Volume 23, Summer 2018 DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY Annual Alumni and Friends Newsletter
1 INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Editors: Lorilie Steinke and Kent M. Syverson Phone: 715.836.3732 | Fax: 715.836.5627
Letter from the chair ...... 2 Faculty and Sta News ...... 12 Field camp updates ...... 3 Internships ...... 14 Responsible Mining Initiative ...... 4 Sponsorships ...... 19 2018 Geology Banquet ...... 6 Awards ...... 20 Spanning the Globe ...... 7 Congrats, Grads! ...... 21 Geology/RMI Advisory Board ...... 9 Alumni News ...... 22 Scholarships ...... 10 Student Research Day ...... 25 Earth Science Seminar Series ...... 11 Donations ...... 26
Cover image: Betty Walter, Field Geology II, Montana Jay Cooke State Park, MN LETTER FROM THE CHAIR 2018
Students and faculty continue to conduct resounding success. This summer nineteen research expanding the knowledge of our students will have paid internships with mining natural world. Students (with faculty mentors) companies, environmental consulting rms, have been researching topics such as di usion and governmental agencies. In addition, in quartz and tourmaline crystals (Ihinger), $42,000 in geology scholarships and grants soot and nanoparticle geochemistry using TEM were awarded at the spring banquet thanks (Hooper), sustainability behaviors of students in to generous alumni and corporations. These Davies Center (Clark), VMS geochemistry (Lodge), opportunities di erentiate our program from Precambrian greenstone belts in Ontario (Lodge), others in the Midwest (see included stories). Neogene basin analysis in Argentina (Mahoney), Donations of alumni and friends continue surface- and ground-water quality in western to be extremely important to our program. Wisconsin (Mahoney and Vitale), and evaluation The “Adopt a Field Camper” campaign and of ice- ow direction data in Maine (Syverson). a half sponsorship of Field Camp I by Mathy Not only this, but ve students presented research Construction and Milestone Materials allowed results at GSA-Seattle, two students at AWRA us to defray $12,700 in student tuition costs (see where they won the Best Undergraduate Poster separate news items). Thanks to all who adopted award, four students at ILSG in Iron Mountain, a eld camper! Even as we have received several MI, where one student won a Best Poster Award, large corporate gifts, the smaller, undesignated seven students at NC GSA in Ames, IA, and donations from alumni and friends commonly three students at the SME national meeting in give the department exibility to send students Minneapolis where they won a top poster award to present research results at regional and (and $1000)! It’s been a great year for research! I hope this newsletter nds you well! The national conferences, x equipment, support Department of Geology has had a good year. In The Responsible Mining Initiative [RMI] our eld program for undergraduates, and fund August our new tenure-track hydrogeologist, continues to expand student educational valuable scholarships to defray rising tuition Dr. Sarah Vitale, joined us from the University opportunities. Our 3rd Advisory Board expenses. Alumni who send job announcements of Connecticut. She has been an excellent meeting with stakeholders was held on May and speak for our Earth Science Seminar Series addition to our faculty and immediately began 15th to discuss program array and potential help our students see the world beyond the collaborating with undergraduate research partnerships. Seventeen external stakeholders campus walls. Thanks for your support! If you students. UWEC submitted a Capital Project from industry and government agencies are ever in the Eau Claire area, please visit us! Request this spring for a new science building. (including 11 alumni) attended this valuable That process was “interesting.” Gar eld Ave. input session. In addition, MSHA 24-hr New Miner along the Chippewa River is torn up and being training and the Responsible Mining Seminar recon gured into a pedestrian mall—should were o ered to fteen students this spring. Dr. Kent Syverson be nice when nished this fall. In addition, the Our e orts to enhance internship and department will undergo its seven-year program scholarship opportunities have been a review during the 18-19 academic year.
2 COURSE UPDATES MIN/PET I FIELD TRIPS By Robert Hooper
Min-Pet I went on two eld trips in fall 2017, and for the 25 new geology majors these trips are their rst exposure to geology in the eld (and camping in cooler weather). The rst week of October, we took a Thursday through Sunday eld trip to northern Wisconsin and the UP Michigan. With climate-change, the trees in the Porcupine Mountains were not quite changing color and there was still much green vegetation in the woods. The weather in the North Country was warm and most of Field Geology I students at work in New Mexico. the bugs were gone. As always, the rocks in weather! They held bonfires a few nights at the Mid-Continent rift were spectacular, even the Black Range using the new fire-pit and though the water was a little high to access grilled dinner outside several nights almost as the outcrops below many of the waterfalls. if it was summer! It was nice to trade the bone- The eld trip to the Black Hills in mid-October chilling cold of Wisconsin for the sunshine in was again a success, but the weather was highly southern New Mexico. The group attended a variable. We had a great start to this ve-day fantastic music concert with Acoustic Eidolon eld trip with temperatures in the 60s and 70s in the Hillsboro Community Center where the and clear skies, but by the third day we were field camp crew made up almost 50% of the dealing with thunder-snows in the Black Hills. total audience. The students really enjoyed We found better weather in the Bear Lodge the music and meeting with the musicians Field Geology I crew at our home in Mountains. Students enjoyed making it all the after the concert up at the Black Range Lodge. New Mexico, January 2018. way to Devils Tower. The Black Hills has so many di erent igneous and metamorphic rocks to FIELD CAMP I UPDATE Field camp is more than learning about study that we could clearly spend two weeks NEW MEXICO mapping rocks because students have all and just touch the surface. This year we spent sorts of other “life-skills” to learn. Clearly, By Robert Hooper one entire day studying metamorphic rocks in this year was no different. Every morning the eld and one complete day on alkali-igneous Bob Hooper and Scott Clark took a group of 24 before we went in the field, we covered the rocks between Lead, SD, and the Bear Lodge students down to the New Mexico field camp basics of driving field vehicles in New Mexico. Mountains. These geology eld trips always (Geol 470) in January. We continue to operate We advised all student drivers to be careful lead to great cohort camaraderie and really out of the Black Range Lodge in Kingston, about the less-improved roads in southern excite the students about their future studies in NM, and this field experience provides an New Mexico with Scott and Bob reminding geology. I hope we can continue to o er such excellent opportunity for our students to students every morning to put the biggest exciting eld opportunities well into the future. learn geologic mapping and professional rocks under the tires instead of under the geologic report development during the transmission or the oil pan. However, you Winterim period in January. Starting this year, cannot always get 22-year-old students to take Winterim is now four weeks long instead of you seriously when offering such sound advice. three weeks. The change in schedule allowed One student found out that in addition to the students to spend three full-weeks in the field oil pan and the transmission, there is also a and almost an entire week back on campus front differential on the four-wheel drive in late January to finish their ArcMap projects vehicles... By hitting the biggest rock on the prior to spring classes. This calendar change road, our driver managed to puncture a hole in seems to have reduced student stress about the differential and drain all the fluid. It is a turning in the final project by the due date. good thing that we were only about 30 miles from the nearest town! Luckily, we had three This year we left UWEC with temperatures other Suburbans and by squeezing eight on campus at -20 degrees (F) and it was well people into each Suburban, we transported 2017 MinPet I crew at Devils Tower, WY. below freezing all the way to Albuquerque. everyone while the injured vehicle was in the However, once we turned south toward Chevrolet dealership in Truth or Kingston, we left the cold behind and for three Consequences. The tow truck driver, the full weeks had temperatures in the 50s and 60s service technician, the service manager with brilliant sunshine. The students seemed at the dealership, and Jim at the Caballo gas to enjoy spending time outdoors in reasonable station all repeatedly told us that when we 3 Field Geology II students near the Jefferson River in Montana. are driving back in Apache Gap we should Students supported by Covia (formerly Unimin Corp). Field Camp grant at Field Geology II in Whitehall, have students put the tires on the bigger Montana, June 2018. Each student received $830. rocks instead of the differential. Go figure! during Field Camp. As per tradition, John and RESPONSIBLE MINING The ranchers in southern New Mexico continue Sherry prepared their signature elk dinner the INITIATIVE UPDATE to let us use their private land, so students map last evening and was once again a highlight for By Kent Syverson rocks in some of the most scenic and pristine the group. Our annual tour of the Butte Cu-Mo areas left in the State. This capstone field Mine operated by Montana Resources was a In November 2013, the University of Wisconsin experience continues to offer students excellent day off well spent. Mine geologist Amanda System awarded UWEC Geology a $451,000 field experiences, and with the generous support Griffith gave us another great tour in the Economic Development Incentive Grant for the of the department alumni and friends, the little yellow school bus (which doesn’t have a Responsible Mining Initiative [RMI]. This grant was cost of attending the field camp is still a real suspension made for mine roads). We also toured awarded to prepare highly quali ed graduates for bargain. Thanks to all alumni and friends who the Lewis and Clark Caverns on a rainy day. work in the mining industry, the environmental support the field camp through the Adopt a Overall, the students had a great field camp! consulting industry, and in regulatory agencies such Field Camper campaign and the Myers/Willis as the DNR. Field Camp Scholarship program. We could not The RMI continues to have a positive impact on do these field camps without your support. students. A new internship MOU was signed with FIELD CAMP II UPDATE Northern Industrial Sands (Chetek, WI) and they MONTANA hired their rst UWEC Geology intern and operations interns this summer. This spring three students By Robert Lodge received the rst Geology certi cates in Responsible A wet spring and flooding in southwestern Mining and Water Resources. In April, 15 students Montana couldn’t dampen the spirits of the obtained MSHA 24-hr New Miner training on 2018 Field Camp II students – except for the campus—a great resume builder for those wishing few days we got rained out of the field. There to work in mining, environmental consulting, or is a reason why we ask students to bring their a regulatory agency. Here are two other telling rain gear! Instructors Robert Lodge ± Phil statistics: Geology scholarships and grants in 2013 Ihinger ± Scott Clark and teaching assistant ($2500) vs. 2018 ($42,000), and the number of paid Mining intern, Carly Mueller, at Rio Tinto mine in Adam Wiest brought a modest-sized group internships in 2012-13 (4) vs. 2017-18 (21, a new California. of 12 students to the Iron Wheel Guest Ranch record). Approximately half of the 2018 internships near Whitehall, MT, and had plenty of space are in hydrogeology and environmental geology, to roam. These students were a great blend and the rest are in nonmetallic or metallic mining/ of personalities who kept both work and play exploration. One of our graduating geology majors very fun and interesting. Personal hygiene was interviewed on campus for a summer internship with taken to a new level when the TA was given a a company, but they decided to hire him for a “real” mud mask. Thank goodness that picture didn’t job instead! Another intern was hired by her former make the newsletter! The students worked hard, company once she graduated. This bodes well for stayed professional, and always completed the future as other interns graduate. their work – even despite printer issues. These successes have required much work to build relationships with industry. In May, we held our Sherry and John Cargill at the Iron Wheel Guest 3rd Geology/Responsible Mining Initiative Advisory Ranch were once again tremendous hosts. This Board meeting on campus. Seventeen external might be their last year with us as they are stakeholders attended the event and we obtained planning their retirement (their son Scott will valuable feedback about our curriculum (see take over the business). We are so lucky to have separate story). Faculty have attended professional a place like the Iron Wheel for our home base Environmental intern, Glen Hook, at Wisconsin drilling meetings in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Toronto, and Texas site. 4 to network with potential stakeholders. Lots of generous matching money, your donation will have work, but it has been exciting to see students twice the impact for all students attending eld bene t from these new opportunities (see camp. Donations can be made at https://impact. separate articles about internships, scholarships, uwec.edu/AdoptFieldCamper or by sending a and donations). Thanks to all partners with the check to the UWEC Foundation with a subject line Responsible Mining Initiative! mentioning “Geology--Adopt a Field Camper.”
