The J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year award is named in honor of Dr. John Paul Gries for his exceptional work in the field of geology and is provided each year by the South Dakota Section of AIPG in memory of Dr. Gries, a longtime geology professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
2025 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Karl Emanuel
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Karl Emanuel as the 2025 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year. Mr. Emanuel’s nomination letter was submitted by Mr. Mark Nelson and included the following:
Click to read Mr. Emanuel’s nomination letter.
Nomination of Karl Emanuel for 2025 J. P. Gries Geologist of the Year Award by Mark Nelson
I’m honored to nominate Mr. Karl Emanuel for the 2025 John Paul Gries Geologist of the Year award. Mr. Emanuel has worked as a professional geologist for over 45 years in the fields of economic geology, geologic hazards, caves and karst, education, and mine administration.
Mr. Emanuel received his BS in Geology and Chemistry from California State University Chico in 1976 and his MS in Geochemistry from the University of New Mexico in 1982. His focus was on trace element geochemistry of nonmetallic minerals in hydrothermal ore deposits, and particularly, the use of rare earth elements and platinum group elements as tracers of hydrothermal solution origins.
Mr. Emanuel was part of a team that evaluated the geotechnical suitability of proposed MX-Missile sites in 1978 and was a guest scientist and University of New Mexico liaison attached to the Chemistry and Nuclear Chemistry group (CNC-11) at Los Alamos National Laboratory from 1978 to 1981 He was thereafter hired by IMC (International Minerals Corporation) and worked on industrial minerals and gemstone evaluations as well as numerous underground mine rehabilitation/development projects in North America, South America, Africa, Australia and Southeast Asia through 1988.
Mr. Emanuel first settled in the Black Hills region in 1985, while working for one of IMC’s joint venture partners. He was the Chief Geologist for Coin Lake Gold’s Golden Reward Mine from 1985 to 1992 and Senior Geologist for Wharf Minerals from 1992-1993. From 1994 through 2002 he worked as a minerals/geotechnical consultant and as an instructor in chemistry and organic chemistry at Black Hills State University.
Mr. Emanuel started with the Forest Service in 2002 as the mathematics instructor at Box Elder Job Corps and continued to teach chemistry as an adjunct professor for Black Hills State University and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. In 2012, he transitioned into to his current role as the North Zone Geologist on Black Hills National Forest where he focuses on geologic hazard assessment, cave management, and administration of mineral exploration activities.
In recent years, Mr. Emanuel has done exemplary work using LiDAR data analysis to identify landslide deposits, abandoned mines and undiscovered caves on Black Hills National Forest. The landslide data are used by the Forest Service during environmental analysis of potential timber sales and associated road networks. The abandoned mine data are used to identify mines for reclamation or safety closure. Mr. Emanuel collaborates with the Paha Sapa Grotto, an internal organization of the National Speleological Society, in investigating potential caves identified through LiDAR analysis. Working together, they have discovered approximately 12 new caves in the Black Hills facilitating cave management and protection in accordance with the federal Cave Resources Protection Act. Mr. Emanuel also contributes to training of geologists within the Forest Service focusing on LiDAR analysis and assessment of geologic hazards.
2024 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Brian Fagnan
accepts his award on April 17, 2024, from SD Section President, Tim Cowman. Photo taken by Joanne Noyes.
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Brian Fagnan as the 2024 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year. Mr. Fagnan’s nomination letter was submitted by Mr. Gary Haag and included the following:
Click to read Mr. Fagnan’s nomination letter.
Brian Fagnan — Geologist — South Dakota Geological Survey
In 2002, Brian earned his Master of Science in Geology and Geological Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, laying the foundation for a career marked by expertise and dedication. Prior to this, Brian pursued a Bachelor of Science in Geology, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach with a dual major in Audio Communications and a minor in Art, specializing in Photography, thus illustrating passion for both the sciences and the arts. In 2014, Brian reached a milestone by becoming a certified professional geologist with the esteemed American Institute of Professional Geologists, solidifying his commitment to excellence and professionalism in the field of geology. These academic degrees and certification serve as the cornerstones in Brian’s journey as a geologist tackling the challenges of the ever-evolving scientific landscape.
