THE EPOCHSummer/Fall 2009 | No. 39 Letter from the Chair

Dr. Richelle M. Allen-King, Professor and Chair

In midst of these wonderful accomplishments, incredible influx of energy on campus. It is our University has had to struggle through also a time of transitions. This summer we bid one of the worst economic crises in decades: farewell and well wishes to Drs. Jörg Maletz Department budgets were impacted and regret- and Andrew Bukata. After several years as an fully, our department was no exception. When active department member, Dr. Maletz has de- I took over the reigns as Chair, I was well- parted for new adventures at St. Francis Xavier informed about the commitment of our alumni University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia, Canada. and friends. I am constantly inspired by the Additionally, we welcomed Dr. DeBonne Wis- dedication and commitment demonstrated by hart as a Lecturer to teach our core courses in our general alumni body, as well as the Geol- Hydrogeology. Lastly but certainly not least, this ogy Alumni Advisory Board (GAAB) especially fall, Dr. Greg Valentine will assume the posi- in such a tumultuous year. I am happy to report tion of Director of the Center for Geohazards that our donations are up significantly this Studies. Greg and his colleagues are busy on Greetings Alumni and Friends! year, thanks to your donations to the Annual several projects and have just secured a $1.4 Fund and a sizeable donation from Ronald million grant from the National Science Founda- We hope this edition of The EPOCH finds you and Virginia Herdman, triple matched by tion for research in this area. well and that you enjoy reading all about the ExxonMobil (see page 1 for more information). exciting happenings in the department over the Concerned about the impact of budget cuts on Thanks again for your support and we hope you past year. As I prepared this piece, I reflected the department, the GAAB organized and is- enjoy reading The EPOCH! All the best for a on what a rewarding and challenging year this sued a challenge to each other and each of you terrific 2009/2010! has been. There have been several notable to participate in the University’s Annual Fund accomplishments I’d like to mention. Last fall, by designating a donation to UB Geology. The we completed the first step in our three-phase GAAB members alone donated over $2,000 to move into Cooke Hall, and have been working the department this year. These coordinated feverishly to renovate research spaces for the efforts allow our department to continue sup- Volcanology and Climate Changes Groups, porting our students through scholarships and who will be the next to move (summer of 2010). awards, to continue offering field trips, and by We have also been designing two new state overall lessoning the impact of State budget of the art classroom facilities for computational cuts that could have otherwise been detrimental geoscience and specimen-based labs includ- to these efforts. Thank you, friends, for your ing mineralogy, petrology, sedimentology, and commitment to UB Geology. You have certainly paleontology. This year, three of our graduate done your part to reach others and change students received highly competitive and presti- lives. gious scholarships: PhD student Patrick Whel- ley, supervised by Dr. Eliza Calder, received a This summer I had the chance to do some NASA Graduate Student Research Fellowship, personal and professional travel. The picture PhD student, Dale Hess, supervised by Dr. Ja- above is from one adventure taken after a day son Briner, was a Fulbright scholar in Canada, of hiking to observe glaciers in Glacier National and, PhD student Jessica Ball also supervised Park, Canada, with Dr. Henry Vaux, a friend by Dr. Eliza Calder, received an NSF graduate and colleague and an emeritus faculty member fellowship that will be funded beginning this fall. at UC Berkley. We had the pleasure of view- Congratulations are indeed due each of these ing Vaux glacier, which is actually named for students on their accomplishments; what a fine Henry’s grandfather! demonstration of the talented students we have at UB Geology. With the return of students this fall, comes an Table of Contents Department News

1 Faculty Awards/Recognition 1 Generous Donation Received 2 Field Camp 2009 4 Advanced Field Course 2009

Research News

5-9 Faculty Updates 10 Volcanic Rick Mitigation Workshop

Alumni News

11-13 Feature Article: Alumnus Vic Chevillon 13-14 Alumni Advisory Board Report 15 A Word About Alumni Giving 19-20 Alumni Notes

Student News

21 Degrees Conferred 21 2009 Awards 23 Student Research The EPOCH is published for the students, alumni and friends of: University at Buffalo Remember When Page The State University of New York The Department of Geology 411 Cooke Hall Buffalo, NY 14260-1350

We can be contacted by: Phone: (716) 645-3489 Fax: (716) 645-3999 E-mail: [email protected]

Dr. Richelle Allen-King, Chair Alison Lagowski & Heather Kornacki, Co-Editors The EPOCH

Special thanks to the College of Arts & Sciences and CAS Creative Design Services for the design and layout of The EPOCH

Please visit us online at: www.geology.buffalo.edu DEPARTMENT NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

Dr. Richelle Allen-King Elected to GSA Fellowship

Dr. Allen- King was elected to GSA Fellowship In addition to the minimum of eight years of The Fellowship announcement appeared in the on May 3, 2009 and was one of 59 Members professional experience in Geology or related July 2009 issue of GSA Today and recipients elected. Fellowship is an honor that is be- fields, the nominee must have significant con- will also be recognized at the Presidential stowed on the best of the geological sciences tributions to science in several of the following Address and Awards Ceremony at the GSA An- profession once per year at the GSA Spring areas: publication of the results of geologic re- nual Meeting in Portland on Saturday, October Council meeting. GSA members are elected to search, applied research, training of geologists, 17, 2009. CONGRATULATIONS Richelle! fellowship in recognition of distinguished con- administration of geological programs, public tributions to the geosciences and nominations awareness in geology, professional organiza- may only be made by a Fellow of the Society. tion leadership, or editorial responsibilities.

Generous Donation by Ronald & Virginia Herdman Matched by ExxonMobil 3 to 1!

field camp each year with the remainder to be use of their company match program. A lot of used to advance the development of a program employers offer matching gift programs, so if in a field related to petroleum geology in the you’re planning a donation to UB Geology or Department of Geology. Ronald Herdman another group, make sure to check with your received his BS in Geology from UB in 1953. human resource department. Please see page He began a career at Humble Oil (known now 18 for details on how the Herdman donation is as ExxonMobil) in 1955, where he worked for reaching others & changing lives. 38 years. Ron spent most of his time develop- ing computer applications to geology, which included mapping and determining reserves in Prudo Bay, Alaska. Ron is a former member of Ronald and Virginia Herdman at an alumni dinner party in the College of Arts and Sciences Dean’s Advi- Houston, TX (2006). sory Council and he and Virginia have a keen interest in helping young geologists secure The Geology department is pleased to an- their future in the field. nounce a most generous gift of $7,500 from Ronald & Virginia Herdman, which has been With a triple match by Ron’s former employer, matched 3-1 by ExxonMobil. The gift is to be ExxonMobil, the Herdmans’ donation is a used to support the costs of a student to attend prime example of how alumni can make good

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2009 Field Camp – Things Really Do Go Bump in the Night Travis A. Nelson, Field Camp Operations Coordinator, Geologist, Grad/Dept. Support Tech.

We had another really great field camp this year with a few news items; the changing of the “camp director” guard, a spectacular new first map site and even a run in with “Wild West” history. Our sensational group of students this year consisted of 9 gals and 31 guys. 16 students from UB, 7 from three different universities in the State of Tennessee, 4 from University of Southern Indiana, 2 from University of Pittsburgh, 2 from SUNY Cort- land, 2 from Sam Houston State University, and one each from Binghamton University, University of Maine, Hope College, Georgia Southern University, Castleton State Col- lege, University of Rhode Island, and Rutgers University. Group photo from Field Camp 2009.

This year we said fairwell to Dr. Charles Mitchell as he stepped down from the camp directorship after years of unwavering com- mitment to the program – we will miss you. A great big ‘welcome back’ to Dr. Marcus Bursik as Camp Director with congratulations on a successful first year – we are looking forward to many more.

Our fantastic faculty and staff had a great time this year, from start to finish. Dr. Bursik and Dr. Tracy Gregg got the students acclimated to mapping our new, 8300 ft., volcanic site, located a few miles East of South Fork, Colorado. Dr. Bursik taught the second map site in Davis Canyon, Utah. Dr. Jason Briner and Dr. Bursik taught the Rainbow Ranch Left to right: Adam Mangel, Alejandra Bursik, Phil Stokes and Patrick Whelley, Field Camp Staff. map site in Dinosaur, Utah. Again, thanks to Ron & Dixie Ufford for another Barbecue at always windy. you Shannon for your field camp dedication the Rainbow Valley Ranch. Dr. Briner and Dr. and congrats on your engagement, Patrick Bursik rocked out the final map site at Q Creek Our amazing teaching assistants this year Whelley (2nd yr) and Sean McGrane (2nd yr) Ranch in Wyoming where, as you know, it’s were: Shannon Kobs (5th yr and last) thank and our fun loving cooks: continued page 3 2 DEPARTMENT NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

continued from page 2

Phil Stokes (6th yr franchise player - never to be traded), Adam Mangel (1st yr), Alejandra Bursik (1st yr) and Star George (1st yr). Just another talented group of staff!

