2009 Awards
Illinois State Geological Survey
Twenty-five individuals and two companies were honored on March 26, 2010, at the Illinois State Geological Survey's (ISGS) annual awards program. The awards were presented by ISGS Director Donald McKay in recognition of the outstanding contributions of these individuals and companies for the benefit of the people of Illinois. The awards and recipients are listed here:
Outstanding Advocate
The Barrington Area Council of Governments, led by
Executive Director, Janet Agnoletti, was recognized for
its long-standing support of ISGS programs in geologic mapping,
groundwater resources, and height modernization and its partnership in
the study of the sustainable use of Illinois' natural resources.
Complete citation
Outstanding External Cooperators
Alan Shoemaker, Manager of Tuscola Stone
Company, was honored in appreciation of his time and equipment
and for providing access to Tuscola Stone Quarry in support of ISGS field
trips, geologic mapping, and filming for the History Channel series "How
the Earth Was Made."
Complete citation
Christopher Pearson, National Geodetic Survey's
Illinois State Geodetic Advisor, received the Outstanding External
Cooperator Award for his time, expertise, and enthusiasm in support of
the ISGS geologic mapping and height modernization program.
Complete citation
Outstanding Alumni Contributions
Richard Cahill was named recipient of this award for
his significant contributions to Survey programs since his retirement,
including continued geochemical research on the Illinois River, analysis
of trace elements in coal balls, and assisting other researchers with
their projects.
Complete citation
Distinguished Achievement Awards
Daniel Nelson was honored for his efforts on the
Illinois National Resources Geospatial Data Clearinghouse and his
database management work. The Clearinghouse continues to be an important
resource for anyone working with GIS remote sensing technology in
Illinois.
Complete citation
Torie Strole was nominated for her outstanding work in
submission and management of grants and contracts. Strole works with
every principal investigator with sponsored research or a service
account. She reviews the monetary and collection aspects of all
proposals, manages subcontracts, and handles all of the contract
accounting.
Complete citation
Hong Wang was named a recipient for his establishment
of the ISGS Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) laboratory. The OSL
Laboratory allows age dating up to 250,000 years and benefits research
in Quaternary geology, paleoclimate, earthquake hazards, and archaeology.
Complete citation
Lifetime Achievement Award
Ivan Krapac was honored in recognition of his thirty
years of innovative geochemical research in the areas of agricultural
contamination of groundwater and monitoring of carbon sequestration.
Complete citation
Special Achievement by a Team
The Sorbent Activation Process Team was honored for its
tireless efforts and difficult work in developing a patented technology
for mercury emission control. This technology will increase the
efficiency, and lower the cost, of removing mercury at coal-fired power
plants. Team members were Francois Botha, ICCI;
Ramsay Chang, EPRI; Xu Chen, ISGS;
Tim Ebner, Apogee Scientific; Kevin
Fisher, Apogee Scientific; Hong Lu, ISGS;
Yongqi Lu, ISGS; Richard Morrical,
Maxwell Engineering; George Mues, Ameren;
Massoud Rostam-Abadi, ISGS; David
Ruhter, ISGS; Steve Long, Ameren;
Cassie Shaban, EPRI; Mark Chilton,
Heat Transfer Specialists; Richard Slye, Apogee
Scientific.
Complete citation
Outstanding New Staff Member
Mary Seid was recognized for her outstanding
contributions to the ISGS geologic mapping program through her
enthusiasm, creativity, efficiency, and attention to detail. Seid has
been lead author on five high-quality maps, conducted several major
outreach activities, and moderated a session at the First World Young
Earth Scientists Congress 2009 in Beijing.
Complete citation
Outstanding Contributions to Survey Health and Safety
David Ruhter received his award in recognition of his
efforts to ensure a safe working environment of the Survey. Ruhter has
taken on the task of reducing unnecessary chemicals, materials,
equipment, and furniture.
Complete citation
Updated 05/24/2011 SLD