Embarking on a dynamic career path, Brian has seamlessly blended scientific inquiry with educational engagement and public service. Starting as a park ranger at Jewel Cave National Monument, Brian taught the public about the nature of karst geology from 2000 to 2002. Transitioning into public service in 2003, Brian took employment with the South Dakota Geological Survey in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources as a geologist upgrading to the role of environmental scientist III over the past 21 years. Simultaneously, Brian served as an instructor at the University of South Dakota from 2003 to 2011, imparting knowledge and teaching basic principles of geology. Additionally, he ventured into the realm of self-employment as a contracted geologist from 2001 to 2004, harnessing his skills to create geologic maps for the National Park Service.
Throughout his career in geology, Brian has made significant contributions to the understanding and documentation of geological landscapes, particularly in the Black Hills region. His publications include detailed geologic maps of various 7.5-minute quadrangles such as Mount Coolidge, Signal Hill, Sturgis, Tilford, Wind Cave, and Jewel Cave, as well as geologic map of Wind Cave National Park, providing valuable insights into the complex geological formations of these areas. Brian is currently mapping the geology of Custer State Park at 1:24,000 scale. The results of this multi-year project will benefit state and federal agencies in their understanding of the complex and scenic geology that forms the Park. Additionally, Brian has employed GIS and digital cartography techniques to enhance the accessibility and accuracy of geological data mapped by others to produce aquifer materials maps, other geologic quadrangles, and contributed to the comprehensive geologic map of South Dakota. Brian’s work extends beyond just the SD Geological Survey, as he has conducted geologic mapping projects in conjunction with the National Park Service, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, University of Albion, and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Also, Brian has engaged in outreach efforts such as numerous field trips, information requests, as well as participating in a high school mentoring program. Furthermore, his geological descriptions have enriched publications like Hiking the Black Hills, a Falcon guidebook. Through these multifaceted contributions, Brian has strived to advance the field of geology, promote scientific understanding, and inspire future generations of geoscientists.
2023 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Nuri Uzunlar
Photo taken by Tom Durkin.
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Dr. Nuri Uzunlar as the 2023 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year. Dr. Uzunlar’s nomination letter by Mr. Tom Durkin and Dr. J. Foster Sawyer included the following:
Click to read Dr. Uzunlar’s nomination letter.
Dr. Nuri Uzunlar – Geology Professor – South Dakota School of Mines and Technology
It is our pleasure to recommend Dr. Nuri Uzunlar for AIPG’s South Dakota Section 2023 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year award.
Born and raised in Trabzon, Turkey, Nuri emigrated to the United States after graduating with honors from Black Sea University in Turkey with his B.S. degree in Geology and Geological Engineering. Nuri began graduate school at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology under the mentorship and lifelong friendship of the late Dr. Alvis Lisenbee. He went on to obtain his Ph.D. in Geology in 1993 under the advisement of Dr. Colin Paterson. Nuri also became a U.S. citizen.
While a graduate student at SD Mines, Nuri worked as a Research Assistant in the mid-1980s. He consulted, off-and-on, from 1987 to 2001 with several gold exploration companies in the Black Hills and around the world, including Goldstake Explorations, Golden Reward Mining Company, Cominco Resources International, Corona Corporation, Anglo American Corporation, and Energy Fuels Corporation. His outstanding skills in international relations resulted in establishing company field offices in over ten countries. He has authored and coauthored about 50 publications and professional presentations. He is a member of six geoscience professional organizations.
In 2001, Dr. Uzunlar began working at SD Mines with the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering as a Research Scientist and Instructor / Field Camp Coordinator for the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station (i.e., Geology Field Camp). In 2006, Nuri was elevated to Associate Professor status and took over the position of Director of the Field Station, a role that he has maintained until the present.
Dr. Uzunlar has built the Black Hills Natural Sciences Field Station at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology into the largest Geology Field Camp program offered by any single university in the world. Besides the field camps in the United States (in the Black Hills of South Dakota, Death Valley and western California, Utah, Arizona, Montana, and Hawaii), Nuri has established field camps in Turkey, Spain, France, Iceland, Ecuador, Morocco, Nepal, and New Zealand, as depicted on the map below. These geology field camps have become renowned among university geoscience faculty and students serious about geology. Thousands of students from around the world have enrolled in, and benefited from, Dr. Uzunlar’s camps.