Only a few trips to the hospital for a sinus infec- tion, a concussion and a dislocated shoulder, but not a single student went home. We started with 40, ended with 40. Nice!

And then……………on a long, dark stretch of road in Utah territory………our great friend and TA, Sean, had a day of days to end the day. An New Volcanic Field Campsite at Summer Coon Moun- accidental encounter with a long-legged beas- tain, about 50 miles East of South Fork, CO. tie, an 800 pound, jet black, free-range cow and member of the Dalton ranch. That’s right, descendents of the infamous outlaw group in the American Old West during the early 1890’s, The Dalton Gang. Back then, they specialized in train and bank robberies and were related to the Younger Brother Gang who rode with Jesse James. Giddy Up! See you all on the trails.

For more information, highlights and pictures please visit: http://www.geology.buffalo.edu/ fieldwork/fieldCamp.shtml.

Dr. Marcus Bursik, Alejandra Bursik, Megan Hughes, Phil Stokes.

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Advanced Fracture/Tectonics Field Course Robert D. Jacobi, Professor

The Advanced Fracture/Tectonics Field Course was held this summer June 22-26 at Watkins Glen, NY. This one week intensive module had lectures in the morning followed by field work in the afternoon that illustrated the elements of the morning lecture. At these outcrops the students also learned traditional and advanced techniques for fracture analyses. The weather was perfect, and such fractures! (and such wineries). The students camped at Watkins Glen State Park, which is a world-class desti- nation (the trails, the waterfalls, and, oh yes, Fracture sets in the Ordovician Indian Castle The class at Taughannock Creek near Ithaca, NY. the fractures, are all superb). On the last day Member of the Utica Formation at Dolgeville, NY. we toured the Mohawk Valley to see exposures of the fault systems that had caused all the damage higher in the section (that we had looked at earlier in the week). For the oil and gas guys, we looked at classic black shale ex- posures; for those interested in the Ordovician Trenton/Black River, we looked at Dolgeville exposures and the quarry that Taury Smith and Rich Nyahay (NYS Museum) believe is an analogue for the largest gas field ever in NYS (the Trenton/Black River), and for those that are interested in fluid transport along fractures Unconformity between the overlying Ordovician Taughannock Falls near Ithaca, NY. (environmental and oil and gas) we saw the Indian Castle and the underlying Ordovician Dol- damage that fluid flow along fault systems can geville which displays deformed interbedded black shale and ribbon limestones. Outcrop is along the wreak on the pristine sediments. The students NYS Thruway near Little Falls, NY. were fantastic, and even requested a lecture one evening (as per usual, I had fallen just slightly behind in the lectures). Joaquin Cortes came along, and provided great support. What great time I had, and I hope the students did too. Life was very good there. I would like to thank Norse Energy Corp USA, which provided support for this field course.

One splay of the Little Falls fault in the Indian Castle Member along the NYS thruway near Little Falls, NY. 4 RESEARCH NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

Biogeochemistry Research Group Update Tracy L. Bank, Assistant Professor Michael Bower is officially the first graduate complete her PhD at UB. Pauline is studying of the Biogeochemistry group at UB. He suc- bacterial adhesion and metal reduction and cessfully defended his MS thesis in May and recently received a travel award to present her was awarded a Graduate Pegrum Research study at the First International Conference on award for his outstanding achievements. Mike Bacterial Transport in Ontario. also received an American Association of Petroleum Geologists scholarship this year. Tom Malizia and I received a faculty/student travel award from the National Synchrotron Kylah Wyatt presented her preliminary results Light Source at Brookhaven National Lab. We Left to Right: Tom Malizia, Michael Bower, Kylah Wyatt at the NE GSA meeting in Portland, Maine this will be studying the speciation of uranium in and Pauline Nesaraja. spring. Recently, she was awarded a Mark organic-shales using X-ray Absorption Spec- The Biogeochemistry research group at UB Diamond Research Grant to travel back to troscopy as the basis of his thesis. is continuing to grow. This past year we wel- Maine and collect samples for her continuing comed PhD student Pauline Nesaraja and MS study of arsenic sorption in carbonate-rich Greyford Hunter, the newest member of the students Tom Malizia and Greyford Hunter. sediments. biogeochemistry group, welcomed a bouncing They join current MS students Michael Bower baby boy in this spring. Greysun Hunter was and Kylah Wyatt. I am very proud to highlight Pauline Nesaraja was awarded a full schol- born on April 5, 2009. Congratulations! the successes of all these students this year! arship from the Government of Malaysia to

Paleoclimate Group Studies Greenland Ice Sheet Jason P. Briner, Assistant Professor Good day from the paleoclimate group! We early July 2009, we departed for Greenland for have received NSF funding (PIs J. Briner and another field season; participating were Nico- B. Csatho) to reconstruct former changes of lás, new MS student Shanna Losee and un- the Greenland Ice Sheet. In particular, we dergraduate student William Philipps. We are are using 10Be exposure dating and lake still working on Baffin Island, where MS student sediment coring to determine the sensitivity of Sean McGrane collected lake sediment cores Jakobshavn Isbræ, Greenland’s largest glacier, in May 2009, to study the response of arctic to Holocene climate change. Nicolás Young climate to large volcanic eruptions. Undergrad- is taking the lead on the 10Be dating effort uate student Devin Bedard completed a senior for his PhD thesis. Heather Stewart, a MS project analyzing lake sediments from Baffin Heather Stewart unloads equipment from a helicopter on west Greenland, August 2008. student jointly advised by Briner and Csatho, is Island and Greenland. Closer to home, Dale combining remote sensing and lake sediment Hess continues his PhD research on glacial coring to reconstruct Jakobshavn’s changes bedforms in New York State, and received a over the past few hundred years. A wonderful Fulbright Fellowship to work with John Men- ing forward to the coming year; you can check field season to Jakobshavn in 2008 provided zies at Brock University; Dale is expecting to out our progress at: http://wings.buffalo.edu/ us with plenty of samples to keep us busy. In complete his PhD in fall 2009. We’re all look- research/paleoclimate/.

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Bursik Says Farewell to Some, then Heads for Sabbatical Marcus I. Bursik, Professor It’s been a time of good-byes in the labora- respectively. Sara is moving on to Ph.D. work tory of Prof. Marcus Bursik. Shannon Kobs at University of North Carolina, where she won (Epoch no. 36 student news) successfully the top scholarship. Weston has already been defended her Ph.D. dissertation in the spring working with the Army Corps of Engineers in 2009, and is moving on to post-doctoral Buffalo for the past year. For all the newly research with the Geophysics Department of graduated, their thesis work led directly to their Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico future work. Students Steve Warren (M.S.) (UNAM). Shannon’s thesis was on supercom- and Ramona Stefanescu (Ph.D., Mech. Eng.) puter modeling of tephra fall, and comparison continue working with Dr. Bursik on the Niagara of model output with fall deposits. Sara Whirlpool circulation and modeling of block and Shannon Kobs sailing off into the sunset, after a day Hanson-Hedgecock (Epoch no. 38, research ash flows on different digital elevation models mapping Krakatoa (Mono Lake, CA). Note frame of the volcano on island behind from filming the ‘60’s movie. news) and Weston Cross (Epoch no. 37, for hazards assessment. Dr. Bursik had a fan- student news) successfully defended their tastic time teaching field camp this year, after M.S. theses on numerical correlation of fall having to miss it for a long while. He will be on deposits, and laboratory studies of granular sabbatical during the fall 2009 term, working on jumps for understanding of three-dimensional Mono-Inyo Craters, CA, and volcanic hazards. affects in landslides and block and ash flows,

Updates from the Remote Sensing Lab Beata M. Csatho, Associate Professor As changes in climate dramatically alter the quantifying the sensitivity of the Jakobshavn Justin Rich has defended his MS thesis, in Earth’s cryosphere, our group is busier than Isbræ to temperature variations. Heather which he developed a model to characterize ever mapping and monitoring those changes integrates current and recent glacial changes permafrost-affected landscapes from multi- from space, air and ground. While Drs. seen in aerial photos and satellite images with spectral satellite imagery and high-resolution Bea Csatho and Toni Schenk are about glacial changes seen in the lake sediment to topography. Justin successfully demonstrated to complete mass balance computations of establish a record of the last few hundred years the use of his object-oriented model for map- the Greenland Ice Sheet (GIS) from NASA’s for her MS thesis, nearing completion. ping soil and vegetation types on the North ICESat observations for the 2003-2008 period, Slope of Alaska. Congratulations, Justin! the design of NASA’s next satellite laser altim- etry mission is already underway. Dr. Csatho Greg Babonis, PhD student has spent the has been selected as a science team member spring semester at the Swansea University in of the ICESat-II program, to be launched in the UK as part of his NSF IGERT fellowship. 2015. Meanwhile Dr. Schenk is leading the Under the supervision of Dr. Tavi Murray, Greg effort of adding photogrammetric observations has focused on velocity determination of major to NASA’s ICEBRIDGE airborne program. outlet glaciers in Greenland. Drs. Briner and Csatho, along with graduate students Heather Stewart and Nicolas Young About to start her second year as a MS stu- study another aspect of ice sheet changes dent, Melissa Zelazny has been staying busy MS students Heather Stewart and Justin Rich measure by linking recent changes measured from reflectivity of rock samples (© 2008 University at Buffalo | by mapping lineaments from satellite imagery historical photographs with the paleo-record for Douglas Levere). continued page 7 6 RESEARCH NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

continued from page 6 and digital elevation models in the Finger Lake his PhD at The Ohio State University and region as part of a NYSERDA funded CO2 se- subsequently joined Microsoft in Boulder, CO. questration project of Drs. Jacobi and Csatho. Sudhagar Nagarajan, a PhD candidate in Undergraduate student Jennifer Farino was Geodetic Sciences at OSU, has replaced Dr. assisting Melissa by collecting and organizing Yoon this Spring. digital maps and satellite imagery in a GIS.