The Responsible Mining Initiative is providing amazing opportunities for our students. The scholarships reduce student debt. The internships provide a valuable window to the working world. When internships and scholarships/grants are added to eld experiences and our strong collaborative research program, the Dept. of Geology is o ering an undergraduate education not available at other universities. This is preparing our STEM graduates for the work force and graduate school. If your company might want to partner with the RMI through an internship, donation, or speaker, please contact Kent Syverson or Brian Mahoney.
ADOPT A FIELD CAMPER CAMPAIGN
Sponsored AND Adopted Field Geology I students in New Mexico—no wonder they are smiling! Note the “friendly” vegetation….
MATHY CONSTRUCTION CO. AND The Geology Department and its students thank MILESTONE MATERIALS SPONSOR Mathy Construction Co. and Milestone Materials for By Kent Syverson HALF OF THE 2018 FIELD CAMP I this generous donation! Last year we initiated an “Adopt a Field Camper” Mathy Construction Co. and its aggregate division, campaign to defray rising tuition costs for Field Milestone Materials, generously donated $6,000 to Camp I students. Dr. Paul Myers, Ric Kopp (’75), sponsor twenty Field Camp I students in January Adopt a Field Camper and Mathy and Curt Peck (‘77) pledged matching money 2018. This sponsorship provided $300 to each Construction funds were used to pay in memory of Professor Emeritus Ronald Willis, student attending our three-week eld camp in ALL Field Camp I tuition expenses who died in a tragic car accident in July 2015. I’m New Mexico and helped defray increasing tuition for three students with “High” FAFSA pleased to report that many other alumni and costs. financial need. Thanks to all donors! friends donated $6700, in both large and small gifts, to Adopt a Field Camper through the Myers/ Mathy and Milestone -- both based in Onalaska, Willis Geology Field Camp Scholarship fund! WI -- are leading suppliers of aggregate products throughout western Wisconsin and eastern The impact? Funds were distributed based on Minnesota. The company is a major supporter of nancial need to twenty G470 students. All tuition the Responsible Mining Initiative at UW-Eau Claire expenses were paid for three students with “High” and has a long-standing relationship with faculty FAFSA nancial need, 75% of tuition paid was for members in the Department. Mathy/Milestone four students with “Medium” need, and 50% of has hired several Blugold Geology graduates in the tuition paid for four students with “Low” need. Each past including Bob Servais, Milestone Materials’ eld camper, regardless of need, received at least geologist and UWEC ’04 Geology alumnus, whom $100 in “adoption” money. WOW! represents Mathy Construction Co. on our Advisory If you have adopted a child, you know that Board. adoption is a long-term commitment! More eld ”Mathy and Milestone value their relationship with camp students will be leaving for New Mexico the UW-Eau Claire Geology Department and we and Montana next year, and we hope alumni and were happy to sponsor students participating in friends consider a donation of any size to Adopt a Field Camp I this year,” said Servais. Field Camper and provide grants and scholarships for Field Geology I and II students. Because of 5 2018 GEOLOGY BANQUET The spring Geology banquet is a fun time to eat a ne meal, present awards, recognize graduating seniors, say goodbye to classmates after another year, and reminisce about eld trips gone by! This year ~120 students, parents, faculty, and stakeholders assembled on May 12, 2018, at the American Legion in Eau Claire for the event.
The Nolan Rodriguez family.
Even for people who aren’t little girls, the Derek Lindquist family is TALL!
A little more formal than a geology field trip--2017-18 Geology grads dress up a bit!
We are graduating!
Did I ever tell you the one about...?
6 SPANNING THE GLOBE!
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1. This group of 2017 Field Camp II students in Montana shows personality AND style!
2. Samantha Kleich presenting her research at AGU-New Orleans.
3. Careful! Structural Geology class at Parfreys Glen, WI.
4. Carly Mueller, intern with Rio Tinto, in Boron, CA (summer 2017).
5. It’s all business at Field Camp I when maps are due!
6. Spuds and salad for the hungry Field Geology I crew, New Mexico.
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7. Lucy Horst’s 3D VULCAN model of the Crandon VMS deposit.
8. Maile Olson and Regan Jacobson during their mineral exploration “The faculty investment in fi eld-based learning internship with Aquila Resources (summer 2017) and student immersion experiences at both the 9. Environmental intern, Colton Sander, with Cedar Corp. in northern lower-division general education level and the Wisconsin. upper-division level for majors is greater than in any geology program I know. That this happens at 10. Rachel Lair, Unimin-Tunnel City intern, hard at work. a State University is amazing.” Dr. Paul Link, Idaho State University, External Reviewer 2012
8 Alumni gathering in Houston. HOFFMAN CONSTRUCTION SPONSORS THREE INTERNS ATTEND FRAC SAND last-mile sand solutions. Thanks to Pete MSHA TRAINING ON CAMPUS CONFERENCE IN HOUSTON, TX, AND AN Cook and the Petroleum Connection for By Brian Mahoney ALUMNI REUNION BREAKS OUT… sponsoring the RMI interns! In partnership with Ho man Construction, the By Kent Syverson Houston is also a Blugold Geology Responsible Mining Initiative o ered the third alumni hotbed, so we had an alumni Kent Syverson and three UWEC Mining Safety and Hazard Administration (MSHA) get-together prior to the meeting. Responsible Mining Initiative (RMI) 24-hour New Miner Training in April 2018. Fifteen Attendees included (L to R in photo) interns attended the 6th Annual Frac students participated in the three-day course. David Risch ‘78, Sandy Rushworth Sand Supply & Logistics Conference in Gary Kaas of Ho man Construction led the course, (honorary Blugold!), Kent, Shelly Roth Houston, TX, Sept. 28-29, 2017. This and his years of experience as a Safety O cer in ‘95, Rachel ’18, Nate Nushart ‘12, Betty, was approximately four weeks after mining and construction provided an outstanding Nick Freiburger ‘04, Brian Jordan ‘08, Hurricane Harvey struck the area. background for the training, including a Badger and Claudia ‘17. Our alumni are doing Interns (L to R in photo) included Rachel Mining Corp. site visit in Taylor. Pete Fasching of great things in the oil patch! The entire Lair, Claudia Moore, and Betty Walter, HeartQuest Trainers provided an intensive, hands- trip was an excellent learning and and they were the only undergraduate on rst aid course to complete the training. The networking opportunity for all! students among the 450+ registrants! course was excellent and will be an outstanding Interns helped the meeting organizer, addition to participants’ resumes. We hope to make Mr. Pete Cook, with meeting setup and this training an annual event. Thanks to Ho man logistics in return for free registration Construction for sponsoring this training session. and lodging at the Marriott Marquis Houston (a fancy place). We all participated in the Equipment Expo to see the latest products for Responsible Mining interns at Houston frac sand conference.
Fifteen Geology majors completed MSHA 24-hour New Miner Training in April 2018
We thank all the professionals who attended the Advisory Board meeting. Attending such an event Geology and Responsible Mining Initiative Advisory Board, 2018. requires valuable time from people who are very busy with important projects, so we are grateful THIRD GEOLOGY/RMI ADVISORY The Board’s conclusions? Much time was spent for their investment in our program. Participants BOARD MEETING HELD discussing the UWEC program array proposal included Todd Lindblad (Badger Mining Corp., By Kent Syverson to eliminate Geology’s Environmental Science ‘13), Greg Beckstrom (’84), Kris Benusa (Unimin emphasis. Board members stressed the importance The Third Annual UWEC Geology/Responsible Corp., ’12), Audrey Boerner (Eau Claire City-County of the Geology-Environmental Science emphasis Mining Initiative Advisory Board meeting was Health Dept., '11), Ken Bradbury (State Geologist) and their desire to hire such graduates (two held on May 15, 2018. Following a brief delay for and Jay Zambito (WGNHS), Mark Ciardelli (Foth, members of the Board graduated with this UWEC a tra c jam at the top of State St. hill (a non- ‘04), Dale Kerner (Midas Gold, ‘96), Nick Matula (’15) emphasis). E orts to raise the pro le of statistics geologist hit a power pole and shut down the hill!), and Claudia Moore ’17 (Smart Sand Inc.), Vince in all geology academic programs were discussed. seventeen outside stakeholders (including eleven Matthews (Director Emeritus, Colorado Geological Board members were impressed with the quality alumni) from Wisconsin, Minnesota, Colorado, and Survey), Michele Maxson (‘06) and Lauren Evans of the collaborative research conducted by Blugold Idaho discussed curriculum, attended a poster (Fairmount Santrol), Darrell Reed (SEH Inc.), Breck geology majors (the poster session is always a session with our geology student researchers, met Johnson (Anadarko Petroleum, ‘04), Bob Servais highlight for attendees). Internship placement and Responsible Mining Initiative interns, and received (Milestone Materials, ‘04), and Roberta Walls fundraising strategies were also discussed. an overview of VULCAN software from Maptek. (WDNR). 9 SCHOLARSHIPS
2018 COVIA FORMERLY UNIMIN SOPHOMORE GEOLOGY SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED
For the fifth year, Unimin Corp., now known as Covia, has funded a merit-based scholarship for geology majors who will be taking Mineralogy-Petrology in the following fall semester. Four $2500 scholarships scholarship were awarded for the 2018-19 academic year. The pool for this scholarship competition was extremely strong. The recipients (L to R in photo) Jacob Erickson (Maplewood, MN), Trevor Nelson (Hammond, Covia Sophomore Scholars WI), Katherine Langfield (Lake City, MN), MYERS/WILLIS FIELD CAMP Covia’s Kris Benusa (UWEC Geology ‘12), and SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED Brooke Brienen (Green Bay, WI, not pictured). The Myers/Willis Field Camp Scholarship fund 2018 COVIA FORMERLY (est. 2006) is intended to lessen the nancial UNIMIN FRESHMAN GEOLOGY burden of eld camp for excellent students SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED who also have nancial need. The fund also honors the contributions of Dr. Paul Myers and For the fifth year, Unimin Corp., now known Dr. Ronald Willis, geology professors at UWEC as Covia, has funded a merit-based, annual who worked very hard to establish a strong eld scholarship for high-potential incoming Covia Responsible Mining Scholars component in our young geology program. freshman who are majoring in Geology. This year three recipients were selected, Samantha Kleich (Tomahawk, WI), Ashley and each will receive $1000. This year’s Thompson (Wonewoc, WI), and Carly winners are Tyan Geissler (Marengo, WI), FINGER WINS BECKSTROM Mueller (Andover, MN) are recipients of this Shelby Short (Hackensack, MN), and Maxim GEOLOGY MAJOR SCHOLARSHIP year’s Myers/Willis scholarships (L to R in Sperry (Eau Claire). Congratulations to photo). Recipients were selected based on these recipients, and we look forward This year’s recipient of the Beckstrom Geology performance excellence at Field Camp I in to their arrival on campus this fall! Major Scholarship is Emily Finger (Helenville, WI). New Mexico. Each student received $600 to This $1250 scholarship, established in fall 2005 defray expenses for Field Camp II in Montana. by alumnus Greg Beckstrom (‘84), is awarded The Geology Dept. hopes to o er Myers/Willis annually to a comprehensive geology major scholarships and grants to more students each who has completed Mineralogy-Petrology I. year as the fund balance rises. We encourage The awardee must have an excellent academic all alumni who have bene ted from our eld COVIA FORMERLY FAIRMOUNT record and a demonstrated nancial need. experiences over the years to contribute to SANTROL RESPONSIBLE MINING this fund. In addition, this is a great way to SCHOLARSHIPS ANNOUNCED honor Paul and Ron for their dedication to our eld program! See page 5 for information Fairmount Santrol, now known as Covia, about the Adopt a Field Camper program. has once again funded three scholarships for rising juniors in our program (i.e. those completing Sed/Strat). The recipients of the $1000 scholarships (L to R in photo) with Covia’s Michele Maxson (UWEC Geology ‘06) are Regan Jacobson (Park Falls, WI), Desmond Nielsen (Independence, WI), and Evan Lundeen (St. Paul, MN). Thanks to Covia for supporting our students!