The establishment of this unique, worldwide offering of such a diversity of geologic environments, is testimony to Nuri’s immense dedication to the teaching of “field” geology and geologic mapping and interpretation, a skill that is lacking in many modern geoscience programs. We can’t think of a more deserving person for the 2023 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year Award than Dr. Nuri Uzunlar.
2020 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Thomas V. Durkin
Photo taken by Dr. Ed Duke.
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Thomas V. Durkin as the 2020 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year. Mr. Durkin’s nomination letter by Dr. J. Foster Sawyer included the following:
Click to read Mr. Durkin’s nomination letter.
It is my pleasure to nominate Mr. Thomas V. Durkin (CPG-9138) for the 2020 John Paul Gries “Geologist of the Year” Award. Information regarding Mr. Durkin’s career and professional achievements in support of my nomination is as follows.
Thomas V. Durkin earned an A.S. degree from Nassau Community College, a B.S. degree from Adelphi University, and an M.S. degree from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. Over the course of his distinguished career, Tom has made many contributions to the geosciences in South Dakota, nationally, and internationally primarily through his work with the South Dakota Department of Environment & Natural Resources (DENR) in the earlier stages of his career and currently through the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium where he serves as Deputy Director.
As a scientist with the South Dakota DENR, Tom was involved with evaluating, monitoring and mitigating the effects of acid rock/mine drainage at mine sites in the Black Hills uplift such as the Gilt Edge Mine which is currently listed under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Superfund remediation program. Through his work with these sites in the Black Hills, Tom became an international expert in acid mine drainage and acid rock drainage, and his actions contributed greatly toward mitigating negative impacts and improving environmental conditions in soils, rock, and water affected by these sites, many of which occur in source water areas for public drinking water supplies. In more recent years in his position as Deputy Director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, Tom’s contributions to the geosciences, and science in general, have come through the many NASA-related programs that he administers that benefit students and scientists in South Dakota including scholarships, grant programs, internships, and frequent public outreach events. Tom is a gifted speaker and communicator, and he has reached thousands of young people with his messages related to astronomy, planetary geology, and the frontiers of space-related research. His positive, enthusiastic demeanor and his ability to relate the importance of geoscience and space research to general audiences with charm and charisma are key elements of his success in these efforts.
Another avenue through which Tom has contributed to the geosciences in South Dakota includes his long-time support and the many activities that he has generously volunteered for the AIPG South Dakota Section. Tom has served in multiple officer positions in the South Dakota Section, including terms as President and Past President of the section, and he also has served as the Section Screening Chairperson and Section Website Editor for many years. Perhaps even more significant are his many contributions to almost all section activities, and the support that he has shown for the section behind the scenes in numerous ways. Tom is one of a small group of individuals who have been crucial in maintaining and sustaining the South Dakota Section, nurturing it into a healthy, active section, particularly with respect to student participation and outstanding field trips. Another excellent example of Tom’s contributions was his significant effort to bring together seven state and federal organizations to cooperate on the design, construction, and installation of a geologic roadside display along the route to Mount Rushmore in the Black Hills, providing geologic information to over two million potential viewers per year as they drive to the Shrine of Democracy.
I cannot think of anyone who has done more for the geosciences in South Dakota over many years and through many avenues, or anyone who better exemplifies the high standards represented by the AIPG John Paul Gries “Geologist of the Year” Award than Mr. Thomas V. Durkin, and I am pleased to nominate and wholehearted recommend Tom for the distinct honor of receiving this award.
2019 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Rachel C. Benton
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Dr. Rachel C. Benton as 2019 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Dr. Benton’s nomination letter.
Dr. Rachel C. Benton earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology from Denison University, a Master of Science degree in Paleontology from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Geology from the University of Iowa. Over the course of her distinguished career, she has worked at the Smithsonian Institution and at numerous National Park Service venues including Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Big Bend National Park, Wind Cave National Park, Fossil Butte National Monument, and Badlands National Park.
Dr. Benton served as the Park Paleontologist at Badlands National Park for approximately 25 years where she became a leading expert on the paleontology and geology of the Big Badlands of South Dakota. During her tenure at Badlands National Park, she facilitated countless research projects including 15 years of research and excavations at the “Big Pig Dig” which yielded thousands of fossilized bones of ancient pigs, rhinos, horses, and many other taxa. Through her work at the Badlands, she also mentored numerous aspiring paleontologists, giving them unparalleled opportunities to learn and develop into future professional paleontologists. Dr. Benton continues to serve as a source of geologic and paleontologic knowledge through her volunteer work at Badlands National Park and at the Museum of Geology at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology.