Dr. Taehun Yoon, who as a research techni- cian deserves the credit for setting up the remote sensing laboratory, has completed

Studying Subsurface Hydro-Geological Phenomena Using Geophysical Techniques Zhangshuan Hou, Assistant Professor The geophysics group is interested in broad and evaluate an estimation framework that can areas such as oil/gas exploration, CO2 make the best use of spatially and temporally sequestration, environmental remediation and correlated information available from tomo- risk assessment, agricultural precision, water graphic data. resources management, and so on. Jeremy Crowley works on studying groundwa- Anthony Kellogg has been working on a ter and surface water interactions by using heat project supported by ACS PRF (petroleum as a tracer of ground water. High resolution research fund, American Chemical Society). temperature data obtained using a distributed Using borehole and geophysical data from temperature sensor (DTS) has been collected several oil/gas field sites in North Sea and Gulf downstream of the abandoned Miner Dam in of Mexico, he is investigating the sensitivity the Little Chazy River watershed. The field trip of geophysical responses to overburden and was a quite a fun adventure! Data will also be Assembling ground penetrating radar at a field site. oil/gas reservoir geometry and rock physical collected along Ischua Creek in Cattaraugus properties, as well as to evaluate their effects County, NY. The temperature measurements on reservoir parameter estimates. will be used to calibrate a coupled water/heat transport model. Neil Terry and Adam Flaxman are providing help to a DOE-funded project “Time-Lapse These studies involve intensive field work or Tomographic Approaches for Monitoring exhaustive computer programming, and we’ve Remediation Processes.” In this study, we try made steady progress. to build upon recent advances to extend the utility of time-lapse, crosshole geophysical datasets for quantifying processes associated with engineered remediation, with a particular focus on the distribution and concentration of Anthony and Jeremy collecting radar and DTS data at the injected amendments. We are trying to develop Miner Dam field site.

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Update from UB ITAS Group Robert D. Jacobi, Professor The $700 K CO2 sequestration grant, for which Dr. Robert Jacobi is PI, is finally up and run- ning. This grant is the first phase for testing the feasibility of sequestering CO2 captured from coal-fired power plants in NYS, and is funded by a consortium that includes NYSERDA, AES (the largest power generators in NYS), Anschutz, Talisman, and Norse Energy (all gas exploration firms that are interested in CO2 sequestration). UB co-PIs in this UB/Cornell research project include Matt Becker and Bea Csatho. Much of Dr. Jacobi’s effort in the fall term was spent Example of horizontal slickensides. Example of a highly deformed (soft-sediment) section in trying to get the grant officially off the ground. the Utica Shale. Note the nearly vertical bedding. Since the New Year, Jacobi’s graduate student Jodi Seever has digitized all the published fracture data that pertains to NYS; these data will function as a background for determining the fracture and fault locations and trends in potential sequestration areas. Melissa Zelazny (a joint graduate student of Jacobi and Csatho) has been conducting lineament analyses of satellite images in the primary focus area along Cayuga Lake. These lineaments confirm earlier suggestions that multiple fault trends occur along the eastern margin of the lake, includ- Example of cross-cutting relationships (steeply-dipping Example of a steeply dipping vein filling a normal fault, ing ENE and EW. Jacobi organized a one-day vein cutting a horizontal vein). inferred from both the offset on a crosscut vein and the CO2 sequestration symposium in April for the geometry of the rhombochasm veinlets associated with the vein. (This example is really neat--we first inferred research and funding participants—all eight “normal fault” from the rhombochasm, then saw that co-PIs and their grad students reported on their the offset vein was consistent!). research progress—the progress was impres- sive.

Graduate student Stacey Hanson and Dr. Ja- cobi have completed analyzing the geometry of fractures and veins observed in a core retrieved near Albany that penetrates the complete section of the Ordovician black shale (one of the two black shales that is the focus of intense speculation for gas extraction in the NE). The core displays extremely complex fracturing and veining that includes extensional, high angle reverse, bedding thrust, and unloading (horizontal) veins. 8 RESEARCH NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

Bye - Bye Buffalo! Jörg Maletz, Visiting Assistant Professor mentology (GLY 215) and Paleontology (GLY Rhinogrades as my all-time favorites! In Sep- 216) to the general education courses The tember I will start working with Mike Melchin Dinosaurs (GLY 137) and Macroworld (UGC in Antigonish (Nova Scotia, Canada), but only 303). Over the years, hundreds of students after spending the rest of the summer with Ralf had to endure my German accent, my attitude, at home in Berlin. From there probably my next and had to deal with - or even fight for - their step is to go to Fort Collins (Colorado), where I grades. A few of them never the less became can join my friend Sven Egenhoff, working on An unexpected late evening phone call from close friends, meaning that I had a wonderful Ordovician stratigraphy, paleogeography and Chuck Mitchell in August 2001, brought me and successful time teaching at UB. I met new sequence stratigraphy –quite some excitement. from Berlin to UB, where I started teaching friends and hope that I encouraged at least a Intro to Geology (GLY 104) and Paleontology few students to choose geology as a career What remains to do in Buffalo is to clean up my (GLY 216) in January 2002. Tracy Gregg will option. apartment, pack my belongings, say bye-bye to certainly remember the times when we were my friend Caco, who will be lonely in the office co-teaching GLY 104 during my first semester. As I am writing these lines, I am sitting in the we shared for so many years, and move on – in Now - nearly 8 years later – it is finally time to beautiful guesthouse of the University of Lund the hope to see some of you in the future in an- say good bye to Buffalo. During these years at (Sweden). I am working on a drill-core with other part of the world, or contact me through UB I was teaching quite a number of courses, Ordovician rocks crowded with my favorite fos- Facebook, which would also make me happy. from Intro to Geology (GLY 103-104), Sedi- sils, the graptolites – not that I ever forget the

The Way of the Graptolites Charles E. Mitchell, Professor lished two papers that present results of work I have been developing a new approach to done on the late Ordovician mass extinction of quantitatively studying the changing shape of graptolites. One, lead by my colleagues at the graptolite colonies – both as they grow during University of Saskatchewan describes changes their lifespan and as they evolve over geological in oceanographic conditions, including produc- time. Jeremy presented a paper on this work at tivity based on carbon and nitrogen isotopes the North American Paleontological Convention obtained from our study Vinini Creek site in cen- (Cincinnati OH) in June and I presented a paper tral Nevada (LaPorte et al., 2009, Palaeogeog- on graptolite development and evolution, and raphy, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology, 276: contributed to several others, including another 182−195.). The other revises our understand- by colleague Mike Melchin (St. Francis Xavier ing of Diplograptus – a long-misunderstood University, Antigonish, NS) about mass extinc- graptolite genus (aren’t they all?!). Melissa Ro- tion processes. loson is finishing up her study of the graptolite succession in a wonderful core from eastern NY Colleagues and I have also been making prog- that Dr. Jacobi and his student Stacey Hansen ress on our revision of the 1970 graptolite This year I have been getting back into the are also studying for its fracture history; all with volume of the Treatise on Invertebrate Paleon- swing of things, now that I am no longer serv- an eye to better geological models of the black tology, on which I am lead author. With former ing as department chair – teaching classes shale gas play in the northern Appalachian student Jesse Carlucci and colleague Jörg last taught eight years ago, and refocusing on basin. With honors student Jeremy Shapero, Maletz, I published a paper revising the several continuing research projects. I pub- and colleague Dave Sheets (Canisius College), continued page 10 9 RESEARCH NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

continued from page 9 phylogeny and taxonomy of early Ordovician (!!) in the town of Goni, Sardinia (Italy) which I could go on, but you get the idea. Many fun graptoeny and taxonomy of early Ordovician was the source of some of first graptolites ever projects and lots of useful work. graptolites. A group of eight authors from described in a detailed scientific manner. We around the world met in association with the collected reference material, worked on several field meeting of the Silurian Subcomission, ICS, chapters, and enjoyed much wonderful food, which took place in Villasimius, Sardinia. This wine, and Italian hospitality! I also did a bit of picture of me is at a beautiful graptolite park scuba diving!! Center for Geohazards Organizes Volcanic Risk Mitigation Workshop Michael F. Sheridan, Professor Emeritus outcome was an improvement in preparedness and prudent response capability by improving volcanic risk understanding and awareness. Event tree methodology was introduced through dynamic interaction and feedback between scientists, engineers, social scientists, public safety officers, and stakeholders to improve the decision-making process. Such an approach at a slowly evolving but episodic hazardous natural system, like Galeras Volcano, is at the cutting edge of modern hazard science is the principal challenge of that this proposal addressed.