Emily Finger with donor Greg Beckstrom. Myers/Willis Scholars
10 GEOLOGY MAJORS RECEIVE TOP A&S SCHOLARSHIPS
This year two Geology majors were awarded the Dr. Phil Ihinger, UWEC Geology, “So, you top College of Arts and Sciences scholarships at think you might be interested in going UWEC! Duabchi Vang (La Crosse, WI) received to grad school? Learn what grad school the $8500 Michael F. Fredrich Scholarship. is like and how to get in,” 10/13/17. Desmond Nielsen (Independence, WI) received Dr. Michael Cummings, Portland State University the $4600 William and Marion Lieske Memorial Professor Emeritus (UWEC Geology ’71) and UWEC Scholarship. This is an external recognition Geology faculty (1978-80), “Hydrogeology of the of the quality of our Geology majors. Plinian pumice fall from Mount Mazama,” 11/2/17. Kent Syverson acknowledges donation from Dr. Vince Matthews, Colorado State Geologist Badger Mining Corp.’s associate, Anna Bradley. and Director of Colorado Geological Survey, retired, “The Global Scramble for Natural Resources,” 11/3/17. BADGER MINING CORP. DONATES Dr. Phil Ihinger and Dr. Sarah Vitale, UWEC $5000 TO DEPT. OF GEOLOGY Geology, “Your Science at a Professional Badger Mining Corporation recently donated $5000 Conference: Two Geological Society of to Geology to help buy and repair equipment to America Talks as Exemplars,” 11/10/17. support teaching and research in the department. Dr. Eric Carson, Wisconsin Geological and Badger Mining operates three sand mines in Natural History Survey, “The River That Flows Wisconsin – Taylor and Alma Center (Jackson Uphill: Late Cenozoic Evolution of the Lower County), and Fairwater (Fond du Lac County) Wisconsin River Valley, Stream Piracy, and – and is currently constructing its fourth mine Quaternary Reorganization of North American outside of Kermit, Texas. These mines primarily Mid-Continent Drainage Systems,” 11/17/17. College of Arts and Sciences scholarship recipients supply sand for the foundry and the oil and gas Duabchi Vang and Desmond Nielsen. Audrey (Mohr) Boerner, Eau Claire City-County industries, but also provide material for lter Health Department (UWEC Geology ’11), media, industrial ller, recreational products, “Getting to Know Our H2O: An Investigation eld turf, and multiple specialty applications. EARTH SCIENCE of Agricultural and Human Waste Indicators in “BMC is proud to continue to support UWEC’s SEMINAR SERIES Eau Claire County Groundwater,” 2/16/18. Responsible Mining Initiative,” said Nick Bartol, The Earth Science Seminar Series continues to Melissa Boerst, Project Facilitator with associate at Badger Mining. “Industrial sand bring excellent speakers to campus. It provides Lithium Nevada Corp. (UWEC Geology ’12), mining can be done in an environmentally faculty and students with the opportunity to “Geological Overview of the McDermitt responsible manner, and we are happy interact with other scientists working on a broad Caldera and an At-Depth Look at Lithium- to assist a program and curriculum that range of research topics, and it also allows us Enriched Tertiary Moat Sediments,” 3/1/18. emphasizes this approach in our industry.” to “show o ” our department and research equipment to the visitors….! Below are the talks Dr. Allison Haus, Geochemist, The Foth Companies, This is the fth $5000 donation Badger Mining presented during this academic year. Seminars "Metallic Mining in Wisconsin and Appropriate has supplied for equipment. Badger Mining Corp. schedules are posted on the Geology website. In Surface Water Quality Criteria," 3/9/18. also has hosted a mine visit associated with our addition, if you live in the area and would like to Dr. Laura Wasylenki, Associate Professor, Dept. MSHA safety training class and participated in our receive e-mail announcements about upcoming of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, Indiana Advisory Board. Thanks to Badger Mining Corp. for seminars, please contact Dr. Scott Clark at University, “What Ni Isotopes Can and Cannot supporting us as we us train the next generation [email protected]. If you work for a company that Tell Us about Earth’s Mid-Life Crisis,” 4/13/18. of geologists (and non-geologists as well)! would like to sponsor the seminar series or contribute Dale Kerner, P.G., Permitting Manager at Midas money to defray speaker costs, please contact us! Gold Idaho, Inc. (UWEC Geology ’96), “The Tina Pint, Vice President and Senior Stibnite Gold Project: Restoration and Mining Hydrogeologist at Barr Engineering (UWEC in the Historic Stibnite District,” 5/14/18. Geology ‘99), “From Exploration to Closure: The Role of Groundwater Models in all Phases of the Mine Life Cycle,” 9/22/17. Thanks to all Earth Science Seminar Dan Brennan, Master’s degree student at Series speakers in 2017-18. It was a Idaho State University (UWEC Geology ‘16), “Rodinia, Rifting, and the Ramshorn great year! Slate: Geologic Mapping of the Bayhorse Area, Central Idaho,” 9/29/17. 11 The Geology crew, Fall 2017 FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS
SCOTT CLARK Associate Professor in Canada, then to Glacier National Park, and sustainability education, last July was the fth [email protected] nally, Yellowstone. They were all amazing places consecutive year geology majors and alumni to visit. Mara Reed (‘18) met us in Yellowstone volunteered to do outreach in the STEM (Science, Grades have been submitted and that’s a wrap on and graciously shared her geyser insights as our Technology, Engineering, and Math) tent at the spring semester. I’ll be ying out in a couple personal tour guide. Patricia and I worked in a the Eau Claire County Fair. Beyond the geology of days to join the group in Montana for the 2nd second summer trip in August to Kansas and outreach we’ve been doing, Sam Kleich and Ray half of eld camp. Rustler’s Gulch, here I come! Nebraska – and really, who wouldn’t want to be Fli et (‘16) helped with a new activity on how to in Kansas in August? (Unfortunately, Francine sort your waste. was already back on contract at Meadowview I hope everyone has had a good year. Be sure to Elementary.) As some of you know, I had been stop by the department and say “hi” if you make it “I had been looking forward looking forward to seeing last summer’s total solar back to Eau Claire. to seeing last summer’s total eclipse for many years. We experienced the eclipse solar eclipse for many years. We from the top of a hill in the middle of Nebraska, Perrault, E. K., & Clark, S. K., 2018, Sustainability experienced the eclipse from and it was more amazing than I could have attitudes and behavioral motivations of college the top of a hill in the middle imagined! If you missed the total eclipse, there will students: Testing the extended parallel process of Nebraska, and it was more be another one that will be visible from Texas to model: International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, v. 19.1, p. 32–47, doi:10.1108/ amazing than I could have Maine on April 8, 2024. IJSHE-09-2016-0175 imagined!” Research e orts continued with the waste Scott Clark, Associate Professor auditing at the student center this year. Six students (including ve Geology majors: Allie KAREN HAVHOLM Cook, Sam Kleich, Ricky Mataitis (‘18), Ashley Assistant Vice Chancellor of Research Thompson (‘18), and Betty Walter), and I [email protected] conducted the audits at the Davies Center. The Well, this seems to be a year of “more of the After teaching Earth Science and Water Resources team worked well and we collected good data. same” so this will be brief. 1) Our daughter is still during both the fall and spring semesters, and Unfortunately, data showed that last year’s nishing her PhD in ore geology and her spouse is spending January in New Mexico with Bob marketing campaign on campus yielded, at best, looking for a position where he can use his degree Hooper, two hard-working TAs (Carter Boswell only minimal improvements in waste disposal in Geostatistics. 2) My spouse is still business and Adam Wiest), and twenty students at Field habits compared to the previous year. Changing manager/accountant for a nonpro t that provides Camp I, I am looking forward to wrapping up the habits is challenging, and we will continue to residential care and intervention for at-risk teens. academic year in Montana. work with other campus stakeholders to improve 3) I am still working 150%-time in the UWEC sustainability e orts on campus and to instill It will be the second time this year that I’ve been research o ce; sta ng turnover increases the sustainably-minded habits in the hope that in Montana. Last June, Francine, Patricia, and I challenge, but we soldier on. more and more students will carry those habits put nearly 4,000 miles on the car as we took a The research o ce is involved in piloting a with them after they graduate. Speaking of family vacation to Ban and Jasper National Parks program of assessment of student outcomes
12 FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS (continued)
in student research, testing it to see if it can be I continue to teach Min/Pet I in the fall, and and met his future thesis advisors in the process scaled up to use in any institution. That has been geochemistry along with physical geology in the (he will be enrolling this September in the LSU a fun project for me. Otherwise things are just spring. I am trying to maintain an emphasis on graduate program to study with world-class ticking along as usual. the eld component for our students. The spring tourmaline researchers Drs. Barb Dutrow and eld component in 2018 was very abbreviated Darrell Henry). The GSA presentation on the I enjoyed sitting in on part of the Geology because of a mid-April blizzard that limited di usion of hydrous species in quartz delivered Department’s Advisory Board meeting this spring. eld access until almost the beginning of May. by Eric Brinza (‘17) and Billy Fitzpatrick (‘18) was It is heartening to see that we have powerful allies Then, on May 7th my Geol 110 eld trip had the also well received: Eric just accepted a competitive in a variety of industry and governmental roles. technical position at LacCore at the University of Thanks to all alumni who continue to support the Minnesota, and Billy will begin his Master’s degree department in di erent ways. program in Economic Geology with Dr. Mark “A big shout-out to all alumni Barton at the University of Arizona. This year’s ROBERT HOOPER from the program. This year caps CERCA also included: a new study by Jackelyn Professor my 35th year in Geology at UWEC, Anderson (‘19) on the sourcing of Native American [email protected] and it is still a pleasure to work trade beads using infrared spectroscopic analyses, A big shout-out to all alumni from the program. with the students.” and a close look at purple amethyst from Mexico This year caps my 35th year in Geology at UWEC, led by Tyson No ke (‘19) with help from Makayla Robert Hooper, Professor and it is still a pleasure to work with the students. Chandler (‘20) and Trevor Nelson (‘21). The Higher education has changed quite a bit in 35 amazing work of these students continues to years and it is not quite as much fun as it used to make me proud to be a Blugold. opposite problem with 88 deg F temperatures be in the “old days”. The liberal arts seem to be As for my family, Tricia and I are very excited when we visited the large basalt dike below Lake under attack, particularly in Wisconsin, despite to get Mati set up in France in late August, Wissota. At least bugs were not a problem this lots of employers saying they want both the Ghislaine is completing her last class at Berkeley spring! Think about stopping in the Department technical expertise and the soft skills fostered for her editing certi cate, and Evie is relishing when you pass through Eau Claire--with a little by a more complete university experience. The