Through the course of her distinguished career, Dr. Benton also published numerous technical papers and other publications pertaining to Oligocene and Quaternary paleontology and geology, and in 2015 she was first author on a publication titled “The White River Badlands: Geology and Paleontology”, a definitive volume replacing and greatly expanding a classic work titled “The White River Badlands” that was published approximately 100 years ago.
2018 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Janet Carter
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Janet Carter as 2018 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Ms. Carter’s press release:
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Janet M. Carter as 2018 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year. The award is named in honor of Dr. John Paul Gries for his exceptional work in the field of geology and is provided each year by the South Dakota Section of AIPG in memory of Dr. Gries, a longtime geology professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Janet has worked as a hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey Dakota Water Science Center (USGS) in Rapid City, South Dakota, for over 25 years. Janet holds both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Geological Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. She has served as a reports (publication) specialist for many years, and currently serves as the Deputy Director for Hydrologic Studies.
Over her career, Janet has worked on many studies in South Dakota as well as internationally. Her extensive research on the Madison and Minnelusa aquifers in South Dakota has contributed greatly to furthering the understanding of water resources in the Black Hills. Janet has also helped support many tribal projects that include assessment of groundwater resources. She has also taken her expertise abroad as a principal investigator with projects in Armenia, Mongolia, and more recently in Afghanistan.
Janet served as the USGS South Dakota Water Science Center webmaster and outreach coordinator until 2016, during which time she ensured that public education and dissemination of USGS science was a key priority. Until recently, Janet chaired and organized the annual Western South Dakota Hydrology Conference. She serves on the advisory board for the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
2017 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Gary H. Haag
Gries Geologist of the Year award from Past-President Foster Sawyer (right.) Award announced March 8, 2017 at AIPG South Dakota
Section annual meeting, Pierre, SD, and presented April 6, 2017 at the Western South Dakota Hydrology Conference in Rapid City, SD.
Photo taken by retired AIPG Executive Director Bill Siok.
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Gary H. Haag as 2017 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Mr. Haag’s press release.
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Gary Haag as 2017 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year. The award is named in honor of Dr. John Paul Gries for his exceptional work in the field of geology and is provided each year by the South Dakota Section AIPG in memory of Dr. Gries, a longtime geology professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
Gary Haag has worked for more than 25 years as a professional geologist in the state of South Dakota, where he has been a leader in applying geological principles to protect our environment through work at the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (SD DENR) and the United States Forest Service (USFS). Gary has spent his career working to protect the environment in this field of applied geology. He has also been a strong supporter of the SD-AIPG Section serving as secretary/treasurer for many years.
Gary grew up in New Jersey and completed a Master’s Degree in Hydrogeology at Rutgers University. He moved to South Dakota in the late-1980’s and pursued a career as a professional geologist. He started as a hydrologist with SD DENR in 1989 and rapidly advanced to Senior Hydrologist. During this period, Gary was relied upon by SD DENR and other state and federal agencies to provide expertise on hydrology, ground-water protection and ground-water remediation. Gary managed South Dakota ground-water quality standards, ground-water discharge permits, SD-DENR’s spills handbook and updates, and complex spill case assignments. Gary also developed recommendations to update and modernize the Class Ill in-situ mining Underground Injection Control rules. Gary’s efforts contributed to South Dakota’s Ground Water Quality Program becoming one of the top-notch state ground-water quality programs in the country.
Gary currently works for the USFS where he continues a successful career focused on application of geological principles to provide for both resource development and environmental protection. In his current position, Gary is responsible for permitting and regulation of active mines, reclamation of abandoned mines, and geological analysis of proposed actions on National Forest System lands in the Black Hills. Gary works with miners and prospectors to make sure their projects protect the environment and comply with modern regulations. Gary also works to mitigate adverse effects of historic mining practices conducted prior to the advent of modern environmental laws through reclamation of abandoned mines. Since Gary started work at the USFS, he has been responsible for reclamation of dozens of abandoned mines and prospects in the Black Hills National Forest.