Welcome party. The people of Genoy welcome the interna- perception among all of the parties involved in tional participants and students to a fiesta in their village. A group of the international guests are seated in front row the Galeras volcanic crisis, Colombia. The goal center of the photo on a bench (from left to right) Heidy of the workshop was to form a bridge con- Dader (University of Bristol), Michel Bolaños (Universidad necting scientists, decision makers, and stake de Nariño), Jacqui Wilmshurts (University of Sheffield), Rudiger Escobar (MTU) and Michael Sheridan (UB). holders to promote a better understanding of the hazards presented by Galeras and to define Center for GeoHazards Studies researchers the measures needed for protection of people Michael Sheridan, Eliza Calder, Gregory and property in the potentially threatened Valentine, Marcus Bursik and Gustavo Cor- areas. The general scheme of this workshop doba (post-doctoral researcher from Colombia) was to analyze the existing hazard maps and Final day of workshop. Staff is facilitating the discussions organized a workshop funded by National safety plans for Galeras in the light of cur- with the villagers regarding the topics about which there is disagreement and those about which the stakeholders Science Foundation and Universidad de Nariño rent understanding, models, and methods for and decision makers can move forward. Jorge Bajo of UB entitled “Knowledge Sharing and Collaboration forecasting volcanic hazards. The program was is standing on the right. In the center in the blue T-shirt is Rudiger Escobar (MTU). in Volcanic Risk Mitigation at Galeras Volcano, designed to optimize communication between Colombia.” This workshop that took place in the scientific personnel, decision makers, and Pasto, Colombia on 6-11 of July, 2009, was the potential affected population in areas af- designed to improve communication and risk fected by hazardous natural phenomena. The

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Economic Geology: An Alumni Profile of C. Victor Chevillon, MA ‘73 Heather Kornacki, Project Staff Assistant

“Learn all you can and make sure what you’re In his career, Vic has been involved in several doing is what you enjoy, because you’re going major mineral deposits discoveries including the to live with it a long time.” Good advice from UB Getchell Gold Mine in Nevada, the Blackbird Geology alumnus, C. Victor (Vic) Chevillon, MA Cobalt deposit in Idaho and the New World Gold ’73, whose passion for his job is evident, even deposit in Montana. In each of these projects, after nearly four decades of boom and bust important geologic concepts were derived by cycles in the mining industry as an Exploration fundamental geological fieldwork and descrip- Geologist. This past July, Dr. Tracy L. Bank, As- tive data collection and interpretation, which sistant Professor of Geology, and I sat down for lead to the discoveries by a well integrated team a conversation with Vic and asked him a variety of professionals working together. “The role of questions about his career and his time at of multiple working hypotheses in finding ore C. Victor Chevillon, beginning his day at base camp in The University at Buffalo. Over the years, Vic deposits is central to success. Knowing the sci- central Nevada looking west. He’s standing in front of Lab Rimulac, which is a portable soil gas sampling and real has worked for a wide variety of mining compa- entific method and how to apply it to real world time analytical lab he designed to test for mineral deposits nies, including Noranda Exploration, Homestake problems is one of the most important skills to beneath transported alluvium. The red generator drives a pneumatic hammer that pounds the gas probes into the Mining Company, Placer Dome Exploration and learn.” Since beginning his career, Chevillon ground. The gases are collected through the probes and Barrick Gold. In 2006, he established Chevil- admits the industry has changed significantly. gas sensors (in the white topped coolers) for real time, CO, CO2, O2, NH3, S02 readings. This is novel new applica- lon Exploration Consulting, where he currently “This is my 38TH field season, and there have tion of existing technologies. The data is integrated with serves as President and Exploration Geologist. been many fundamental changes in the mining conventional and mobile metal ion soils data, satellite image linear data, range front geologic mapping and geophysical- “It’s a rewarding career. I’ve learned a lot – I’m and exploration industries. The target metal data (and any drill hole data) for targeting (May, 2007). still learning a lot and to be honest with you, I’ve commodities have changed over the years in never had as much fun as I’m having right now. response to metal prices and demand shifts. There have been ups and downs, but mostly We’re now cycling back into a time when most ups. It’s been a tremendous way to make a of the metals are in high demand so explora- living, it’s professionally challenging, rewarding tion in a wide variety of geologic environments and an excellent opportunity. But the bottom line is opening up again. It is an exciting time from is you have to love what you’re doing or you’re that perspective since you can work in about not going to make it.” any type of geology you like. On the other hand in the US over the years, land withdrawals Mining provides the mineral products funda- from mineral entry (staking claims, exploring mental to the civilized world; a world where and mining) have systematically increased and demand for these products has reached un- some of America’s best mineral trends, like the precedented levels over the last five or so years Colorado Mineral Belt, the Idaho Porphyry and and will increase with more people on earth and Cobalt Belts and many others are off limits.” expansion. And while the United States is striv- Geological Society of Nevada/Society of Economic Geolo- gist field trip group in the hoist room of the Getchell mine, ing for energy independence, there is a clear getting ready to go down the shaft in the background to tour concern about US mineral sustainability (the the mine. Chevillon lead the field trip of a group of about USGS indicates that the United States imported 30 exploration geologists from around the world who were 1 U.S. Geological Survey Minerals Information touring the gold deposits of the Great Basin in a Nevada over 50% of 44 mineral commodities in 2007 GSN Conference (May, 2000). Team, 2008, Mining review: Minerals Engineer- and was 100% reliant on imports for 19 mineral ing, v. 60, no.5, p.31-43. commodities).1

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In the 1970s, the USGS and the US Bureau ample, in recent years there have been world of Mines conducted substantial government class porphyry type silver, gold, zinc deposits research in metal mining and exploration, found in Mexico (e.g. Penaquito in the state of while sponsors such as the National Science Chihuhua) by exploration geologists with the Foundation (NSF), often supported research in vision to look at the same old geology and vein this field at academic institutions. By the mid mineral occurrences through new eyes, and 1990s, Congress abolished the US Bureau of considering new types of deposit models to Mines (which shut down operations at New apply to the rocks. This change in perspective World Gold Mine), mining industry research often generates unrecognized and untapped centers and schools began disappearing, opportunities right before your very eyes that and funding for economic geology began to you can capitalize on. Columbus (and others Chevillon geologic mapping in a porphyry belt in southern stagnate. The US Geological Survey shrank before him) did it and it is still happening in the Chihuhua, Mexico at the Cordero Ag, Au, Zn, Pb early considerably and changed focus away from world of exploration and mining today. To be exploration stage project (June, 2009) geologic mapping and mineral resources into part of something like this remains inspiring.” environmental hazard studies and hydrology. This focus away from the US mineral endow- New technologies can play key roles, too. ment raises important questions about US One of the services provided by Chevillon competitiveness, maintaining a sustainable Exploration Consulting is the use of novel, supply of mineral resources and the Na- state of the art (and expensive) 3D Gocad tion’s ability to engage in scientifically sound, pattern recognition software developed in the commodity resource based planning and land petroleum industry and adapted to mining. The management2. While mining in the US is a software integrates large, diverse exploration dwindling industry it is thriving “off shore.” data sets and for the first time, allows easy Like foreign energy supplies, there can be viewing approaches to explore the data in Recon geologic traverses of a natural color anomaly pro- a tremendous price to pay in relying heavily virtual space. And now with powerful laptops duced by disseminated auriferous pyrite in diorite exposed on foreign metal suppliers. Looking back Vic the integrated data can be taken into the field at the base of a Tertiary caldera sequence in Ixhuatán, southern Mexico (2004). explains “It’s a good career. It’s not easy in and used at the rock-human interface, where it the boom and bust cycles, but seeing geology belongs for maximum productivity. “In the old discoveries are based on a geologic realiza- make a difference in the world through discov- days, an exploration property or deposit model tion that enables predictive models to aim drill ery is very gratifying.” involved geologic maps and cross sections holes and test targets.” There is no doubt that drafted on clear plastic and wooden dowel drill Vic has led a successful career and it’s clear In addition to his responsibilities with Chevillon holes hand painted with the geology, all held that he enjoys talking about his experiences. Exploration Consulting, in 2009, Vic was ap- together in vitural space in a plywood box. The It’s also obvious that mentoring others is pointed Vice President of Exploration at Levon crude physical models worked better than just important to him, too. In fact, mentoring others Resources, Ltd. In both companies, Vic works trying to visualize and integrate the data in your seems to be something instilled on him when to find new properties with the mineral potential head. Now with the current computer and soft- he attended the University at Buffalo, “Dr. that can lead to the discovery of large deposits. ware power, n+1 variables can be considered John King was instrumental in me attending Fundamental research and fieldwork for area in n+1 arrays and query combinations. Your graduate school. He arranged for me to get a selection is still going on. Staking mining mind and experience can be used to explore scholarship and a graduate teaching assistant- claims in new areas with no mineral show- the data and think about what it means rather ship. I couldn’t have gone to school without it. ings, meeting prospectors and companies with than wondering where it actually belongs. This excellent properties and making agreements is an amazing and rewarding feat and technol- to explore the properties are all still happen- ogy, particularly in mineral exploration where 2 GSA Today, “Mineral Resource Geology in ing. Increasingly though, mineral exploration the integrated data has often never been Academia: An Impending Crisis?” August, 2009 is growing outside the US in countries that are examined in one place at one scale before. capitalizing on their mineral wealth. “For ex- Finding deposits is the goal – the continued page 13 12 ALUMNI NEWS | FEATURE STORY | THE EPOCH | No. 39