opportunities this summer to improve her softball notice, the faculty can often free up some time to emphasis in higher education now is really on prowess. I hope to see you all very soon! competing successfully for a decreasing pool of reconnect. college-age students. While UWEC is faring well in the competition for students, it is a bit daunting PHILLIP IHINGER to see some of our sister institutions struggling to Professor “Cheers, My Dear Alumni! adapt to reduced enrollments and real reductions [email protected] in state funding. Enrollments seem to be driving Stunning to see another year Cheers, My Dear Alumni! Stunning to see another lots of decisions at UWEC, so small programs like come and go." year come and go. This one is particularly Geology receive much more scrutiny. Thankfully, Phillip Ihinger, Professor momentous, in that my #2 daughter is o cially we can point to the great success of our alumni ying the coup. Like… really ying the coup. when justifying our continued existence. She’s decided to pursue her undergraduate My research students continue to do exceptional degree in international relations at Sciences Po in work. Samantha Kleich presented at the AGU Reims, France. I had to leave our Montana Field meeting in New Orleans on trace metal behavior Camp II early to make it back for her graduation ROBERT LODGE Assistant Professor in urban soot. This TEM study of soot chemistry from Memorial HS (thank you, dear Dr. Scott Clark, [email protected] garnered much interest in the Atmospheric for lling in after my departure). Before leaving, Sciences section of this international meeting though, it was highly rewarding to see the next Can’t believe that I just nished my fourth year at (25,000 participants). Sam is continuing installment of UWEC geologists hit the ground UWEC. Fun fact – some students who graduated her studies of soot and expanding into the running after solving the mysteries of the Rocky this year came to Eau Claire the same time I did! relationship between metals in soot and related Mountain Fold-and-Thrust belt. This year, Adam It’s becoming more of a reality that some of nanoparticles, and she is planning to present Wiest (who is o to pursue a degree with Luke the amazing students that I have been working this work at GSA-Indianapolis in the fall. Billy Beranek at Memorial U. in Newfoundland) was with for a few years will eventually nish and Fitzpatrick won rst place at ILSG for all students our TA-Extraordinaire and helped us guide our move on. My research students Lucy Horst (‘18), (graduate and undergraduate) for an SEM new cohort through the trials and tribulations of Kaelyn Blotz (‘18), Nathaniel McFarland (‘18), study of the petrology of the Tower Mountain learning to map geology independently in the and Morgan Kubishak (‘17) are all moving on to gold mineralization in Ontario--a project in eld. bigger things. Congrats, everyone! In addition collaboration with Rob Lodge and me. Billy is to those graduating seniors, my research team Meanwhile, our sojourn to the GSA-Seattle was attending the University of Arizona for graduate also includes seniors Maile Olson and Regan very productive. Kyle Tollefson (‘17) presented school and is focused on nding the next big gold Jacobson. My research team has been working his project on color in watermelon tourmaline deposit.
Continued on page 16 13 INTERNSHIPS One goal of the Responsible Mining Initiative is to provide practical work Our e orts to enhance internship opportunities have been a resounding experiences for our undergraduate students through paid internships. We success. Three students continued their internships part time into the now have four Responsible Mining Initiative internships with Fairmount academic year. During the past academic year and this summer, 21 Santrol, Smart Sand Inc., and Unimin Corp. where Blugold geology students have had/will have paid internships with metallic and non-metallic majors are given preference over students from other universities! mining companies, environmental consulting rms, and governmental agencies and earn ~$149,000 in wages. This large number of paid internships is highly unusual for an undergraduate geology program.
SMART SAND SMART SAND SMART SAND SMART SAND Eau Claire, WI (Fall, Spring) Eau Claire, WI (Fall) Oakdale, WI Oakdale, WI Betty Walter | Geology Intern Claudia Moore | Geology Intern Chloe Malin | Geology Intern Zack Lydon | Geology Intern Non-metallic mining Non-metallic mining Non-metallic mining Non-metallic mining now employed by Smart Sand Pictured with Smart Sands' Matt Lamb (L) and Nick Matula (R, UWEC '15)
KRAEMER MINING & MATERIALS NATIONAL PARK SERVICE MARKET & JOHNSON WISCONSIN DOT Burnsville, MN Yellowstone National Park, WY Eau Claire, WI Eau Claire, WI (Fall) Maria Delgado Gomez Elliot Draxler Olivia Alloy Evan Lundeen | | | | Social Service Aid Construction Environmental Intern Geotechnical Drilling Intern Management Intern (Wetlands)
14 STATELINE ENVIRONMENTAL WISCONSIN DOT PIONEER ENVIRONMENTAL, INC. FOTH ENVIRONMENTAL CONSULTING SERVICE, INC. Eau Claire, WI Mt. Horeb, WI Green Bay, WI Antioch, IL Natalie Brock | Geotechnical Lab Intern Glen Hook | Regan Jacobson | Environmental Intern Alexandra Cook | Environmental Intern Environmental Intern Pictured with Foth's Dr. Allison Haus (R)
LUNDIN MINING Marquette, MI Samantha Kleich (L) PSI PSI RYSTAD ENERGY Maile Olson (R) | Chippewa Falls, WI Chippewa Falls, WI Houston, TX Geology Interns (metallic mining) Ryan Willgohs | Nathan Johnson | Desmond Nielsen | Energy Pictured with Lundin Mining's Jake Tveite Geotechnician Intern Geotechnician Intern Commodity Analyst Intern (UWEC Geol '16)
CEDAR CORPORATION | Menomonie, WI NORTHERN INDUSTRIAL SANDS Colton Sander | Environmental Intern Chetek, WI pictured with Cedar Corp's Wendy Sander Samantha Stich | Operations support, Left Daniel Weber Operations support, Center Veronica Aranda Non-metallic mining Intern, 2nd from Right Pictured with NIS' Larry McGlumphy and Katie Fortin 15 FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS (continued from page 13)
on the Precambrian geology and hydrothermal II in Montana in this newsletter. At home, the among graduate and undergraduate students chemistry of the Flambeau Cu-Au Mine (Regan, Lodge family welcomed another adorable little the national SME meeting in February, and Carly Kaelyn), constructing a 3D model of the Crandon girl, Meredith Rose, to the world in November. Big Mueller and Melissa Hackenmueller won the Best Cu-Zn deposit (Lucy), and exploring for Ni-Cu sisters Hillary and Claudia are so sweet to their Undergraduate Poster award at the Wisconsin mineralization in komatiites in Ontario (Maile). I new baby sister. My beautiful, loving wife Cassie Chapter of the American Water Resources also had a student working on “that garnet rock somehow manages to keep everyone happy Association in April 2018. We just published our from the strat section in Montana” (Nathaniel) and healthy while I’m at work – did I mention rst major manuscript on the evolution of the and collaborated with Bob Hooper and Billy that she’s amazing! Hillary just nished her rst Miocene basin system of south-central Argentina, Fitzpatrick (‘18) on the chemistry of alteration year of school (well…4K). Claudia is growing based on the ground-breaking research of minerals associated with a gold prospect in up into quite the entertaining personality. And Ellen Buelow (UWEC Geology ‘13) and several Ontario. Our work together was presented at Meredith is in that sweet spot where she can sit undergraduates in the department (Sam Taylor ‘13, the NC GSA meeting in Ames, IA, the Institute up on her own but can’t crawl yet. The Lodge Brian Nehring ‘16, Alex Hutter ‘16, Chaz McCann on Lake Superior Geology (ILSG) meeting in Iron family is feeling pretty lucky these days. ‘16, Adam Wiest ‘18, Carly Mueller ’18, and others). Mountain, MI, and the annual CERCA week at Several other manuscripts are in the works. Kudos UWEC. I’m proud of the professionalism of the J. BRIAN MAHONEY to the students in our Department--my colleagues Professor students at these meetings and the quality of elsewhere in academia are continually amazed by [email protected] their research. In fact – Billy won the Best Student the level of engagement and intelligence of our Poster presentation award at the ILSG meeting! The urry of teaching and research continues research students!! to boggle the mind. I would swear I just wrote I am still teaching Physical Geology, Structural It was a very busy year on both the professional an update a month or two ago, but Dr. Syverson Geology, Economic Geology, and Field Camp and the personal side. My colleagues and I assures me, through multiple emails, reminders II. I am also now teaching our Computers in were invited to give a talk at the Goldschmidt and harassments that it is once again time for Geology class. I continue to re ne my teaching Conference in Paris in August 2017, which a newsletter update. (Editor’s comment—this is craft and chase pedagogical perfection. It’s a provided the perfect opportunity for Lori and me NOT an exaggeration.) The concept of continual balance of challenging students just enough to visit Europe for a few weeks. Parasailing in the change runs deep through all aspects of the so that they are motivated to learn the di cult Swiss Alps was quite impressive! I was never sure path of not only my career, but the path of the material without them hating me for all the work why anyone would jump o a perfectly good cli , Department, the University, and the UW System. and shutting down. Nonetheless, students seem but now I completely understand the attraction!! Change is inevitable, and sometimes one can to be enjoying my classes and I think that’s a What a rush! I returned to the wilds of the high control the path of that change and sometimes win! Students continue to get a healthy dose of alpine of Argentina over Winterim, where my the path is simply uncontrollable. All one can colleagues from CONICET and I spent over a week do is attempt to steer the careening ship in what combing the mountains for basinal deposits appears to be the right direction! representing the Cenozoic evolution of one of the “Students continue to get a This past year has been marked by signi cant largest mountain ranges on the planet. Our initial healthy dose of the amazing strides in both teaching and research activities. I data is quite impressive, and will form the basis of continue to attempt to enlighten young minds to Precambrian geology all over the a new NSF proposal in August. Keep your ngers the wonder of earth science in my introductory crossed!! Lastly, Lori and I tested the concept of Upper Midwest." courses, and to convince my upper-division the Cuban embargo with four friends over spring Robert Lodge, Assistant Professor students that the best geologists have seen the break. We travelled to the wonderful island of most rocks! The Department is on a continual Cuba to engage in person-to-person contact, quest to demonstrate linkages between our which is code for exploring the history and courses and motivate our students to integrate all culture of Cuba to its fullest!! We had a wonderful the amazing Precambrian geology all over the course experiences. Process, not the product! adventure, and we highly, highly encourage Upper Midwest. The Economic Geology class This was a boomer year in our research activities, everyone to explore the island before it becomes did our annual tour of mines near Marquette, with active projects going on in water quality in commercialized. The island and its people are MI. The Structural Geology class got their usual Wisconsin, Miocene basin evolution in Argentina, magni cent. Please explore and enjoy! tour through the Archean Superior Province in evolution of the Neoproterozoic-Cambrian No one knows what the future may hold. This northeastern Minnesota. It has been hard to Laurentian margin, epithermal gold deposits in year we will focus on the submittal of several top staying at a ski and golf resort (albeit o Honduras, silica sand deposits in Wisconsin, and major grant proposals covering educational season) then going on an underground train development of cutting-edge techniques in rare opportunities within Wisconsin as well as research tour in the Soudan Mine Underground State earth element (REE) geochemistry. The quality of in Argentina, Montana, and elsewhere. I look Park. My Physical Geology class is always fun to my research students continues to impress me, forward to expanding our track record of high- teach and I love the opportunity to stress the and their motivation level is simply amazing. The quality teaching and undergraduate research importance of geology to the rest of the campus level of commitment is evident in the recognition within the Department. We have an outstanding – and hopefully snag a few new majors in the my research crew has garnered: Adam Wiest program here at UWEC, and it is entirely due to the process. You can read all about our Field Camp and coauthors were awarded the Best Paper motivation of the students and faculty. I hope our 16 FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS (continued)