Gary is one of the most-senior members of the SD-AIPG, and he has consistently supported the section through good times and challenging times. He was instrumental in forming the SD-AIPG years ago, when the Dakota Section split to form separate sections in North Dakota and South Dakota. Gary has continuously played an important role in the success of the section.
2016 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Arden D. Davis
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Dr. Arden D. Davis as 2016 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Dr. Davis’ nomination letter.
Dr. Arden D. Davis, Professor Emeritus of Geological Engineering at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, has made tremendous contributions to the geology and groundwater hydrology of the State of South Dakota, and he embodies the ideals that are represented by the J. P. Gries “Geologist of the Year” Award. Dr. Davis received a B.A. degree in geology from the University of Minnesota and M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in geological engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T). He devoted more than 30 years of his life teaching with distinction at SDSM&T, and in so doing he had a major impact on the 60 graduate students who completed advanced degrees under his advisement as well as thousands of students who benefitted from his courses.
Dr. Davis has been a genuine steward in protecting the groundwater resources of South Dakota. As a groundwater hydrologist and geological engineering consultant, Dr. Davis has been engaged in numerous projects involving groundwater contamination, aquifer evaluation, low-level radioactive waste site evaluation, spring-flow measurements and mine site development throughout his esteemed career. Among his many contributions, Dr. Davis worked with the cities of Rapid City, Hill City, and Custer in characterizing and quantifying aquifer vulnerability in these developing areas, ultimately designing a unique approach for quantifying aquifer vulnerability in karst areas such as the Black Hills uplift. Dr. Davis also served as an expert witness regarding the proposed Keystone XL pipeline in South Dakota, and he assisted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources as a member of a technical advisory team concerning the Gilt Edge Superfund Site. Dr. Davis has also shared his expertise relating to groundwater contamination and remediation at various locations throughout the state of South Dakota, including the Williams Pipeline/Hayward School site in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
The 2016 J. Paul Gries “Geologist of the Year” Award honors the memory of Dr. Paul Gries, a renowned geologist who made great strides in understanding the geology of South Dakota. It is extremely fitting that Dr. Arden Davis, who has made so many significant contributions to the geology and groundwater hydrology of South Dakota, and who has labored tirelessly to ensure that the people of South Dakota have clean drinking water now and for future generations, is honored with this prestigious award.
Nominated by: Dr. Christopher J. Pellowski and Dr. J. Foster Sawyer
2015 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Richard H. Hammond
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Mr. Richard H. Hammond as 2015 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
2014 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Colin J. Paterson
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named South Dakota School of Mines & Technology professor Dr. Colin J. Paterson as 2014 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Dr. Paterson’s nomination letter.
Dr. Paterson, a native of New Zealand, earned Ph.D. and B.Sc. (Honors) degrees in geology at University of Otago in 1978 and 1972, respectively. He inherited his love of the outdoors, sports, and geology in the majestic terrain of the South Island of New Zealand. While attending university there, Paterson interned with mineral exploration companies, completed his Ph.D., and then took a position as lecturer in economic geology at the University of Cape Town in South Africa (where he fine-tuned his squash skills), and used these educational and research experiences to launch an academic career in North America.
Dr. Paterson currently serves as professor of Economic Geology at the School of Mines, where he has remained a faculty member of the Department of Geology & Geological Engineering for the past 32 years. In this position, he has educated thousands of undergraduate and graduate students in geology, many of whom have gone on to achieve success in the mineral industry in North America and elsewhere around the world. Dr. Paterson has led geology field camps and trips for college students in the Black Hills, Turkey, Spain, Hawaii, New Zealand, and the southwest United States. He has published over 30 professional papers in the field of geology.
Dr. Paterson has made many other exceptional contributions to the field of geology and the environment, a few of which are listed below.
- Following a 1993, NASA Space Grant-funded summer faculty internship at USGS EROS Data Center, Paterson helped develop the first undergraduate and graduate classes in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) at the School of Mines
- Chairman, Dept. of Geology and Geological Engineering at School of Mines from 1995-1997
- Director, Black Hills Natural Science Field Station (geology field camp) from 1999-2005
- Co-founder and President of the Norbeck Society, Inc., an advocacy group for stewardship, restoration, and enjoyment of public lands in the Black Hills
- Founder and advisor of “Norbeck Uni” and “Society of Economic Geologists”, student organizations at the School of Mines
2013 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Mark T. Anderson
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named South Dakota School of Mines & Technology alumnus Mark T. Anderson as 2013 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Mr. Anderson’s nomination letter.