continued from page 12

I really thank him for that. He was an inspira- that can be treated by conventional metallurgy a growing in the field in cosmology.” tion.” Vic recalls his time at UB Geology fondly, techniques to be recovered. remembering his time as TA at UB field camp, In the biogeochemistry research lab at UB, we and his classes with Dr. Rossman Giese who In the late 1990’s Vic was part of a small are studying these same biological processes often challenged him to think on a different research group with Placer Dome Exploration to understand how toxic metals are solubilized level. “Dr. Giese was interesting, because I who sought novel new biogeochemical applica- and released by bacteria in shallow subsur- came from a different school of thought on min- tions to the mining industry. “An Exploration face sediments. In the mining industry, these eralogy. I was his graduate teaching assistant Geologist, Metallurgist, Molecular Bio Physicist bacteria are hugely beneficial, but in environ- for a semester. I was supporting the physical and Geneticist who heads the Department mental research they can be harmful. After a chemistry side of mineralogy and he was into of Genetics at the University of Washington, 20+ year hiatus, a course in economic geology the theoretical side. He taught me some excel- formed a collaborative team based on our early was taught to 20 graduate and undergraduate lent lessons and I really enjoyed the intellectual geologic research. We studied extremophyle students at UB this past spring 2009, evidence interaction with Dr. Giese.” microbes and conceived of real time gold that there is renewed interest in careers in this sensor technologies by adapting a newly dis- field. The department plans to offer the course In addition to valuable resources, the min- covered gold selective protein with computer again in 2011 with an emphasis on field trips ing industry also provides excellent research chip counting devices being developed. We and exploration, and with continued input from opportunities in biogeochemistry. In Nevada obtained two patents on the technologies and experts like Vic Chevillon. and South Africa gold has been recovered by reduced some to practice. The interdisciplin- bacteria that live on mineral surfaces (http:// ary collaboration made me realize again www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14566432). how important the scientific method is to real The bacteria need only water, aeration, and progress. The field of biochemistry as it relates time to transform low-grade gold into a form to Earth geology is entirely wide open and it is Notes from the Geology Alumni Advisory Board

First, we want to thank Jim Murphy for his in reunited 50+ alumni and friends with the leadership and drive to move the GAAB from department. The alumni reception/dinner in concept to a functioning board. I am not yet Houston sponsored by Gary Citron and Jim sure how Pat and I ended up as Co-chairs of Murphy was a great success and demonstrat- the board, but we are now moving forward on ed the benefit of these events in reconnecting several exciting endeavors. with each other and the department.

The basic objective of the GAAB has been to This last year, efforts have focused on bring Geology alumni back into the UB Geosci- continuing initial outreach efforts, establishing Robert Naum, GAAB Chair ences community, to leverage our individual coaching or mentoring support of department successes, function as a catalyst to strengthen students, expanding the outreach effort in our network and strengthen our support for the areas targeted because of their concentration department, the Geosciences community and of alumni, becoming more involved with sup- our country. porting the department’s needs, and becom- ing more engaged in both the academic and The first year gains were clearly significant, municipal regional communities. several receptions were held at national conventions such as AAPG and GSA resulting Pat Costanzo, GAAB Co-Chair 13 ALUMNI NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

►In June, Todd Peters hosted a reception at a valuable tool for student and alumni looking The GAAB is working closely with Dr. Marcus Wynkoop Brewing Company in Denver. The to make a career change. Bursik, Associate Chair and GAAB mentor and event in conjunction with the AAPG Annual Dr. Richelle Allen-King, Department Chair to meeting was attended by Drs. Jacobi and ►Todd Peters established a GAAB challenge formulate and implement plans that will provide Bursik along with about 20 alumni. The goal to encourage alumni to increase participation support and resources that will enhance the was to kick off a series of smaller, regional in supporting department needs. The work department’s ability to respond to current alumni meetings where people could recon- by Todd resulted in a 100% commitment of and anticipated needs for geoscientists and nect and gain insights about current activities the GAAB and established a model for future research in these critical areas. However, the and the future of the department. You will hear challenges. department can’t do this alone – we need your more about regional meetings and we welcome help, together we can amass resources that your suggestions as to potential locations or While we have been able to leverage the gains will enable the talented scientists and educa- opportunities that should be considered for of the first year work, there is much work ahead tors to make the advances in solving these future events. of us if we are going to get where we want to critical issues. We appreciate the support of be and want to meet the vision of UB 2020. those alumni who are actively involved with the ►The Outreach Committee held a Tailgate Even if we are in the middle of a short-term department and encourage those not yet in- meeting in February mentored by Gary Kent economic crisis, it is important to keep things in volved to join us in our efforts. We encourage in which approximately twenty-five students perspective and stay focused on the long term. you to take a few minutes of your valuable time discussed their perceptions, needs, and aspira- to reconnect with members of the department tions, while at the same time learning what our It is projected that the demand for energy and of your Alumni Advisory Board to share alumni actually do, and what resources are will double as we go from six billion to nine your knowledge, experience and help amass available within the alumni networks to assist billion in the next 40 years. However, it is also the resources we need to leverage UB’s vision them in their current or future career. projected that our supply of fresh water will run and ensure that the Geological Science De- •Pat Costanzo initiated a new collaborative ef- short within the next twenty years. Combining partment is a leader in contributing to solutions fort between the geological and legal communi- this with developing environmental issues and for our future. Together, we can reach others ties. Pat, along with Dr. Tracy Bank attended climate change makes the role of the geosci- and change lives. the Environmental Lawyer’s seminar: Niagara entist most critical. UB’s Geological Sciences Falls: Past, Present, and Future sponsored by Department is ideally positioned nearly on top For more information about what’s happening the Erie Institute of Law to increase the law of the Marcellus gas reserves and adjacent to within the department, visit http://geology.buf- community’s understanding of the potential the largest fresh water assets on the earth, the falo.edu/. If you just want to hear more about support available from the department, while Great Lakes. Also within the purview of UB the GAAB, contact Bob Naum at applied@ at the same time expanding the network of Geology and its alumni are the areas’ interest rochester.rr.com or Pat Costanzo at law@ supporters outside direct alumni to include in increasing development of clean alterna- patcostanzo.com. environmental lawyers. This type of interdis- tive energy at the Niagara Falls Hyrdo site, ciplinary networking in smaller, more focused studying the effects (positive and negative) of Every day we advance our learning and our groups is an excellent example of the coupling regional wind farms , and continuing to develop impact on our world, the progress we make of different professional communities with the geothermal energy to become a world leader in at UB is in part due to you and your help, we earth and environmental sciences. researching sustainable solutions. UB Geology want to thank you in advance for your contin- will continue to attract and educate the next ued support and together we can ensure the ►Dave Muscalo and Gary Kent developed generation of geoscientists and environmental- support of the department, UB, the community the first cut of an attributes questionnaire that ists, and help guide constructive governmental and our country. delineates what local, regional, and national policies to better manage our environment and businesses and organizations are looking for in our country. potential employees. The questionnaire will be

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A Word about Alumni Giving Your Generosity Reaches Others and Changes Lives

We’d like to thank all of the alumni and friends of the Department who generously supported us through gifts to the 2008-2009 Annual Fund. With the help of these gifts, the College’s Dean’s Advisory Council Challenge was a remarkable success, allowing us to enhance the educational experi- ence of our students. Each year, gifts to the Annual Fund enable us to greatly enhance the academic experiences of our students during their time at UB. Last year, gifts to the Annual Fund helped us to make Field Camp Awards that provided talented, ambitious students, who could otherwise not afford it, with the opportunity to attend the annual Field Camp. This program gave them a matchless experience to develop observational skills and learn geological mapping. It also gave them the chance to work closely with faculty members and fellow students in an outside-the -class- room, real-world setting. Even though this was the toughest economic time our country has seen in several decades, giving to the department is up significantly. A large donation by Ronald Herdman and his wife, Virginia, established the Ronald G. Herdman Geology Fund and awarded some very promising students scholarship funds (see the student field camp articles later in this section).This support from the Herdman’s helped reinforce the department’s dedication to student success and we are very grateful for their support. Senior Michael LaGamba, a recipient, described his reaction to receiving this award in these words: “I am very grateful . . . for receiving this (funding). It went a long way as far as financing field camp.To be honest, I was probably going to come up short with my savings and the money helped greatly. Field camp itself was great, a once- in- a- lifetime experience; traveling around and learning about geology and mapping.”