level of productivity and the quality and success connections with the UW colleges, particularly personality is larger than life and she is an of our graduates will shield the Department from those who supply UWEC with the most transfer absolute joy. My oldest child, Morgan, moved the continual threat of programmatic cuts and students. During the course of this project, the from Illinois to Iowa this past year. Seems like sta reductions. I am proud to be a member of UW System made the decision to “join” each only yesterday that Morgan was graduating from this amazing program and hope it continues long 2-year campus with a 4-year campus. Needless UWEC! Margo is continuing classes at CVTC while into the future. All the best. to say, this development changed the focus working full-time. She is one busy young lady! of our work because UW-Barron County will Buelow, E.K., Suriano, J., Mahoney, J.B., Kimbrough, One of the added perks of my position here at be “joined” to UWEC. It was an interesting D.L., Mescua, J., Giambiagi, L., Hoke, G.D., 2018, UWEC is getting to meet many very interesting challenge and I hope the work of the group Sedimentologic and stratigraphic evolution of the people, and I love to stay informed on what you will help during the next few years as the Cacheuta basin: Constraints on the development are doing once you leave this beautiful campus. mechanics of the “joining” is accomplished. of the Miocene retroarc foreland basin, south- Remember to stop by the o ce to visit, send me central Andes: Lithosphere 10(3), DOI: 10.1130/ In March, Brian and I went to Cuba with a few an email, or friend request me on Facebook. I L709.1. friends. We had visited in 2009 and it was great would love to hear from each of you! to go back and see how things have changed. KENT SYVERSON What a beautiful country with truly wonderful Professor people. If only the silly embargo would end. Well, [email protected] " I continue to attempt to that’s about it from my end except for one nal enlighten young minds to the note. Thanks to Phil, who has agreed to teach Greetings from Eau Claire! I have now completed wonder of earth science in my National Parks this fall so I can take a break from my 26th year in the department. I still enjoy introductory courses, and to teaching college students very much! The past convince my upper-division year I taught Glacial Geology, Oceanography, students that the best geologists and the Responsible Mining Seminar. However, have seen the most rocks!" it seems like meetings and writing internal "In March, Brian and I went to reports consume more of my time each year… Brian Mahoney, Professor Cuba with a few friends." My fall semester was a whirlwind, as always. Grading Glacial Geology papers always keeps Lori Snyder, Senior Lecturer and me hopping. In September I accompanied LORI SNYDER Undergrad Program Coordinator Senior Lecturer and three Responsible Mining Initiative interns to Undergraduate Program Coordinator the 6th Annual Frac Sand Supply & Logistics [email protected] conference in Houston, TX, where I co- presented an invited talk on the properties Hello Everyone! Yet another year gone by and of Wisconsin and Texas sands—a huge topic it was a full one. Almost a month in western right now—and met many Blugold alumni. Europe began the academic year. It was my rst that course. I am certain that he will enjoy it and I continue to seek more internships, scholarships, visit to that region and it was just as spectacular grow from the experience. And on a nal, nal and other educational opportunities for as anticipated! The goal was the Goldschmidt note, I hope you all have a wonderful year! our students. I am thankful for industry Conference in Paris, but along the way, we got to stakeholders who have assisted our students. visit The Netherlands, Belgium, and Switzerland, The 3rd Advisory Board meeting held in mid- and to spend some time with our niece in LORILIE STEINKE May was extremely valuable—we always southern France. What a wonderful part of the Academic Department Associate receive good input from the stakeholders. world with fantastic sites and people. The trip was [email protected] Carter Boswell and I used ArcGIS to crunch data a nice change of pace before the very full school Greetings from Command Central of the Geology from several glacial geology mapping projects year. Department! As always, things continue to be in Maine to evaluate evidence for a calving National Parks and Environmental Geology were busy (especially during eld season). It is very embayment in the Penobscot River valley. We on the teaching agenda as usual – almost 400 fortunate that I have great helpers to make sure made excellent progress on the project and Carter students in the fall semester. The Future of Global the vehicles are cleaned, lled with gas and ready presented his work at NC GSA in Ames, IA, where Energy was o ered online in the new 4-week to roll as soon as the weather permits. Weather I visited with Anna Baker ‘09, Angela Berthold format over Winterim and it went very well. After was the biggest challenge this spring with way ‘12, Audrey (Mohr) Boerner ’11, Corrie Floyd ‘11, years of altering content and tting the course too much snow and freezing temps hindering Kristie Franz ’96, and Katherine Grote. I am still into ever-changing time frames, I have found taking students into the eld. But, once again, we actively consulting in the Wisconsin and Texas a format that works well and is sustainable. survived! frac sand industries. I have also been part of a On a personal note my granddaughter continues multidisciplinary team using geotechnical data I began the year working on a project in to be the light of my life and it is so much fun to evaluate evidence for a perched water table. the College of Arts and Sciences to build to see how fast she grows and changes. Her My family and I had a good year. One of my 17 FACULTY AND STAFF NEWS (continued) daughters just graduated from UWEC with I thoroughly enjoyed teaching both EMERITUS FACULTY NEWS a degree in Spanish Education. We stayed Hydrogeology courses as well as Environmental rather close to Eau Claire during the summer. Geology at UWEC. We spent a substantial PAUL E. MYERS, Professor Emeritus We attended the Syverson family reunion in amount of time outdoors for labs during the [email protected] northwestern MN and my wife and I made a Fall semester. Unfortunately, the long winter It's wonderful receiving thank-you letters from brief trip to Prairie du Chien (an interesting did not allow for much field time during the Field Camp veterans a rming that the Myers- place, and the site of the only War of 1812 Spring, but we got out when we could! Willis Field Camp Fund has really helped them. I battle on Wisconsin soil). I attended both have always felt that eld camp is the place where Since my arrival in Eau Claire, I have hit the games of the NCAA D1 Frozen Four in St. Paul students meet the challenges of doing geology ground running with student research. I have and watched my UMD Bulldogs win the NCAA head-on. Since I'm not on campus, I naturally love been working with Duabchi Vang and Emily championship! Very exciting—one item checked reading your eld camp stories, so keep me on Finger, analyzing long-term groundwater o my bucket list! I am (slowly) writing about your mailing list. I still miss being there myself. trends in Wisconsin to determine potential my Alaskan geology adventures for family and impacts from climate change and increased For the last three years, my wife, Welthy, and I friends. With chapter titles such as “First Contact,” precipitation. They presented their work have spent summers in the Green Mountains, “Death March I,” “What a Man Truly Needs in at NC GSA in Ames, Iowa, and competed in VT, and winters in beautiful Boquete, western the Wilderness”, and “The Plain of Doom,” the the WiSys Quick Pitch Competition (giving Panama. For geezers like us, the Vermont work promises to be a real page-turner! an elevator pitch of their research to non- winter has become an unnecessary challenge I will be around Eau Claire much of the summer. experts in only 3 minutes!). I have also begun that we can avoid by renting our house If you are around, please visit the department! working with Jonah Shoemaker-Gagnon and to skiers and spending the proceeds in Chloe Malin to investigate the contribution paradise. That's a good deal for everybody! SARAH VITALE of nutrient loading through lacustrine Assistant Professor groundwater discharge to lake eutrophication Boquete is a city of about 30,000 people situated [email protected] (at Mud Lake in Chetek/Cameron, WI). on the eastern slopes of Panama's tallest volcano, I attended the Wisconsin Section American Volcan Baru (summit elev. 11,400’). Old Man Water Resources Association meeting Baru has been sleeping for over 500 years. On in Appleton, where I met a few UWEC average, he awakens - violently - about every 400 alumni as well as water-resource experts years. Baru, like its numerous Central American from all over the region. Carly Mueller neighbors, produces mostly andesite pyroclastics and Melissa Hackenmueller presented a as hot ash ows and lahars. This naturally causes poster at the meeting and won the Best much concern for Boquete residents and accounts Undergraduate Poster award. Overall, it for their over ow attendance at two lectures has been very exciting to be exposed to so and three eld trips which I did last spring. We much undergraduate research throughout have since organized a study group, which this this first year, including attending my first next winter will begin eld studies to evaluate CERCA. UWEC is truly exceptional in the hazards and precautions to be taken in case quality of its undergraduate research. of an eruption. Last year, there were several earthquakes (magnitudes = 3.3-6.3) with summit To finish this year, I attended UWEC’s epicenters. There is a de nite need for broad graduation. It was very exciting to see public preparedness in the Boquete area. Hello all! I am very pleased to introduce so many Geology graduates walk across myself to you all, having just finished my first the stage. It has been a productive and I was fortunate to travel to the summit year. Before coming to UWEC I completed my fulfilling first year, and I am looking area of Volcan Baru just before returning Ph.D. at the University of Connecticut with forward to what the next year brings! to the U.S. in April (photo below). expertise in aquifer flow characterization.