Anderson, a native of South Dakota, earned an M.S. degree in civil engineering and environmental sciences in 1980 and a B.S. degree in chemistry in 1974 from the School of Mines, where he also serves as adjunct faculty member in the Department of Geology & Geological Engineering.
The award is named in honor of Dr. John Paul Gries for his exceptional work in the field of geology and is provided each year by the South Dakota Section AIPG in memory of Dr. Gries, a longtime geology professor at the School of Mines. Anderson was nominated by Dr. Perry Rahn, emeritus professor of geology and geological engineering.
Anderson currently serves as director of the U.S. Geological Survey’s (USGS) South Dakota Water Science Center in Rapid City. In this position, he is responsible for developing and overseeing a staff of scientists, engineers and technicians who conduct hydrologic investigations and data collection for ground water, surface water, and various water quality programs in the state.
During his career, Anderson has held several positions in the field of geology and hydrology. In 2011, he served as acting director of the USGS Earth Resources Observation and Science (EROS) Center, the world’s largest civilian storehouse of earth imagery. While there, he played an important role in the Landsat 8 satellite mission as he worked with other key USGS, EROS and NASA personnel. The satellite was recently launched this past February and was successfully placed into Earth’s orbit. Since 1972, Landsat satellites have continuously acquired space-based images of the Earth’s land surface, coastal shallows and coral reefs.
Anderson has made many other exceptional contributions to the field of geology and hydrology, a few of which are listed below.
- Co-author of USGS Circular 1261 titled “Water availability for the Western United States–Key scientific challenges”
- First to instrument the Madison water table in Wind Cave and Brooks Cave, and correlating the water table fluctuations in Brooks Cave with Rapid Creek discharge
- Led many of the research projects related to the 1996 Controlled Flood of the Grand Canyon
- Authored a chapter on US Water Policy with the President’s Science Advisor Dr. Neal Lane in 2003 that set the stage for a national program on water availability
- Furthered the understanding of the 1972 Black Hills flood through speeches, community activities, and installation of high water markers throughout Rapid City and Keystone
- Supported thesis topics for many School of Mines graduate students, several of whom have gone on to become USGS employees
- Appointed by the director of the US Geological Survey, Dr. Marcia McNutt, to serve as chairman of the Yellowstone River Compact Commission beginning in 2010
- Recipient of the US Department of Interior’s Cooperative Conservation Award for hydrology work in the Upper San Pedro River, Arizona
- Founder and president of the Little Spearfish Conservation and Historical Preservation Association
2012 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Mark Fahrenbach
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named School of Mines alumnus Dr. Mark Fahrenbach as 2012 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Dr. Fahrenbach’s nomination letter.
Dr. Fahrenbach, who earned a Ph.D. in geology from the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology in 1995, has served as a geological consultant for SDSM&T. He is an environmental scientist III with the Geological Survey Program, South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The award is named in honor of Dr. John Paul Gries for his exceptional work in the field of geology and is given each year in memory of Dr. Gries, a longtime geology professor at the School of Mines. Dr. Fahrenbach was nominated by Derric Iles, South Dakota State Geologist, and received the honor for his many contributions in furthering the understanding of the state’s geology. The 2012 award was presented in September at the 49th AIPG national meeting held in Rapid City.
Dr. Fahrenbach graduated from Lansing Community College, Lansing, Mich., in 1980 with an A.S. in geology. In 1984, he graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in geology before eventually earning his doctorate from the School of Mines.
Dr. Fahrenbach has nearly 18 years of service as a geologist with the DENR’s Geological Survey Program. During that time, he has been the primary author, or co-author, on several geologic maps ranging from the 1:500,000-scale Geologic Map of South Dakota published in 2004 to 1:24,000-scale maps of surface geology in the Black Hills.
Throughout his career, Dr. Fahrenbach has quietly gone about the business of producing geologic information and maps that are the foundation for understanding South Dakota’s geologic resources. He has become a respected authority on the geology of the Black Hills and has routinely hiked several hundred miles through rugged terrain during a single field season. In his own words, he is a perfectionist to a fault. That particular character trait provides the assurance that geologic maps produced by him are accurate, scientifically defendable, and of value to the State.
