Blue Mesa Member.

Photograph by Guy Swenson, CPG-07574, AIPG Northeast Section, 2024.

2026 Photo Contest: Off the Beaten Path

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

AGI Federation Welcomes INTRAW as Trade Associate

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The American Geosciences Institute (AGI) is pleased to welcome the International Raw Materials Observatory (INTRAW) to the AGI Federation as a Trade Associate organization, strengthening international collaboration in the geosciences. As part of the memorandum of understanding between the two organizations, AGI and INTRAW are reaffirming their ongoing relationship and cooperation while further deepening collaborative ties.

Based in Belgium, INTRAW is a non-profit international association dedicated to fostering global collaboration in mineral raw materials' research and innovation. The organization provides information on best international practices, economic and policy research, and advanced data analytics and scenario studies to inform raw materials strategies for policymakers, industry, and the public and support sustainable development within the raw materials sector.

"We are excited to welcome INTRAW into AGI's community of geoscience organizations," says AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. "We also are pleased to deepen our existing relationship as a member of INTRAW. Geoscience plays a critical role in global minerals work, and we look forward to collaborating across a number of areas, including research, analysis, data exchange, proposal development, and joint workshops and training opportunities."

About AGI

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional organizations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.

____________

Contact:
Geoff Camphire, AGI Communications
gac@americangeosciences.org

January/February/March (pdf)

Inside this Issue

Features

Page 5 - Book Review: Power Metal: The Race for the Resources That Will Shape the Future
Frederick E. Simms, PhD, CPG-10292

Page 7 - Mars Through Time: Climatic Transitions and Depositional Environments from the Pre-Noachian to Amazonian
Massbah M. Kolkas, CPG-10180

Page 16 - 2025 University of Memphis Field Camp - My Capstone Experience
Grace Y. Sandidge, SA-12627

Page 19 - The Proposed and Misguided Closure of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Patrick H. Szopinski, SA-08499

Page 22 - AIPG Speaks Up
Response to University of Nebraska-Lincoln Earth and Atmospheric Sciences Department Closure

Page 25 - AIPG Field Trip Guide:
Exploring the Geology of the St. Francois Mountains
Aaron W. Johnson, CPG-12229

Page 30 - Scotland in Miniature
Dawn H. Garcia, CPG-08313

Page 37 - Using Midland Valley MOVE to analyze near-surface geology for construction and hydrogeologic applications
Mark J. Abolins, et. al.

Page 42 - Layered Vapor Intrusion Mitigation: Field Insights on Integrating SSD Systems and Vapor Barriers
Robert C. Carvalho, P.G., CPG-10588

Page 50 - Under the Graduation Lights: Joining the Ranks of Professionals
Isaac Pope, SA-09950

Page 51 - WSP USA Supports AEG St. Louis Chapter and AIPG Students at UCA "Down for That" Outreach at the University of Missouri
Luke Ducey, CPG-12317

Departments

Page 3 - Editor's Corner

Page 4 - Letters to the Editor

Page 32 - Executive Director's Message

Page 33 - President's Message

Page 36 - Test Your Knowledge

Page 38 - Professional Ethics and Practices

Page 44 - Tales from the Field

Page 46 - Educator's Corner

Page 48 - The Foundation of AIPG

Page 52 - Geoscience Gold AIPG Member List

Page 58 - In Memoriam

Page 60 - AIPG Membership Totals

Page 60 - Professional Services Directory

Back Cover - New Certified Professional Geologists

Past Issues available on the AIPG National Website.

2025 Graduate Poster Contest Winners

First Place - $1,000

Khaled Mahamud Khan, AIPG Student Member-12888
Earth Observation and Deep Learning for High-Resolution Flood Susceptibility in Kashi Basin A Hybrid Model Comparison

Second Place - $550

Muhammad Risha, AIPG Student Member-12898
Predicting Microporosity and Permeability in Clastic Aquifers Using Machine Learning and Uncertainty Analysis

Third Place - $350

Andrew Chiles, AIPG Student Member-12091
Paleomagnetism of the Portage Lake Volcanics (PLV) in the Ottawa National Forest Near Bergland, Upper Peninsula, Michigan

Honorable Mention - $100

James A. Oyelayo, AIPG Student Member-12592
Integrated Mineralogical and Geochemical Assessment of Rare Earth Element Enrichment in the Bowery Peak Carbonatite Complex, Montana

Honorable Mention - $100

Isaac E. Pope, AIPG Student Member-9950
Categorizing Waterfalls and Knickzones Modified by Sporadic Flooding in Volcanic and Glacial Environments in Washington, USA

Honorable Mention - $100

Christina Tiggemann, AIPG Student Member-11458
Microbial Bioremediation for Heavy Metal Contamination in Fractured Bedrock Aquifers

 

 

 

Research Scientist

 

 

Curator & Lab Coordinator

 

 

Resource Geologist

 

 

 

Doctoral Researcher

 

 

Hydrogeochemist

 

 

Calibration Scientist

 

 

 

Earth Science Educator

 

 

Mining ESG Consultant

 

 

Senior Lecturer

We are always looking for additional geoscience career profiles to add to our resources, particularly those that already have great images and video content to share!

Submit your own career profile here for consideration in our future career profile spotlights, and someone will get back to you in due course.