Sarah’s Hydrogeology students studying Little Niagara Creek on the UWEC campus. 18 This southwest view shows the clouded crater (left rear) with a lava dome in front of it. The white streaks are fumerole deposits. The city graduating seniors, Carter Boswell, into a of Volcan is in the valley in the right distance. full-time “real” job instead in Minnesota. That During a major eruption about 40,000 years was a good outcome! In addition, last year’s ago, a huge section of this volcano slid o intern at Tunnel City, Rachel Lair, won a $5000 and owed down the canyon to the right, Unimin Corp. Business Idea Scholarship for and traveled at least 25 km beyond Volcan. the 2017-18 academic year. Her proposal to improve an aspect of business operations With all the interest in the recent eruption of competed against a pool of submissions from Fuego in Guatemala, it's certain that I 'll have other Unimin interns in North America! Wow! plenty to do when we return to Boquete in November. Once a geologist, always a geologist. The scholarships and grants have reduced student dependence on loans. The In addition to the geology, I continue painting, freshman scholarships have helped sketching, hiking, and sightseeing. Welthy, as recruit students into our program. The always, continues important volunteer work. quality of our incoming freshman class is Fortunately, we're both healthy and busy. Unimin Corp. intern and scholarship extremely high, and Unimin’s commitment Come and visit us in Vermont or Panama. recipient, Rachel Lair. to the Responsible Mining Initiative has JOHN TINKER, Professor Emeritus COVIA FORMERLY UNIMIN contributed in a positive way. It will be [email protected] AND UW EAU CLAIRE CONTINUE exciting to see this class become involved in collaborative research and internships! I send a warm hello to all current and past PARTNERSHIP ON RESPONSIBLE students and faculty of the UWEC Geology MINING INITIATIVE Built from the merging of Fairmount Santrol Department. I have had a sad and happy past Unimin (now Covia) continues to invest and Unimin Corporation, Covia is a leading year. The sadness was the loss of my 13-year old approximately $25,000 annually in UW-Eau provider of minerals and material solutions golden retriever named Scout. She was the best Claire’s Responsible Mining Initiative. For the for the Industrial and Energy markets, with a dog that Christine and I have had. The happiness fth year, Unimin has committed resources broad array of high-quality products and the was deciding to get a new puppy. Our new dog is for the upcoming 2018-19 academic year to industry’s most comprehensive and accessible again a golden retriever and her name is Charlie. fund ve $1,000 scholarships for rst-year distribution network. To deliver shared success Now I must live another 13 years to take care of geology students, four $2,500 scholarships for and a sustainable future, they have harnessed the dog. Charlie has much energy and is very sophomore geology students, and $10,000 the power of long-term partnerships – built on frustrating at times. in grants to be distributed to UW-Eau Claire integrity, reliability and an innovative solutions mindset. As a new company and the industry Another happy event this past year was that geology eld camp II students. Over the past leader, Covia will be well positioned to continue Christine and I celebrated our 50th wedding ve years, Unimin has donated $140,000 in cash o ering support to the Responsible Mining anniversary. I met Christine when I was in to our program. We thank this organization Initiative program. For more information graduate school at the University of North Dakota, for its continued investment in our program! visit https://www.coviacorp.com/. and Christine was just starting her undergraduate Unimin’s interns from UWEC have gained education. We are still both happy with our valuable work experience and applied decision to get married over 50 years ago. knowledge from the classroom. Such experiences can give students an advantage Consulting and work on our farms in Wisconsin when searching for jobs after they graduate. and in North Dakota have kept us busy. Christine This spring Unimin representatives came to and I travelled to our North Dakota farm ve times campus once again to interview internship last year. I will travel again next summer to North candidates. They decided to hire one of our Dakota but for another reason. I just received permission to re-measure my erosion stakes in the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. I started the hillslope erosion study in 1967 and with re-measurement in 2018 I will have erosion data for 51 years. My granddaughter will be my “I started the hillslope erosion eld assistant. She will have the responsibility of study in 1967 and with re- hauling me out of the badlands if I get in trouble. measurement in 2018 I will have I hope all is well with each of you, your families, erosion data for 51 years. ” and friends. Keep in touch with Dr. Syverson and John Tinker, Professor Emeritus the department. I sure like reading about your experiences in the department newsletter. I thank each of my former students for making my life happier. 19 AWARDS MUELLER RECEIVES “EXCELLENCE IN SERVICE” AWARD IN 2017 2018
Excellence in Geology award winners (L to R): Adam Wiest, Chair Kent Syverson, Billy Fitzpatrick, and Carly Mueller.
EXCELLENCE IN GEOLOGY Honduras, a regional water chemistry project AWARDS IN 2017 2018 with Adam Wiest, and a sequential extraction project with Melissa Hackenmueller trying The “Excellence in Geology” award recognizes to understand groundwater phosphorus the academic achievements of the outstanding contamination in western Wisconsin. Carly Excellence in Service award recipient Carly Mueller graduating geology major, both in coursework presented her research at the Posters on the with Lorilie Steinke. and in faculty/student collaborative Hill in Washington DC, several GSA meetings, research. The winners of the Excellence and the Wisconsin chapter of the American The Excellence in Service Award recognizes in Geology award for 2017-2018 are Billy Water Resources Association where Carly and the exceptional service a geology major Fitzpatrick, Carly Mueller, and Adam Wiest. Melissa received the Best Undergraduate Poster has done for the department. The winner Billy Fitzpatrick, from Madison, WI, immediately award. Carly held a prestigious internship with of the Geology Excellence in Service enrolled in geology at UWEC where he started Rio Tinto in southern California last summer. Award for 2017-2018 is Carly Mueller. research with Phil Ihinger as a sophomore. Billy She will attend graduate school at Memorial Carly has worked on Geology vehicles worked in Phil Ihinger’s lab on the distribution of University in Newfoundland with full funding with Lorilie, helped Lorilie nd students hydroxyl in hydrothermal quartz from the Swiss to study economic mineral deposits. for travel reimbursements, given tours to Alps and presented his research at GSA-Seattle Adam Wiest is a native of Green Bay, WI. Adam prospective incoming Geology students and in fall 2017. Billy has an insatiable interest in graduated with a double major in Geology and their families, and represented us well as a economic mineral deposits and he also worked Mathematics. He participated in several research UWEC Campus Ambassador. She has been on developing a technique to use the TEM projects with Dr. Brian Mahoney, including basin an amazing helper around the department to study nanoparticles in groundwater as an analysis and detrital zircon geochronology and we will all miss her next year! exploration tool for deeply buried metallic ore in Mendoza, Argentina, rare earth element deposits. He also worked with Bob Hooper and geochemistry technique development on the Rob Lodge on the mineral chemistry of alkaline high-resolution ICPMS, and developing a regional JAMES WATKINS ‘05 RECEIVES 2017 igneous rocks hosting gold mineralization in baseline for surface and groundwater chemistry in southern Ontario, presented at ILSG, and won HISASHI KUNO AWARD FROM AGU western Wisconsin. He gave an oral presentation a Best Poster Award. Billy will attend graduate Dr. James Watkins (UWEC Geology ’05, now at GSA-Seattle last year, and has presented the school at the University of Arizona this fall with a faculty member at the Univ. of Oregon) results of his research with his colleagues at the full funding to study economic mineral deposits. received a prestigious American Geophysical CUR Posters on the Hill event in Washington, DC, Union early career award at the 2017 AGU in front of the Board of Regents, and at several Meeting in New Orleans. The Hisashi Kuno CERCA events. He and his colleagues won a Best Award recognizes “outstanding contributions Poster Award at the national SME meeting in to the elds of volcanology, geochemistry, or Minneapolis in February. He did an internship petrology.” This is an AMAZING honor! Jim did with the Wisconsin Geological and Natural collaborative research with Dr. Phil Ihinger while History Survey last summer. This fall Adam will an undergraduate at UWEC, and then went on attend graduate school at Memorial University to complete his Ph.D. with full funding at the in Newfoundland with full funding where he Univ. of California-Berkeley. Congratulations, will study sedimentation and tectonics in Yukon Jim! You can read the full award citation here with Dr. Luke Beranek (UWEC Geology ’05)! Billy Fitzpatrick with award-winning ILSG poster. https://eos.org/agu-news/steele-macinnis-and- watkins-receive-2017-hisashi-kuno-award. Carly Mueller is a native of Andover, MN. Carly participated in a number research projects with UWEC Geology undergrads won best Dr. Brian Mahoney, including examination of a poster awards at three professional low sulphidization epithermal gold deposit in conferences (including two sessions with 20 graduate students) CONGRATS, GRADS!
2017-18 Geology graduates with Dr. Sarah Vitale.
RECENT GEOLOGY GRADUATES Fall 2017, Spring & Summer 2018 (uno cial list)
Alloy, Olivia Hoekstra, Hunter Brady Mueller, Carly Ann
Aranda, Veronica Horst, Lucy M. Plaziak, Charles
Banach, Mitchell Charles Howard, Will Riley Rodriguez, Nolan Edward
Blotz, Kaelyn Elizabeth Huber, Keely Rae Sander, Colton Alan
Boswell, Carter Wren Kubishak, Morgan Elizabeth Susen, McKayla
Delgado Gomez, Maria Juliana Lair, Rachel Ann Thompson, Ashley Elizabeth
Feldschneider, Riley Scott Mataitis, Richard James Wiest, Adam
Fitzpatrick, William Arthur Miller, Walker Joseph Wilmoth, Robert Francis
Hackenmueller, Melissa Ann Moore, Claudia Grace
CONGRATULATIONS, CLASS OF 2017 18! Please stay in touch! Make sure we have your email address.