In addition to consulting for SDSM&T, Dr. Fahrenbach has served as a consultant for Badlands National Park, and Jewel Cave National Monument. He has more than 31 years of geological and paleontological field experience in the Black Hills.
2011 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Edward F. Duke
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) announced today that Dr. Edward F. Duke, professor of geology at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) has been named as the 2011 J. P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Dr. Duke’s press release.
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) announced today that Dr. Edward F. Duke, professor of geology at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSMT) has been named as the 2011 J. P. Gries Geologist of the Year. The award has been named in honor of Dr. John Paul Gries for his exceptional work in the field of geology and is given each year by the Section in memory of Dr. Gries, a longtime professor of geology at SDSMT. The 2011 award was presented to Dr. Duke for his many contributions in furthering the understanding of the state’s geology.
Dr. Duke was born in Norwalk, CT and lived in Wisconsin for many years. He received a bachelor’s degree in geology from Beloit College in 1976 and masters and doctoral degrees in geology from Dartmouth College in 1978 and 1984, respectively. Dr. Duke began teaching and conducting research at SDSMT in 1984. Dr. Duke directs undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral level student research and provides training for faculty and students in the operation of the hightech analytical instruments housed within SDSMT’s Engineering and Mining Experiment Station (EMES), which he manages. Dr. Duke utilizes and maintains a host of analytical instruments in EMES including a Zeiss scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive x-ray analyzer, and a spectroradiometer. He also oversees the Analytical Chemistry Facility which includes an atomic absorption spectrophotometer, X-ray Diffraction and X-ray Fluorescence instruments, an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, and a fire assay lab.
Dr. Duke has authored or coauthored over 80 published papers and presentations in the field of geology and remote sensing. He is principal investigator or co-investigator on current or past grants and contracts from NSF, NASA, DOE, Universities Space Research Association, USGS EROS, American Chemical Society, SD Department of Transportation, and other funding agencies. In addition to his teaching and research activities, Dr. Duke is Director of the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium and South Dakota NASA EPSCoR Program and is Secretary of the Executive Committee, National Council of Space Grant Directors.
Dr. Duke’s quarter century of work at SDSMT has significantly contributed to the geological research infrastructure of South Dakota. He has provided invaluable technical assistance and analytical services to dozens of on-and-off campus faculty who use the high-tech instrumentation at EMES as part of their research projects which extend well beyond the field of geology into other areas of science and engineering; notably nanotechnology. He also works with SDSMT private sector partners on both research and commercial projects which augments the ability of SDSMT to successfully host additional research projects on campus.
2010 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Perry Rahn
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) announced today that Dr. Perry Rahn, has been named as the 2010 J. P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Dr. Rahn’s nomination letter.
Perry H. Rahn was born in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He received bachelor’s degrees in civil engineering and geology in 1959 from Lafayette College in Easton, PA. After graduating, he was employed as an engineering geologist by the California Department of Water Resources in Oroville, CA. In 1965, he received a doctoral degree in geology from The Pennsylvania State University. For the next three years, he was an assistant professor at the University of Connecticut. In 1968, Dr. Rahn began teaching at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. He became a full professor in 1979 and remained at Tech until his retirement in 1997 when he attained the status of professor emeritus.
Dr. Rahn is a professional engineer and is a member of AEG, GSA, AIPG, and the National Society of Professional Engineers. His research and publications deal with engineering geology, hydrogeology, and geomorphology. He is the author of the acclaimed textbook, Engineering Geology, an Environmental Approach, which is the mostly widely used engineering geology textbook today.
Some of Perry’s other exceptional contributions to the field of geology include his ground-water protection efforts and research on the Madison aquifer, which is western South Dakota’s most valuable ground-water reservoir. In addition, he has made outstanding efforts to alert the general public to the dangers of building on floodplains. In his retirement, Perry continues to remain very active in working on geologic and hydrologic issues pertaining to public and environmental safety.
