The Discovery of
Darrellhenryite
Geologists in the Czech Republic have discovered a new species of Tourmaline that has been named “Darrellhenryite” in recognition of Dr. Darrell Henry, LSU Campanile Charities Professor of Geology, for his contributions to mineralogy and petrology along with his study of the Tourmaline supergroup minerals. This occasion marks the first time that an LSU faculty member has had a mineral species named in their honor. To name a species, the new mineral has to be fully chemically and structurally characterized, and a new mineral proposal must be submitted to and accepted by a committee of the International Mineralogical Association. Over the last 150 years there have been nearly 4,000 species of minerals named. The first sample of darrellhenryite was discovered in a quarry at Nová Ves near Český Krumlov, Czech Republic. The mineral was further characterized by crystallographers from the University of Vienna and California Institute of Technology.
LATTe Keeps students savvy
PhD student Bryan Killingsworth helps local middle school students learn what stable isotopes can help us reveal about the origins and processes of matter during a week of science workshops held on campus.
Students looking to hone their presentation skills are taking advantage of the Louisiana Technical Talk Extravaganza or LATTE, a weekly gathering of students presenting research and interesting topics to their peers. LATTE is special because it is organized and promoted by a student led team made up of one master’s and one doctoral student. Topics over the year have ranged from the general such as personal internship experiences and research findings to special topics like “The Geology of the Video Game Minecraft”. Students gain valuable practice speaking in front of an audience and polishing their presentation details with the aid of honest feedback given by their fellow students. This vital experience helps students feel more prepared for conventions as well as professional meetings and serves as beneficial preparation for their defenses.
Jeff Nunn Retires
Jeff Nunn in the 1983 Alumni Magazine three yeras after beginning his career at LSU next to a 2011 department photo.
The beginning of 2014 brought with it the retirement of Jeff Nunn, Ernest and Alice Neal Professor in Geology. After 33 years educating and advising an enormous number of students, Dr. Nunn will now be testing the waters of the private sector as a Senior Earth Scientist with Chevron Energy Technology Company in Houston. Dr. Nunn has been granted Emeritus status by the university and will remain active within the department as an adjunct professor. His contributions to LSU and the Department of Geology & Geophysics along with his legacy of student guidance will continue to be felt for many more years to come.
2014 AAPG ALUMNI RECEPTION
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our alumni reception held in conjunction with the 2014 AAPG Annual Convention and Exhibition in Houston. Approximately 50 alumni, friends, and supporters came to the Hilton Americas Hotel for a fun evening catching up with old classmates and learning about current events in the department. Be on the lookout for information about next year’s reception that will take place coinciding with the convention held in Denver, CO on May 31 through June 3. Guests at the AAPG Alumni Reception listen intently to Dr. Carol Wicks discuss happenings in the department.
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Louisiana State University