Tag: Department of Geological Sciences


Professor Emeritus Receives Legendary Geoscientist Medal

From the August 2016 Desktop News | Dr. Ernest A. Mancini, a professor emeritus of geological sciences, received the 2016 Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal from the American Geosciences Institute. The medal recognizes a senior scientist who has a record of achievements and service in earth sciences and who has been acknowledged for accomplishments in fields of expertise by professional societies, universities, or other organizations. Mancini’s career in the geosciences includes having served as a distinguished research professor at UA as well […]

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A&S In the News – July 8-July 14

To Live and Die on Facebook The Atlantic – July 11 The present remains quite grim. “It’s an extremely tragic moment in American life,” according to Utz McKnight, a professor of political science at the University of Alabama. For the Philando Castiles of the world, if there’s any solace to be found in these moments of live-streamed shootings and video bleed-outs, McKnight says it is merely, “At least you’re not dying alone.” University of Alabama associate professor’s book earns award […]

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UA Researchers Expand Opportunities with Upgraded Atom Probe Technology

From the July 2016 Desktop News | A new, powerful microscope recently installed at The University of Alabama will expand exploration into nanotechnology and geological sciences, helping research and spurring economic development. Earlier this year, UA acquired the newest generation Local Electron Atom Probe, or LEAP. This microscope shows researchers the location and distribution of atoms in materials. Unlike the previous LEAP at UA, the new instrument, the CAMECA LEAP 5000, provides tremendous versatility that reveals a more detailed atomic map of […]

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Geologist Receives NSF CAREER Award to Study Volcanic Lightning

Dr. Kim Genareau saw this explosion first hand at the Santiaguito volcano in Guatemala.

From the May 2016 Desktop News |The National Science Foundation selected Dr. Kimberly Genareau, an assistant professor in the Department of Geological Sciences, for a CAREER Award, which will support five years of volcanic lightning research with more than $430,000. The multi-year award funds both basic research and the development of educational materials for children. Genareau will lead experiments to observe the chemical changes that occur in volcanic ash when struck by lightning by performing a series of triggered lightning […]

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Beer in Your Bones: Geologist Reconstructs Past Civilizations Using Chemistry

From the 2016 Celebrating Excellence | Dr. Fred Andrus says he would never do this to you, but if he pulled one of your teeth, took it to his lab, and dissolved it, he could tell you about where you lived as a child. How? By analyzing isotopes, or variations of chemical elements. “Isotopes are used to detect everything from steroid use to the paths that medicines and nutrients take in your body,” said Andrus, a professor in the Department […]

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UA Names Director of the Center for Sedimentary Basin Studies

From the March 2016 Desktop News | Alabama’s State Geologist and Oil and Gas Supervisor, Dr. Berry H. “Nick” Tew Jr., has been named director of The University of Alabama’s Center for Sedimentary Basin Studies and a research professor in the UA’s Department of Geological Sciences. His work with the University will be in addition to his duties directing the Geological Survey of Alabama and the staff of the State Oil and Gas Board. Geological sciences chair, Dr. Fred Andrus, is […]

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Cause of Alabama Quakes Remains Unexplained

From the July 2015 Desktop News | Since November 2014, 15 earthquakes have occurred in Alabama’s Greene County, located just southwest of Tuscaloosa County. This outbreak of seismic activity has local geologists stumped, with no clear cause in sight. The Geological Survey of Alabama has released a news report with the latest information on the earthquakes, informing the public that these earthquakes have not been powerful, topping out at a magnitude of 3.8 on the Richter scale. “None of them […]

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Waste Management Partners with UA

From the December 2014 edition of Desktop News | Chemical Waste Management-Emelle has donated lab equipment valued at approximately $40,000 to The University of Alabama’s Department of Geological Sciences. The instrument, an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer, will be used in research projects to analyze the major, minor and trace element composition of liquids. “The instrument will be used to produce analytical data needed for faculty and student research projects for many years to come,” said Dr. Rona J. […]

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Award-Winning Geologist Recognized by State Legislature

From the September 2014 edition of Desktop News | Dr. Samantha Hansen, assistant professor in the department of geological sciences, was recently honored by a resolution in the Alabama House of Representatives that recognized her accomplishments in winning a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers from the White House earlier this year. Hansen received the PECASE award from President Obama during a reception at the White House in April. “Commendations and congratulations are herein conveyed to Dr. Samantha Hansen […]

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Groundbreaking Groundwater Research

From the August 2014 Desktop News | Dr. Chunmiao Zheng never imagined that his alma mater would name him a distinguished alumnus nearly 30 years after he received his doctorate, yet he received such an honor this year. Zheng, the George Lindahl III Endowed Professor of Hydrology in the Department of Geological Sciences, received the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, his alma mater, for a highly original and influential textbook and software that have transformed the […]

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