21 ALUMNI NEWS
Olivia Alloy ’18. Olivia is a Wetland Scientist Geological Survey working on Hennepin County. husband and I relocated to Colorado last with Wisconsin Environmental Restorations LLC. I am in the nal stages of putting everything year. It is impressive being around so many together so it looks good for publication. My rocks! There's so much to explore. Last year Anna Baker ’09. Anna is completing her MS Hennepin County data is being used by the I also became a Professional Engineer. If you degree at the University of Minnesota and is DNR, a state representative, and other interested are in the Denver area, please reach out!” working as a USGS scientist in the St. Paul o ce. parties to determine how to deal with water-level Eric Dahl ’99. Eric is a Hydrogeologist Je Baker ’71. Je writes, “Char and I moved controversies in Minneapolis. I nd it intimidating with METCO in Onalaska, WI. to the White Mountains of East Central Arizona to a certain extent, but rewarding, to know that in summer 2001. I rst taught in Pepin, WI, from what I do for a living is useful/necessary. My Thomas Danielson ’98. Tom is a Senior 1989-1995 (all the sciences, both Junior and next county, in which I will be doing eldwork Geologist and Project Manager at Puget Senior High!). I moved to our alma mater, North this summer, is Lac qui Parle, which is along the Sound Energy in Burlington, WA. High School in Eau Claire from 1995-2001, and South Dakota border. I am very much looking Joe Drapeau ’85. Joe writes, “I have worked my nal tenure was in Pinetop-Lakeside, AZ, from forward to a change of pace. I'll go from working in the environmental consulting industry in 2001-08 where I taught high school earth science on the most populated county in the state to Minnesota & Wisconsin since 1988. The last 15 and anatomy and physiology. I really didn’t need the 76th most populous county out of 87.” years I have been with Pioneer Environmental a lesson plan when teaching geology sections, as Jacob Boer ’08. Jacob writes, “At present I Inc. performing environmental due diligence, I accumulated teaching slides and rock samples am stationed at Minot Air Force Base in North risk assessments, and site investigations. Also helping Dr. Bob Hooper with the Rocky Mountain Dakota and I am a fully certi ed nuclear and provide clients with environmental design and Field Studies class from 1988-1995. Arizona has missile operations o cer. My job places contracting services for groundwater dewatering been plagued with wild res, the worst being me in charge of the security, maintenance, projects. I nd working for a small consulting in our backyard as our home was being built in and operations of our nation's Minuteman business allows me to wear many hats/helmets…. summer 2001. We began using salvaged juniper III Intercontinental Ballistic Missile System. Keeps it interesting, keeps me young.” and ponderosa logs from the re to build rustic Additionally, I have started a master’s program furnishings and furniture. We also stay busy Greg Durocher ’82. Greg writes, “After working with the University of Nebraska-Omaha in traveling around the country and world…well over 30 very satisfying, rewarding years with Political Science (International Relations focus).” some parts. We have been to Alaska, Hawaii, the USGS in Anchorage, I retired at the end of the Caribbean 4 times, Mexico, Panama Canal, Carter Boswell ’18. Carter accepted a December 2016. I've been so busy traveling, Mediterranean and our favorites, Norway and New Production & Shipping Supervisor position rockhounding and volunteering, that I've joked Zealand. Our son and I have summited several with Unimin Corp.’s Ottawa (MN) plant. about working part-time to rest! If any of you major peaks in the West including Mt. Shasta plan on passing through Anchorage on a visit. Casey Bowe ’04. Casey is the and our namesake, Mt. Baker. Our daughter is I'd be delighted to provide you with information Director of Technology at Greybull an avid mountain trail runner. Char and I love to covering a range of Alaska-related topics.” Public Schools in Greybull, WY. ski and I served on our local ski patrol at Sunrise Eli Fredrickson ’17. Eli is a Geologist Greg Burgess ’15. Greg is an Audit Client Ski Park (>2000’ relief) for six years. Yes, we ski in with Haley & Aldrich in Phoenix, AZ. Arizona! In June Char and I will celebrate our 50th Specialist at Concur in Eden Prairie, MN. Chase Friedemann ’17. Chase reports, wedding anniversary with an Alaskan cruise with Travis Bushendorf ’09. Travis is a “I'm currently living in Little Falls, MN, and our daughter. And then again in August with our Field Operations Manager at Core working a six-month GIS data-processing son and his family on a Caribbean cruise. We wish Geologic in Denver, CO. internship for Lakemaster-Humminbird you all well and perhaps we can see some of you Jake Charneski ’17. Jake writes, “Things are (subsidiary of Johnson Outdoors).” who are in the Eau Claire area at our lake house going great. I'm still in the Air Force. I am currently near Chetek this May and again in September.” Anne Gauer ’08. Anne writes, “This year has at Edwards AFB in the Mojave Desert. I am helping been a whirlwind! Besides the usual training, out here for 45 days. I went to some national consulting and support as a geologist for Maptek parks in Utah along the way--very cool geology. in Denver and at di erent mine sites around the I still live in Madison but I have been traveling USA, I have added a few things to my resume. “Our son and I have summited quite a bit. I was in South Korea for three months. During the summer I completed a four-week several major peaks in the West I also traveled to Romania for a solo backpacking citation course for Geostatistics through trip and to Nicaragua recently with friends.” including Mt. Shasta and our the University of Alberta. Shortly after, I was namesake, Mt. Baker.” Ryan Conway ’15. Ryan is working for accepted to work out of a new o ce in Montreal, Je Baker Barr Engineering in Minneapolis, MN, Canada. Here I have changed my role to be a as a Computational Hydrologist. technical sales expert for our software, Vulcan. This new role has given me the opportunity to Rev. Rick Christy, ’85. Rick became Senior improve my presentation skills, learn French Pastor at Doster Community Reformed (Québécoise), attend mining conferences, and Angela Berthold ’12. Angela writes, “I am still Church in Michigan in April 2018. a Quaternary geologist with the Minnesota visit the east coast of the continent. Hank (my Taylor (Crist) Pierce ’12. Taylor writes, “My dog) and I look forward to our new life here!”
22 ALUMNI NEWS (continued)
Mark Hostak ’89. Mark reports, “For the past Morgan Kubishak ’17. Morgan is in the “This new role has given me the three years I have been volunteering full-time Peace Corps and serving in Thailand as a youth at Habitat for Humanity's Oshkosh "ReStore" development volunteer. Kubishak is living and opportunity to improve my store. My e orts, and those of other volunteers, working in a community to help Thai youth presentation skills, learn French go a long way to providing homes for those develop skills and attributes that will prepare (Quebecoise), attend mining in need. It's a great way for me to give back them to be healthy, engaged citizens who will conferences, and visit the east to the world a little bit for all that I've been so positively contribute to their communities. fortunate to receive. I'm also still an avid "privy coast of the continent." Steph Larsen ’01. Steph has been working digger"--hand-digging excavations behind old Anne Gauer with the Sierra Club for nearly three years historic homes. It's GREAT exercise and always in online organizing, and recently changed fascinating to recover artifacts. In short, I'm from the Beyond Coal Campaign to the Clean VERY grateful for everything that life brings, Transportation for All campaign, where she Alexandra (Guy) Strand ’07. Alex is a and I'm looking forward to each new day!” advocates for fuel e ciency, electric vehicles, Software Quality Analyst at Franklin Energy Olivia (Iverson) Giles ’12. Olivia reports, “I moved and other clean transportation initiatives. Services in the Milwaukee, WI, area. back to the Midwest from Arizona and am taking a Steph and her husband have one daughter Olivia Haas ‘14. Olivia is a sta accountant break from geology for a little while. I am currently and are expecting their second child. They're at Furniture for Life in Boulder, CO. focusing on being a mama to my new little girl!” planning a move to upstate New York sometime this summer to be closer to family, but plan Doug Hallum ’96. Doug writes, “Paula and I Nathaniel Jackson ’17. Nate writes, “Life to continue operating Moon & Raven Farm have had another year of The Good Life. Living has been busy! I hung it up at the sand plant! once they settle in their new location. in the path of totality for the Great American I'm currently working full-time through the Eclipse, we had house guests to enjoy and National Guard as an artillery instructor.” Mitch Lassa ’16. Mitch is a Big Sky Extension work to do. I experienced a partial Watershed Corps Member with the Montana Bridget Kelly ’09. Bridget writes, “Things eclipse as a child, but I had no idea that totality Conservation Corps in the Bozeman area. are going great in Madison where I work for would be so profound - everyone should plan WDNR; we just wrapped up our rst year Josh Leable ’12. Josh reports, “Things at a trip to see that at least once in their lifetime! here. We just bought a house and moved Cedar Corp. in Menomonie are going well. My The Geological Society of Minnesota brought my mom to Madison from Eau Claire, too, so position allows me to dabble in a good variety a group for eclipse week, and I was privileged there is no shortage of crazy in our lives.” of hydrogeology and environmental work to spend a day exploring water resources and throughout Wisconsin. I also work with three geology with them. Paula and I spent three Andrew Kennedy ’04. Andrew is a UWEC geology alumni, so I'm in good company! weeks on the road; west to the Paci c Ocean and science teacher at Phillips Community I received my PG license in WI this January.” back, and east to Nashville, TN, plus a side trip School in the Twin Cities area. to see our grandkids. Finally, we unexpectedly Taryn Lopez ’03. Taryn reports, “After 8 years Dale Kerner ’96. Dale is helping Midas Gold lost several dear friends/colleagues this year, of graduate school and 3 years of postdoctoral Idaho work with federal, state and local regulatory reminding us to notice the small blessings and research, I am happy to report that I nally agencies, non-governmental organizations, and give thanks for what we experience every day.” have a "real job" as a research faculty member the public to obtain the permits and approvals with the UA-Fairbanks Geophysical Institute required for mining and reclaiming the historic and the Alaska Volcano Observatory (AVO). My Stibnite Gold Project in central Idaho. research focuses on using the composition and Ric Kopp ’75. Rick writes, “The latter part of 2017 “Notice the small blessings and ux of volcanic gases to learn about volcanic into 2018 has been an interesting time in the oil give thanks for what we processes and volatile cycling. I have enjoyed and gas industry-- uctuating prices have created working with the AVO and doing eld work in experience every day.” much M&A activity. One company I consult for remote regions of Alaska. I got married 3 years Doug Hallum made a large acquisition in late 2016, and after ago and my husband is also a volcanologist at several show and tells sold half their interest for UAF/AVO. I recently attended the 2017 IAVCEI the original purchase price. Thus, they kept me conference where I saw fellow UWEC alum, as a consultant! In late 2017, the other company Jim Watkins, receive the Hasashi Kuno Award Samuel Helmuth ’16. Sam writes, “The USGS I have been working for elected to sell, thus for outstanding contributions to the elds has started giving me some training as a drill more show and tells and a sale... The principals of volcanology, geochemistry & petrology! rig assistant, and have already signed me up wanted to start over, so more show and tells to Congratulations, Jim! Way to make us all proud.” for the required 40-hour OSHA training. I’ll be assemble a newly funded project with a new responsible for logging the core I'm helping to company... All in the family are doing well--the pull out as well as some GIS stu and reports. The grandchildren keep Jacqueline and myself very 7.5' quad that they had me complete had much busy following their sports and school programs. Quaternary basalt in the eastern Snake River Plain.” Hope all is well at UWEC and hopefully get back again to visit with sta and students.”