Your gift to the Annual Fund, in a very real way, reaches others and changes lives. We are most grateful to you for your help and continuing support. On behalf of all of our students who benefit from your generosity, we thank you. To learn more about supporting the department, please visit our website at www.geology.buffalo.edu and click on the “Support the Department” link at the bottom of the page. You can also call 716-645-0850 for more information.

Alumni Board Challenges You! In response to department needs in challenging times, Todd Peters, Co-Chair of the Geology Alumni Advisory Board (GAAB) Development Com- mittee, issued a challenge to our Alumni Board members for 100% participation in the Annual Fund. So far GAAB members have raised to this challenge, donating over $2,000!

In turn, our Alumni Board challenges the rest of our department’s alumni to participate in this year’s Annual Fund, with a goal of 30% par- ticipation. No matter the size of the donation, your participation in the Annual Fund is essential in reaching this challenge. This year’s Annual Fund runs 7/1/2009 – 6/20/2010; so please, make a donation and get us to our goal of 30% participation! Donations can be made by check or credit card using the enclosed form, or you can donate online by visiting us online www.geology.buffalo.edu and click on the “Support the Department” link at the bottom of the page. Please make sure you designate your donation to UB Geology.

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Donations to UB Geology Thank you to the following alumni and friends who have donated to UB Geology since July 1, 2008 (Reporting on donations received July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009).

ADVOCATE ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING HERDMAN,VIRGINIA SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION ALOYSIUS,DAVID HERRON,MICHAEL SEYLER,BEVERLY AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF PETROLEUM HIRTEN,JOSHUA SMITH,PAUL GEOLOGISTS FOUNDATION HOLLANDS,GARRETT SPADINGER,MARTIN ANADARKO PETROLEUM CORPORATION HOOPER,DONALD SPADINGER,SHARON ANDERSON,MARY ITSKOWITZ,JOEL SPEAR,DALLAS APPELBAUM,BRUCE JANOWSKY,RONALD STATE FARM COMPANIES FOUNDATION APPLIED RESOURCES, INC. JOHNSON,ROBERT STEWART,EDWARD BAKER,JOSEPH JURDY,DONNA STRY,THAD BARCLAY,DAVID KAUFMAN,MITCHELL SUTTON,MARGOT BARNES,JOHN KLOUDA,GEORGE TESMER,IRVING BASINSKI,PAUL KORNACKI,HEATHER VALLONE,PAUL BATES,JEFFREY KUCSERIK,ANDREW VASILIUS,KATHY BECK,WILLIAM LEBLANG,LAURENCE VAUGHAN,RAYMOND BHP BILLITON PETROLEUM LI,ZHAOHUI WIESNET,DONALD BLAUVELT,DAVID LIPKIN,JEFF WOLDU,AMANUEL BRENNAN,JAMES LUTHER,FRANK WOLF,HAROLD BRENNAN,SHARON MALLICK,BRIAN WORTHAM,JULIE CALKIN,PARKER MANN,DAVID WYSOR,JAMES CARROLL,MICHELE MCEWAN,DARLENE YU,HUNG CHAMPION,DUANE MCKEE,KATHRYN ZIMMERMAN,LORI CITRON,DEBORAH MEYLAN,MAURICE ZYBALA,JONATHAN CITRON,GARY MOHR,EILEEN ZYNDA,GREGORY CONOCOPHILLIPS CORPORATION MUSCALO,DAVID COSTANZO,PATRICIA NAUM, BOB DRAZAN,DONALD O'HERN,RICHARD ELLIS,JAMES PETERS,TODD EVISON,LEAH PIONEER NATURAL RESOURCES USA, INC. EXXONMOBIL FOUNDATION POWLIN,SCOTT FOSTER,BRAYTON READE,LAWRENCE FREDERICK,WILLIAM RICHARDS,ROSS FREDRICK,KYLE RIVARD,JAMES GASS,TYLER RUDICK,CHARLES HART,EDWARD RUPP,BYRON HENNESSY,JOHN SCHEUING,DAVID HERDMAN,RONALD SCHILLACI,SALVATORE SCHLENKER,RONALD

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Student Awards: Hard Work Pays Off and Helps Out Dorothea Duttweiler Field Camp Awards

Rebecca Leach, BS Student I had been looking forward to going to field I had an amazing time at field camp. Meet- camp since I became a student in the Geol- ing new people, getting to know others better ogy Department at UB. Over the years I would and making many friends was awesome. The hear stories of the experiences others had and mapping was at times difficult and challenging couldn’t wait to go. As the spring semester since I managed to sprain my ankles with the neared its end, the department held an awards rough terrain but it was a great chance for me ceremony where I was given the Dorothea to put the knowledge I have learned over the Duttweiler Memorial Award. I am honored past years to the test in the field. The experi- and truly appreciate receiving this award. It ences and memories from field camp will stick showed me that the hard work and dedication with me for a long time and will make me a I put into my education is worth it. The award better geologist. I was able to see spectacular helped pay for the tuition to attend the camp sights and have a great time at field camp due, as well as some of the equipment that was in part, to receiving the Duttweiler Award. required since I needed to get most of it. I was relieved to receive the award because I didn’t have to worry as much about being able to pay for this incredible experience.

Nicole Shufelt, BS Student I would like to pursue a career in Geologic volcanic hazards in the area. There I was Hazards. This award was very helpful during able to learn from the indigenous people, the field camp. It allowed me to gather some of government and the scientists in the area. I the essentials for field camp before I left includ- was involved in the workshop where everyone ing several items that helped make field camp got to voice his or her opinions and concerns a great experience for me. The knowledge that about the volcano. Then in August I was able I gained at field camp cannot be measured. I to travel again out west to Nevada to study learned a lot about geology, the world around another volcano. From there I will brought me, and I learned even more about myself. back information and data to do research for It was a wonder ful experience and I would the geology honors program at the University recommend it to anyone. at Buffalo. Being a recipient of this scholarship was a huge honor for me and helped me out This summer I have learned that a career in immensely over the summer. I will never forget My name is Nicole Shufelt and this year I was geology leads to a lot of traveling. I began the the opportunities this award has given me. a recipient of the Dorothea C. Duttweiler Me- summer with field camp, traveling out west morial Award. Currently I am a senior working for the first time. I then was able to travel to towards my BS degree in Geology. Eventually Colombia, South America to learn about the

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Ronald G. Herdman Field Camp Awards

Tanner West, BS Student My name is Tanner West and I am a currently top producer of natural gas from the Marcel- a senior at the University at Buffalo pursuing a lus Shale gas play, with over 58 Mmcfe being Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Re- produced. During my internship I have done cently I have received the Ronald G. Herdman geologic work in the office as well as on the field camp award, which I had used to help two largest drilling rigs in the northeastern prepare for the 2009 UB Field Camp. I was United States. I have learned so much about very grateful and quite surprised to receive the natural gas exploration and extraction from my award. With it I was able to buy an outstand- two and a half months of working there. One ing tent and others supplies which I needed to day I hope to use the knowledge that I had survive the “wild winds of the west.” Without gained from the experience in the future for my such a great tent, I could have been rained out career in the oil and gas industry. at Dugout Ranch, or been frozen solid at Q Creek Ranch. When I got back from Field Camp, I immediate- ly started my internship outside of Pittsburgh, PA where I was working for Range Resources Corporation. Range Resources is currently the

Michael LaGamba, BS Student Receiving the Ronald G. Herdman field camp have a while to go and motivated me to work award was a tremendous honor for me. I really even harder. I would like to thank Mr. and Mrs. never received any scholarship or award like Herdman as well as all the field camp staff and this before, so I was pleasantly surprised. students for making my experience a memo- Not only was the money extremely helpful, rable one. (because I didn’t really have enough money for the tuition), but I felt the award validated all the work I put in throughout the year. It gave me great confidence going into field camp. Field camp itself was a once in a lifetime experience, especially since I’m really not that well traveled. I developed a love for the desert. I also had to face many challenges, and came out of them better. I enjoyed being around fellow geologists for a month. There were so many intelligent people that made my experience very humbling. It showed I still 18 ALUMNI NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

