KU News Release

Kansas Geological Survey honors four outstanding KU students

LAWRENCE — Four University of Kansas students were recognized for outstanding achievement at the Kansas Geological Survey, based on KU’s west campus.

The Kansas Geological Survey studies and provides information on the state’s geologic resources and hazards, particularly ground water, oil, natural gas and other minerals. It employs about 40 students.

The recipients were given cash awards and certificates, presented by the Kansas Geological Survey Director William Harrison in a mid-May ceremony.

The award recipients are listed below by hometown, level in school, major, award, parents’ names, when available, and previous schools attended.

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence 66049
Laura Murphy, a master’s degree student in anthropology, was presented with the Lee C. and Darcy Gerhard Field Research Student Award. Murphy works in the geoarcheology program in the geological survey’s stratigraphic research section. She is involved in archeological investigations in Rawlins County in northwestern Kansas, developing methods of processing and analyzing samples from the field. The award is named after the geological survey’s director from 1987 to 1999 and his wife. Murphy received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University.

ELLIS COUNTY
From Hays 67601
Nicholas Schneider, a senior in geology with a minor in business, received the Frank C. Foley Geohydrology Student Travel Award. Schneider works in the geological survey’s geohydrology section, helping develop data on the Ogallala aquifer and helping process samples from a study of nitrate issues in Ford County in southwestern Kansas. The award is named after the geological survey’s director from 1954 to 1970. Schneider is the son of Brenda Vohs and a graduate of Hays High School.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66605
Shelby Walters, a master’s degree student in geophysics, received the William W. Hambleton Student Research Award. As a research assistant in the geological survey’s exploration services section, she was active in collecting geophysical data for a study of the movement of carbon dioxide in an oil field in Russell County. The award is named for the geological survey’s director from 1970 to 1986. Walters is the daughter of Steven Walters. She graduated from Shawnee Heights High School and received a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College.

From Topeka 66611
Ian Ramirez, a master’s degree student in urban planning, was the recipient of the Norman Plummer Outstanding Student Award. Ramirez works in the geological survey’s cartographic services program, developing maps and other activities related to geographic information systems. The award is named after Norman Plummer, a geological survey employee from 1936 to 1969. Ramirez, the son of Emil Ramirez, is a graduate of Topeka High School. He received a bachelor’s degree in architectural studies in spring 2005 from KU.

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