Perry has instructed thousands of students over the years at SDSM&T, preparing them for work in geological engineering, hydrology, and environmental fields. Many students vividly recall his many memorable field trips to various geological locations in the beautiful Black Hills. J. Foster Sawyer, Assistant Professor at SDSM&T said “Dr. Rahn’s mentorship and guidance had a profound impact on my education as a hydrologist and geologist, and I will never forget the standard that he set as a scientist and engineer of the highest caliber who dedicated his life to the betterment of society and to the benefit of those around him.”
Eleven years ago when I began working at SDSM&T, Perry invited me to join a morning coffee group consisting of several members of the geology department and other Tech faculty and staff … a tradition started many years prior to that by Dr. Gries. It has been a heck of a lot of fun having been part of that tradition all these years and it is one of the things that I truly look forward to at work each day.
For all of these reasons, it is my distinct pleasure to nominate Perry Rahn for AIPG’s South Dakota Section “2010 JP Gries Geologist of the Year Award”.
Respectfully submitted,
Tom Durkin, CPG-9138
2009 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Jack A. Redden
Photo taken by Tom Durkin
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) is pleased to announce that Dr. Jack A. Redden, emeritus professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, has been selected to receive the 2009 John Paul Gries “Geologist of the Year” Award for his exceptional work in the field of geology.
Click to read Dr. Redden’s nomination letter.
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists is pleased to announce that Dr. Jack A. Redden, emeritus professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, has been selected to receive the 2009 John Paul Gries “Geologist of the Year” Award for his exceptional work in the field of geology. Dr. Redden recently published a landmark publication through the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) titled “Maps showing geology, structure, and geophysics of the central Black Hills, South Dakota” which represents the culmination of over fifty years of geologic mapping and interpretation in the Black Hills region. Release of this publication elevates comprehension of Black Hills geology to a level of detail and accuracy never before achieved, and this publication will serve as the standard portrayal of Black Hills geology at this scale for years to come.
In addition to this latest publication, throughout his career Dr. Redden has published numerous outstanding publications on Black Hills geology and has become a leading expert on the stratigraphy, structure, and ore deposits of rocks exposed in the Black Hills uplift. Dr. Redden also has influenced and assisted thousands of students, colleagues, professional geologists, and interested lay persons, and he continues to serve as a wonderful source of geologic knowledge for those around him in his current position as emeritus professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.
The award was presented to Dr. Redden at the Journey Museum on March 21st, 2009.
“Jack Redden: An Old Country for Young Men” by Bill Schulz, posted with permission of Black Hills Faces Magazine, Spring 2009, Vol. V, Issue 2.
2008 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. Alvis Lisenbee
Photo taken April 1, 2008 at SDSM&T by Tom Durkin
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) announced today that Dr. Alvis Lisenbee, has been named as the 2008 J. P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
2007 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Fred Steece
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) announced today that Fred Steece has been named the 2007 J. P. Gries Geologist of the Year.
Click to read Mr. Steece’s nomination letter.
The South Dakota Section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) announced today that Fred Steece has been named the 2007 J. P. Gries Geologist of the Year . The award is given each year by the Section in memory of Dr. John Paul Gries, a longtime professor of geology at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. The 2007 award was presented to Fred Steece for his many contributions to furthering the understanding of the state’s geology and development of its natural resources.
Fred Steece began his professional career as a geologist by obtaining both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geology from the University of South Dakota. He started working for the South Dakota Geological Survey in Vermillion as a field assistant in 1951. He was hired as a full time geologist in 1957 and worked his way up to assistant state geologist in 1972. During his years with the South Dakota Geological Survey, he conducted numerous investigations and authored many papers on the state’s geology. Steece moved to Rapid City in the late 1960s to work on geologic issues in western South Dakota and to carry out the state geologist’s responsibilities under state law for oil and gas regulation. He also served as an adjunct professor at the School of Mines, where he taught and mentored many young prospective geologists. Steece has been the Oil and Gas Supervisor with the South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for over twenty years. Since 1982, he has been the Governor’s official representative to the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission. He has played an instrumental role in promoting the development of the state’s oil and gas resources while balancing development with environmental values. Fred Steece has been a public servant of the State of South Dakota for over 55 years and continues to be a resource of geologic information to the public, to industry and to government.
2006 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Dr. James Fox
at March 15, 2006 annual luncheon meeting of SD Section, AIPG — Pierre, SD
2005 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
Derric Iles
2004 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year
John Foster Sawyer
South Dakota Section AIPG 