Alumni Notes

2000’s: contaminant standards as well as ensure Halter, Eric (MA ‘86): In January of 2008 I left compliance with landfill gas regulations. Oc- my job as an IT project manager at Fidel- DiMarco, (nee:Makey) Karen (MA ‘07): I was casionally, I am also involved in the permitting ity Investments to start my own consulting just recently married. I am just finishing up my process for new landfills, and currently have 12 firm specializing in facilitation, organizational teaching certification for Earth Science, but I counties in South Carolina that I am respon- development and IT planning/implementation. think I am going to re-enter the geology field sible for. [email protected] Before starting that, I did something I’ve always because teaching is not my cup of tea. soc- wanted to do - travel across the country! I [email protected] 1990’s: spent many weeks in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico gawking at all that wonderful exposed Duszkiewicz, Mike (BA ’03): After a great Piechocki, Alan (MA ’90): Hello, I have geology and even giving an impromptu geology education from the UB Geology Department in recently accepted a new position with The lecture to 4 guys from England on the Bright 2003, I received a Masters of Education from DOW Chemical Company. I am now the lead Angel trail in the Grand Canyon. I also visited UB in 2005. I am currently in my 4th year of technologist for world wide drilling. The drilling with fellow alum Beth Lamb in CA and it was teaching at Southwestern High School in Chau- activities are for the support and development great to reconnect! I was also able to spend tauqua County. I teach Regents Earth Science of solution mining of salt deposits (both bedded 3 months working full time for the winning along with an Environmental Science course and domal) and the installation of disposal presidential candidate in my adopted home which I started. I currently reside in Lake View, wells. The geographic locations now being of Concord, NH. Yes, it’s all a long way from NY with my newly married wife Kelly. My wife activity solution mined are varied and include: working in geology but I’m still out looking at & I miss UB (12yrs attendance between us) Stratton Ridge, TX, Grand Bayou, LA, Fort gravel pits around here and thinking glacial ge- so we decided to take our wedding pictures at Saskatchewan, Canada, Brazil, Germany, and ology - Parker Calkin would be proud. Hello to Baird Point. Hope everyone from the class of the Republic of China. [email protected] all those at UB alums from 1982-1984. Hope 03’ is doing well and can’t wait to hear from you you’re all well and look me up if you’re in New in the future. [email protected] Stewart, R. Bruce (MA ’97): Bruce is hap- England! [email protected] pily living south of the Mason-Dixon line and Joki, Todd (MA ’08): In February 2008 I spends his days trying to get the students, Kaszubski, (nee: Stead) Elizabeth (BA ’81): completed my MA under the guidance of Dr. faculty, & staff at NC State to dispose of their Promoted in 2008 to Senior Geologist in the Matthew Becker in the Geology Department. hazardous wastes properly. He is also actually Gas Storage Department @ National Fuel. The In June 2008 I was hired as a hydrogeologist using what he learned in his hydrogeology and UB Geology Dept should add oil & gas-related by Brown and Caldwell, an environmental geochemistry classes to manage the remedia- classes to the Geology curriculum as there are engineering company based in Allendale, NJ. tion of the University’s very own superfund site. many more jobs available in this sector than My work primarily involves field assignments in bruce [email protected] there has been in the past. lizdan@roadrunner. the New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania com region. I do groundwater sampling, monitor 1980’s: well installation and determine soil classifica- Kornberg, David (BA ’83): I am married to tions. In the office I mostly create groundwater Dematte, Bill (BA ’87): Well, as the website Paula (formerly Paula Lorenzoni) of Niagara elevation contour maps. My years at Buffalo insists that I share some news.... METCALF Falls for 21 years. I have 4 children. I am a prepared me very well for this job especially & EDDY/AECOM will become AECOM/Envi- Regional Sales Executive for IBM. davidkorn- learning how to use that wonderful yellow Field ronmental and AECOM/Water in 2009. This is [email protected] Book. [email protected] part of the unification of over 26 opco’s. There will be all the great service plus the power Quibble, Dan (BA ’83): Doing well in Cincinnati Leblang, Larry (BS ’06): I ensure that landfill of thousands supporting your business. bill. the last 15 years! Just holler if you are near... groundwater does not exceed governmental [email protected] [email protected]

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Smith, Martin: (BA ’84) After Graduating in and the State of Oklahoma and is certainly the the 59 season by the 58 Lambert Cup team 84 with my BA I weaved my way through the first endowed chair in geoscience at the high and to have those feelings resurrected by the 80’s starting as a teacher of Earth Science and school level, and probably the first endowed events of this past year is more than anyone Physics moving into computer IT work. I started chair in any subject at a high school. wdunder- deserves. If you haven’t seen Rocco’s book IT related work in 1989 and have maintained [email protected] about the 58 team get a copy and you will find a connection with my scientific roots. Cur- some more comments. rently I hold the Lead Clinical Analyst position 1960’s: within the Unit of Cardiology at the University Meylan, Maurice (BA ‘63): You might be inter- of Rochester Medical Center. My responsibili- Hollands, Garrett (BA ’66): Last ested to know that I recently exchanged letters ties are essentially all the IT needs of that dept publication:Hollands, Garrett. G.,and Richard with Dr. Charles Ebert, one of my favorite profs overseeing all the clinical applications including Rhinehardt, 2007, Classification of Vernal at UB. I had recently learned from a faculty imaging technologies (Xray, Ultrasound, Pools: Geomorphic Setting and Distrubition: in candidate that we interviewed that he had and Nuclear Cardiology) Patient monitoring Science and Conservation of Vernal Pools in taken a course from Dr. Ebert. So I sent Dr. systems, databases, and Server/workstation Northeastern North America, ed. Aram Calhoun Ebert a copy of some notes that I had taken in management with a team of IT professionals. and Phillup deMaynadier, CRC Press. Visted one of his geography classes back in 1963. I Although I’m not providing support for a Geo- Dick Chalcraft at his cabin in Idaho where never throw away useful information. And I still logic based concern, it’s fascinating to recog- we had a three-way phone conversation with have fond memories of Drs. Cazeau, Clem- nize connections in the science from one field Frank Luther in Wisconsin. Brenda and I spent ency, and King. I have little to add personally, to another. Medical imaging is a growing and two weks in Peru visiting the sites there. For except that my son George recently returned critical piece of health care, and am proud that next year we are planing our second trip to safely from his second deployment with the I have been able to excel in this field. I might Vietnam. Our son was married in August, our Marines in Iraq. Go Bulls!! Maurice.Meylan@ not map formations, but I do map hearts. ! oldest daughter is in her third year of her PhD usm.edu My wife Karen, BA-Geology 84 (Johnson) is at the University of Chicago, and our youngest currently teaching AP Environmental Sciences daughter graduated from U. Mass-Amherst . in High school converting as many people as [email protected] possible to consider the world around them as she goes. Karen is also the Science Curricu- lum coordinator for Pittsford schools, who’s science programs for K-12 schools are nation- ally recognized. Karen and I have 3 wonderful children, all of which are currently attending college. Hope all from the early 80’s are doing well, it’s good to see UB Geology is growing, continuously. [email protected]

1970’s:

Underwood, William (MA ’77): After 30 years This is a picture of the 1956 CoCaptian wearing my (Stanley Kowalski’s) jersey from the International Bowl. I’m of various jobs closely (or loosely) related to standing with him. We were both #61 and I was CoCaptian the petroleum industry I now have my dream in 1959. job: teaching. Since July 2007 I have been teaching at the Ok. School of Science and Kowalski, Stanley (BA ’60): When I reflect Mathematics, a residence High School for on the team and the times I can only say how bright 11th and 12th graders. I have developed lucky I was to be a part of it. The 58 and 59 and teach 2 Geoscience courses, as well as teams with a record of 16 and 2 had a close- an introductory Physics course. The position ness that has lasted 50 years. To have been is a partnership between Chesapeake Energy voted Co Captain along with Sam Sanders for

20 STUDENT NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

Degrees Conferred September 2008 - June 2009 Geological Sciences Bachelor of Science Master of Science Kristin A. Ingleman Sep-08 Khurrum Ahmed Sep-08 Bachelor of Arts Debra A. Lafer Sep-08 Gregory S. Babonis Sep-08 Andrew T. Bardol Sep-08 Peter J. Lawler Sep-08 Aaron C. Bini Sep-08 Heather R. Flaxman Sep-08 Cammie J. White Sep-08 Lauren A. Hall Sep-08 Chad Record Sep-08 Daniel R. Dieteman Feb-09 Sarah E. Ogburn Sep-08 Brice J. Regling Sep-08 James R. Noble III Feb-09 Elizabeth K. Thomas Sep-08 Jennifer S. Sell Sep-08 Janine L. Raczka Feb-09 Nicolas Young Sep-08 Vladimir Gradskov Feb-09 Jodi L. Seever Feb-09 Weston P. Cross Jun-09 Caitlin E. Meyer Feb-09 Katherine A. Amann Jun-09 Sara E. Hanson-Hedgecock Jun-09 Jennifer A. Dexheimer Jun-09 Devin T. Bedard Jun-09 Emily L. Laity Jun-09 Eric L. Dibble Jun-09 Sarah C. Gay Jun-09 Erik L. Nimlos Jun-09 Melissa S. Plourde Jun-09 Rachel L. Goebel Jun-09 Lisa M. Wischerath Jun-09 Adam R. Mangel Jun-09 Doctorate Kyle J. Martindale Jun-09 Paul A. Agle Sep-08 Abigail M. Semple Sep-08 Master of Arts Laura E. Kuhls-Gilcrist Jun-09 Emma J. Anderson Feb-09

