Kansas Geological Survey at KU recognizes 2 graduate students

LAWRENCE -- Two graduate students from the University of Kansas have been recognized for outstanding accomplishments at the Kansas Geological Survey, based on KU's West Campus.

Shaun Morrell, a Salina graduate student in the KU School of Architecture and Urban Design, received the survey's Norman Plummer Outstanding Student Award for his outstanding work in the survey's library. Morrell completed a master's degree in urban planning in May and will join the Peace Corps in the fall. The Plummer award recognizes students who provide support services at the survey and is named after a longtime survey employee. Morrell is the son of Janine Morrell of Salina and is a Salina High School South graduate.

Gary Hecox, Lawrence doctoral student in geology, received the William W. Hambleton Student Research Award. Hecox has been a research assistant in the survey's geohydrology section since 2000, studying groundwater declines and water-level measurements in northwestern Kansas. The Hambleton award recognizes excellence in research and is named after the survey's director from 1970 to 1986.

The students received cash awards and certificates, presented by survey director M. Lee Allison in a ceremony in May.