KU News Release

Kansas Geological Survey announces spring 2008 student awards

LAWRENCE — Three students were recognized this spring for outstanding achievement at the Kansas Geological Survey, based at the University of Kansas.

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 approximately 40 students.

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

For more information on the Kansas Geological Survey, go to www.kgs.ku.edu

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

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Shawnee 66216
Lindsay Mayer, a master’s degree student in geophysics, received the William W. Hambleton Student Research Award. As a research assistant in the survey’s Exploration Services section, Mayer investigates problems caused by rapid changes in shallow earth materials, which are often detected through seismic reflection during petroleum exploration. She also helps with the seismic monitoring of enhanced oil recovery efforts in Russell County, among other projects. William W. Hambleton was the survey’s director from 1970 to 1986. Mayer, a graduate of Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, received a bachelor’s degree in astronomy from KU in fall 2005. She is the daughter of David and Deborah Mayer.

LYON COUNTY
From Olpe 66865
Darren Haag, a senior in geography, was the recipient of the Norman Plummer Outstanding Student Award. In the survey’s Cartographic Services unit, Haag helps produce new geologic maps and has created Geographic Information Systems geology data for 45 Kansas counties from historical geologic maps. Norman Plummer was a survey employee from 1936 to 1969. Haag is the son of Sylvia Haag and a graduate of Olpe High School.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka 66605
Shelby Walters, a master’s degree student in geophysics, received the Lee C. and Darcy Gerhard Field Research Student Award. A research assistant in the survey’s Exploration Services section, Walters explores ways to characterize near-surface layers of the earth using seismic techniques. Other studies she has been involved with include tunnel and mine detection and ground subsidence. The award is named after the survey’s director from 1987 to 1999 and his wife. Walters is the daughter of Steve Walters and a graduate of Shawnee Heights High School in Tecumseh. She received a bachelor’s degree from Benedictine College in Atchison. In 2007, she was recognized with the William W. Hambleton Student Research Award.

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