FROM THE EDITORS HEADER HERE
In this issue…
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Bill Roman, Content Editor
he editors welcome you to the final issue of AEG News for 2020, a game-changing year for sure. With this issue, AEG News is introducing some changes too. We are excited to present the debut of Deborah Green’s column “Field Notes.” In her first column, Deborah addresses the topic of diversity in the geosciences. In Visty Dalal’s Q&A segment, Cynthia Palomares responds to questions on social media and future annual meetings. The News of the Association section features the inaugural reports by the four members of the Executive Council, who assumed their new roles as President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary at the annual meeting. Sarah Kalika updates us on methods to better identify asbestos in talc and consumer products containing
talc. We are also pleased to feature a member profile by Dorian Kuper, pay homage to Gunner Schlieder, and provide a recap of the Annual Meeting. In News of the Profession, Dale Elifrits chronicles the development of geology degree program accreditation and explains how the process works, Charles Livingston provides a colorful history of licensure in Georgia, and we inform you of AEG member Patricia Bryan’s selection for a prestigious award. Finally, our professional contributions section features a description of two dam failures in Michigan by Thomas Oommen and a delightful exploration by Isaac Pope of opportunities for reaching new heights in multiple fields via research in the Cascade Volcanoes.
HEADER NEWS OFHERE THE ASSOCIATION – THE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Making Up for That Lost 2020 Vision William Godwin, 2020 –21 AEG President
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am honored to be your President of the Association of Environmental & Engineering Geologists. I’d like to say that even though the title of the Association is all inclusive of the professionals, students, teachers, and retirees that make up our membership, this is not really the case, as we have a lot of work to do to bring diversity, equity, and inclusion to our membership, daily practices, and professional outlook. In addition to supporting our new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, one of my goals this year is to visit three or four elementary or junior high schools in disadvantaged neighborhoods to enlighten students on what geoscience means, specifically how it is important, that it is a real science, is a profession that pays wages, and allows travel and work outdoors. While this might sound like an oversimplification of what geologists do, I can speak for myself when I say that a one-semester Earth Science class in my eighth-grade year made a big impression on me. I am requesting ideas from AEG News readers on how and where I might make this happen. I lament the fact that due to the pandemic I will not immediately be able to visit the AEG Chapters and Schools that are spread across the United States. I will say, somewhat selfishly, that one of the reasons I wanted to be on the Executive Council (EC) was to be able to travel to and speak with members and geoscientists and share in our collective experiences. My plans may change early in 2021 based on responsible implementation of travel, meeting, and socialization protocols so that I can make that happen. In the meantime, I will carry on in a virtual mode to fulfill my commitment to the Association. 6
Qualities of good leadership include surrounding yourself with a strong supporting staff, listening to your constituents more than telling them what you think they want to hear, and being clear about your message. I have a lot to learn and will strive to not sweat the small stuff, but to implement to the best of my ability my vision of what I see as goals for making the Association stronger and more vibrant. As I shared during the recent Annual Meeting my vision includes: 1. Continue Strategic Plan Implementation by supporting: a) Professional Forums, b) Leadership and Succession Plans, and c) Diversity, Equity and Inclusion 2. Webinars (National) to continue the successful series 3. Build on professional relationships and connections 4. Make AEG relevant to a younger generation To use a geotechnical analogy, the stability of any organization is based on the foundation on which it rests. That foundation is strong in part by the hard work and dedication of the AEG Past Presidents, and most recently the devotion showed by the immediate Past President Cynthia Palomares. I learned from Cynthia that adversity and challenges can be overcome with the right attitude and skillset. I am lucky that Cynthia will be on the EC this year. Lastly, I’d like to say that I am especially proud that this year the EC is made up of more women than men. I believe that this may also represent a sea change of leadership to a younger generation, which I think is good for this Association.
AEG NEWS 63(4)
Winter 2020
