UA Professor Receives Highest Award in Geosciences

 From the November 2016 Desktop News The American Geosciences Institute recently announced that Dr. Berry H. “Nick” Tew Jr., the state geologist of Alabama and the director of The University of Alabama’s Center for Sedimentary Basin Studies, has received the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences, the institute’s highest award.

Dr. Nick Tew at Moraine Lake.
Dr. Nick Tew at Moraine Lake.

Tew is recognized for his role in bringing academia, government, industry and the public together to address major societal challenges in the geosciences. Tew has served as state geologist and oil and gas supervisor of Alabama for 14 years. He directs the Geological Survey of Alabama and the State Oil and Gas Board. He also holds an appointment as a research professor in UA’s department of geological sciences.

“Receiving the 2016 AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences is one of the most significant highlights of my career, and I want to thank the American Geosciences Institute for this distinct honor,” Tew said. “I especially want to express appreciation to Ernie Mancini and Scott Tinker for their kind and generous citation and their longtime friendship and support. I am also very grateful to the Association of American State Geologists for nominating me and to those that supported the nomination.”

The AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell for Superlative Service to the Geosciences is given in recognition of singular performance in, and contributions to, the profession of geology. Candidates are measured against the distinguished career of Ian Campbell, whose service to the profession touched virtually every facet of geoscience.

Tew is a fellow at the Geological Society of America as well as a member of the National Petroleum Council; the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine’s Unconventional Hydrocarbon Roundtable; and the Executive Board of the Council of Scientific Society Presidents. He is also a commissioner of the North American Commission on Stratigraphic Nomenclature. He has been deeply involved with the Interstate Oil and Gas Compact Commission and the Groundwater Protection Council. In addition, he is a leader in the dialog surrounding the development of unconventional hydrocarbon resources, serving on the Board of the State Oil and Gas Regulatory Exchange.

Tew has written numerous geoscientific publications and given scores of presentations at scientific conferences. His work has helped shape understanding of the U.S. Gulf Coastal Plain. Through field excursions, seminars, conferences and technical workshops, he has trained many students, young professionals and seasoned geoscientists. He has volunteered his time at numerous professional and scientific organizations, leading both the Association of American State Geologists and AGI as president.

“I find him to be an honorable family man and a true geo-statesman, balancing thoughtful science, practical solutions, and varied public perspectives to accomplish actual societal benefit,” said Dr. Scott Tinker, AGI president. “Nick’s attributes are indeed a rare contribution to the geosciences and most fitting for the Ian Campbell Medal.”