Awards

Duttweiler Field Camp Awards: Alumna Dorothea Duttweiler contributed funds to our department to support women studying in the field of geology; specifically to help women attend summer field camp. The 2009 recipients of the $718 awards are Nicole Shufelt and Rebecca Leach. (see pg. 17)

Herdman Field Camp Award: This year marks the creation of a new fund established by Ronald & Virginia Herdman with support for 1-2 students attending field camp each year. The 2009 recipients of the $718 awards are Tanner West and Michael LaGamba. (see pg. 18) Kneeling: James Noble. Front Row: Adam Mangel, Michael Bower, Nicole Shufelt, Rebecca Leach. Back Row: Shannon Kobs, Brandon Chiasera, Michael LaGamba, Tanner West. Gilbert Jaffe Memorial Award: This award is intended for a student that excels M. Allen-King “Adam’s high comfort level with lab group. Adam worked in my research group in the study of marine or environmental sci- quantitative work and his ability to work on from that semester through his graduation and ences. Adam Mangel is the recipient of the problems consistently in my course suggested was an important contributor to the project $750 award for 2009. According to Richelle to me that he would be a great catch in our teams for two funded projects.

21 STUDENT NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

Through these projects, we found Adam a hard at UB as possible, he also was in the Air Force has presented his research twice, at the GSA and reliable worker with a helpful attitude. He is reserves throughout his UB stint, in addition northeast section last year and at the AAPG notably creative at hands-on problem solving. to spending considerable time in the UB, and meeting in Pittsburgh last fall. His results The senior members of my lab group depend- greater Buffalo area, hip-hop dance scene.” document the first complete modeling and data ed on him for high quality and consistent work. Congratulations JR. collection of colloidal particles in non-aqueous Additionally, Adam is very mechanical so he media. These data are the first because of became the ‘go to guy’ in our lab group when- Graduate Pegrum Awards: the level of detail and difficulty associated with ever we need equipment modifications.” Adam Thanks to a large donation of close to making the measurements and calculations. graduated this June with his BS in Geology $140,000 from alumnus James W. Cadwell, Mike collected nearly all the data required of and a minor in Mathematics and is currently the Pegrum Fund is now also able to give his MS thesis last summer and already has enrolled in hydrogeology graduate studies at additional awards to students. The graduate results and conclusions for a publication in a Clemson University. Pegrum Award is given to a graduate student very good journal. Mike has completed his that excels in teaching, research or both. This MS project in less than two academic years Undergraduate Pegrum Award: year three students received awards of $750; while also taking on the responsibility of ‘lab The Pegrum Award has been given annually Brandon Chiasera for excellence in teaching, manager’, maintaining the AFM and training since 1970 to an outstanding graduating senior and two awards for excellence in research to new users. In short, Mike is an exceptional in the Department of Geology. The 2009 Michael Bower and Shannon Kobs. student. He pays great attention to every detail recipient of the $750 award is James Noble. in his experiments, his results are inarguable, According to Dr. Jason Briner “When search- Brandon Chiasera: As excerpted from the his techniques in the lab are superb. He has ing for compliments for James, JR, Noble, nomination made by his advisor Dr. Joaquin quickly become an AFM expert.” one can basically check all the boxes on the Cortes - during the last academic year Brandon list. I’ve known JR since he took my geology was the TA for two very demanding courses, Shannon Kobs: Shannon will have completed 101 class several years back, and have since sedimentology and petrology. Brandon was her Ph.D. by the end of the summer 2009. As worked with JR more closely in lab work, field instrumental in the development of new labs excerpted from the nomination made by her work, and as a student again at the other end for petrology that coordinated more concep- advisor Dr. Marcus Bursik - Shannon’s inter- of the program at field camp. In geology 101, tual exercises to support the lecture materials ests lie in physical volcanology, computational I remember him (which is rare) sitting up front, presented. He also wrote a field guide in fluid dynamics and the mitigation of geologi- looking polite and interested, but never taking support of the petrology field trip that teaches cal hazards. Shannon’s dissertation project notes. When at the end of the class I real- the students how to take geological field involves the supercomputer modeling of the ized that the kid who aced everything and got notes. Brandon has an excellent rapport with flow of gas particles in plumes, and focuses on the best score out of 250 students was this the students and although he has been quite tracking the motion of relatively large particles. dude sitting right up front who took no notes, demanding of them, there is a clear recognition Specifically, her project involves calculation of I was a bit surprised... But, I didn’t hesitate from the students that he is fair and takes care proximal tephra fall patterns and comparison of to attempt to get him more involved, and one of them in their learning and in their personal theoretical predictions with field data. La- way or another (I don’t recall the details), JR lives. grangian particle tracking has not been treated was soon working in my lab. After a bit of that, extensively yet in our community, although it is I was able to get JR into the field on an arctic Michael Bower: Michael will graduate this critical for understanding where particles will trip, followed up by a senior research project spring with his M.S. working under the supervi- fall to the ground and create a hazardous situ- in the lab. In the field, JR was also an Ace, sion of Dr. Tracy Bank, who wrote: “Mike has ation. Shannon is heading in the direction of not only because he was as calm, enthused, exceeded all my expectations of a graduate being a major contributor to this effort. Shan- and smart as ever, but also because he was student. His research involves measuring and non excels at high-performance computing and a real team player. JR then completed a great modeling the stability of tiny silica grains in wa- also engages in rigorous field work. year in the lab, all the while a joy to work with, ter and oil as a function of the nanoscale forces and he presented his results at a conference in between them and solution chemistry. Mike is Colorado. I should conclude by saying that al- first author on a manuscript already submitted though JR maintained about as high of a GPA to Environmental Science and Technology. He continued page 23 22 STUDENT NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39 ALUMNI NEWS | THE EPOCH | No. 39

continued from page 22

Since 2004 she has presented her work has continued to express a persistent delight Award. This Award provides financial support several times at the American Geophysical and enthusiasm in the earth sciences and to undergraduate and graduate students for the Union meeting in San-Francisco and also at education ever since. I do not think we could purposes of attending professional meetings, international meetings in Chile, Iceland, and find another soul who more perfectly embodies workshops and other programs that would Ecuador. Her work will have a major impact on the spirit of exuberance, reliability and love for aid in their professional development. For the our understanding of eruption plumes and their subject that we so cherish in the rising genera- 08-09 academic year, this fund supported 30 attendant hazards. I do not think I have ever tions of scientists. Students totaling over $6,100. met a student who is so enthusiastic about the earth sciences and about conveying her under- Pegrum Professional Development Awards: standing to others. She began giving talks to Since 2001 the department has offered the students about geology in second grade and Reginald H. Pegrum Professional Development

Uranium Presence in Shales Assists in Petroleum Exploration: A geochemical analysis experience to remember…

Thomas Malizia, MS student

I am a second year MS student in biogeochem- istry studying under the guidance of Dr. Tracy Bank. My thesis research involves collecting geochemical data from Appalachian basin shale outcrops and well cores. These data will allow me to determine how uranium is associ- ated with different mineral and organic phases of the sediment. Devonian shales have been naturally enriched in uranium, causing them to emit Gamma rays (GR) which are useful in aiding petroleum exploration endeavors. Significant variation among GR responses ex- ists throughout the Devonian shales, whereas geochemistry and total organic carbon (TOC) remain fairly consistent. I aim to determine the The trip was a lot of fun; the building is an ancient vending machine coffee, and trying influence of major, minor and trace element engineering marvel to say the least, making the to stay awake all in hopes of collecting some geochemistry on the uranium content of these first several hours very exciting, even inspiring. representative data. We were completely sur Devonian shales. Dr. Bank and I just returned However, in those first few hours, we realized rounded by metal, wires, water hoses, from the National Synchrotron Light Source that collecting these data was going to take tubes of all kinds, and computers; it was quite (NSLS) at Brookhaven National Lab where we longer than we initially expected. Each sample an amazing scene. Being in a building that used X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS) was X-rayed for around an hour and a half, and cost over $160 million to build with an annual to measure the oxidation state of uranium in with 14 samples to run in just over 24 hours, electric bill of over $2 million with no sleep was several Devonian shales. We will return to there was no time for sleep. I spent my time truly a unique experience. NSLS in the fall to determine how the uranium at beam line (X11A) pushing buttons, turning complexes within the shale samples. keys, staring at the computer monitor, drinking

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