23 ALUMNI NEWS (continued)
Isaac Orr ’10. Isaac reports, “I have taken a Although the beach was nice, I have to admit “I am happy to report that I new job--I'm now working as a policy fellow that I missed the hiking. Maybe we can sneak finally have a "real job" as a at the Center of the American Experiment, a out west this summer. Until then, I will get to Minnesota-based think tank. I'll be working view some great Wisconsin glacial geology in research faculty member with on mining issues in northern Minnesota April at the Chippewa 10k trail run, which takes the Alaska Volcano Observatory and working energy issues, too.” place at the Chippewa Moraine State Recreation (AVO).” Area near New Auburn. I haven’t been on that Mark Powers ’80. Mark is a Project portion of the Ice Age Trail since my Glacial Dr. Taryn Lopez Manager/Environmental Geologist Geology class! Work continues to keep my for CQM, Inc. in Green Bay, WI. busy and Alison and the kids are doing well.” Kenneth Ritt ’14. Kenny is a Senior Robert Wilmoth ’18. Rob accepted a Account Specialist at Enterprise Truck Matthew Michalski ’15. Matthew is job with land ll geotechnical testing Rental in the Milwaukee area. a Hydrogeologist at REI Engineering, rm CQM, Inc. in Green Bay. Inc. in Wausau, WI. David Sander ’86. David writes, “Life has been busy since graduation. My wife and I live in Audrey (Mohr) Boerner ’11. Audrey writes, “I am the Woodville, WI, area and I enjoy hunting, nishing my third year as project manager at the shing, and camping. After graduation I worked Eau Claire City-County Health Department. I work in county land conservation for many years. I a wide array of programs, including sampling currently work for the State of Wisconsin DATCP for nitrate and pharmaceutical contamination “I haven't been on that portion as a Weights and Measures Inspector. I enjoyed in private wells, health impact assessment, and of Ice Age Trail since my Glacial attending the UWEC Geology Banquet last spring healthy community design. A highlight from the with my son, Colton (also a geology major).” Geology class!” past year was the chance to hike into the Grand Chad Underwood Canyon for the rst time (though, not all the way)!” Rebecca (Moore) Ryser ’13. Rebecca writes, “I enjoyed attending the UWEC “I recently started working as a hydrogeologist Geology Banquet last spring for Golder Associates in Phoenix, AZ. I spend with my son, Colton (also a most of my time report writing or conducting eld work for mine site Aquifer Protection Permit geology major).” applications around the state. This February David Sander my ance and I were married in Phoenix and we enjoy all the hiking and camping nearby. I look forward to visiting Eau Claire every year for the holidays because my husband Hannah Semonick ’15. Hannah is a grew up there and is also a UWEC alum.” Quality Assurance Technician at Donaldson Company, Inc. in the Twin Cities area. Troy Moseley ’09. Troy reports, “It's been a busy year for both family and work. My wife and I Kinzey Stoll ’17. Kinzey is in graduate school in welcomed our second child last summer and I the Dept. of Earth and Environmental Sciences received my PG license last June. This year will at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. (Editor’s be my sixth at Hi-Crush Proppants as a Senior note—The editor, by chance, sat directly by Kinzey Environmental Specialist. Over the past year I have and her mom at a UMD hockey game in March!) been busy with the startup and operation of our Mark Strobel ’88. Mark is a managing member drone mapping program for the company, which at MC Environmental Consultants in Wausau, WI. has assisted with compliance and mine planning.” Alex Thompson ’09. Alex writes, “I left Chris Nimon ’16. Chris is a Sta Geologist the gold mines of Alaska this year and at PSI in Chippewa Falls, WI. have moved to New Orleans where I now Josh Olson ’13. Josh completed a dual master’s work on environmental projects. Look degree in Hydrogeology and Water Resources me up if you're in the neighborhood.” Management at UW-Madison. He writes, “I Chad Underwood ’96. Chad writes, “Over our started working as a eld hydrogeologist for WSP kids’ spring break the last two years we went (Twin Cities) in July 2017. It's been a nice mix of hiking out west. This year I had a conference o ce work with water sampling, soil sampling, in Florida during their spring break, so we and drilling thrown in pretty frequently. traded the hiking boots for swim suits and did a more “traditional” beach spring break instead. Tower-Soudan mine, spring 2018 24 STUDENT RESEARCH MELISSA HACKENMUELLER, CARLY MUELLER, LUKE BURDS, JOSEPH BECK AND DAY SPRING 2018 AND ADAM WIEST WITH BRIAN MAHONEY, RICHARD MATAITIS WITH HARRY JOL. LAUREL MC ELLISTREM, SARAH VITALE. Ground Penetrating Radar Investigation The Twenty Sixth Annual UW-Eau Claire Student Source Identi cation of Phosphorous of a Mass Grave and Malina Entrance Research Week was held April 30-May 4, 2018 in Contamination Pathways in Surface Water at the HKP Site, Vilnius, Lithuania. Davies Center on the UWEC campus. This event and Groundwater of Western Wisconsin: showcases faculty/student collaborative research NATHANIEL MCFARLAND Recognizing a Phosphorous Problem. A similar occurring on campus. The Geology Department WITH ROBERT LODGE. poster received the Best Undergraduate Poster has been very well represented throughout Metamorphic Petrography and Geochemistry award at the Wisconsin Section of the AWRA, the years, and this year was no exception. All of Garnet-Bearing Gneisses in the Tobacco Appleton, WI, March 8-9, 2018. Melissa also of the students noted below presented posters Root Mountains, Southwestern Montana. gave an oral presentation of this work at the NC this year. We are very proud of our students! GSA meeting in Ames, IA, April 16-17, 2018. TYSON NOFFKE, MAKAYLA CHANDLER, AND Note: Students who presented posters at TREVOR NELSON WITH PHILLIP IHINGER. professional conferences are also indicated. Student Color Variation in Gemmy Amethyst from Vera travel to conferences was supported with money Cruz, Mexico: The Role of Contaminant Di usion. from the Geology Advancement Fund and the MAILE OLSON WITH ROBERT LODGE. O ce of Research and Sponsored Programs. Komatiite-Hosted Nickel-Copper Mineralization JACKELYN ANDERSON WITH PHILLIP Potential in the Eastern Shebandowan Greenstone IHINGER. Chemical Characterization of Belt, Ontario, Canada; also presented at the ILSG Native American Glass Trade Beads. meeting in Iron Mountain, MI, May 16-17, 2018. KAELYN BLOTZ WITH ROBERT LODGE. Melissa Hackenmueller and Carly Mueller with award-winning AWRA poster. ASHLEY THOMPSON, ALEXANDRA COOK, Characteristics of Ore and Trace Mineral KATRINA KAWAK, SAMANTHA KLEICH, LUCY HORST WITH ROBERT LODGE. Assemblages at the Flambeau Volcanogenic RICHARD MATAITIS, NATHANIEL MCFARLAND Three-Dimensional Modelling and Massive Sul de Deposit, Northwestern Wisconsin; AND BETTY WALTER WITH SCOTT CLARK. Reconstruction of the Crandon Volcanogenic also presented at the North-Central (NC) GSA Waste Disposal Behaviors of University Students: Massive Sul de Deposit, Northeastern meeting in Ames, IA, April 16-17, 2018, and Measuring the Impact of Intervention E orts. the Institute on Lake Superior Geology (ILSG) Wisconsin; also presented at the NC GSA KYLE TOLLEFSON WITH PHILLIP IHINGER. meeting in Iron Mountain, MI, May 16-17, 2018. meeting in Ames, IA, April 16-17, 2018. Color in Watermelon Tourmaline: The Role CARTER BOSWELL WITH KENT SYVERSON. REGAN JACOBSON WITH ROBERT LODGE. of Hydroxyl Di usion; also presented at the GIS Analysis of Evidence for a Late Wisconsinan Reconstructing Paleoproterozoic Volcanism GSA-Seattle meeting, October 22-25, 2017. Calving Embayment in the Penobscot River Valley in Northwestern Wisconsin: Geochemistry JACOB VIRCKS WITH PHILLIP IHINGER. Region near Bangor, Maine; also presented at the of the Flambeau Cu-Zn-Au Mine; also Major Element Variations in the NC GSA meeting in Ames, IA, April 16-17, 2018. presented at the ILSG meeting in Iron Evolving Skaergaard Magma Chamber: Mountain, MI, May 16-17, 2018. MARIA DELGADO GOMEZ AND MICHAEL A Computer Simulation to Test the WENZEL WITH PATRICIA CLEARY. SAMANTHA KLEICH WITH ROBERT HOOPER. Sequential Extraction Model. Pushing the Envelope: MP-AES Detection A21C-2175 Minor and Trace Element Chemistry Limits for Pb in Drinking Water. ADAM WIEST AND CARLY MUELLER of Urban NS-Soot from the Central Valley WITH BRIAN MAHONEY, LAUREL MC EMILY FINGER AND DUABCHI of CA, USA; also presented at the AGU- ELLISTREM, AND SARAH VITALE. VANG WITH SARAH VITALE. New Orleans, December 11-15, 2017. An Environmental Baseline for Western Wisconsin Assessment of Long-Term Groundwater Trace Metal Concentrations; modi ed versions Level Records in Wisconsin from 1937- RICHARD MATAITIS, JOSEPH BECK AND also presented at GSA-Seattle October 22- 2017; also presented at the NC GSA LUKE BURDS WITH HARRY JOL. 25, 2017, and the national SME meeting in meeting in Ames, IA, April 16-17, 2018. Foredune Development on the Curonian Spit, Lithuania: Interpretation Minneapolis February 26-28, 2018. Received WILLIAM FITZPATRICK WITH PHILLIP IHINGER. through Ground Penetrating Radar Best Poster Award in Environmental Division (graduate and undergraduate) and a $1000 prize. The Distribution of Hydrous Impurities in Quartz: and Geomorphic Cross-Sections. The Role of Twinning. also presented at the GSA-Seattle meeting, October 22-25, 2017. RICHARD MATAITIS AND CARLY MUELLER WITH HARRY JOL. WILLIAM FITZPATRICK WITH ROBERT HOOPER Geomorphic Interpretation of Connor AND ROBERT LODGE. Mineral Chemistry of the Point and Rice Point: Analysis through Tower Mountain Gold Prospect; also presented Ground Penetrating Radar. at the ILSG meeting in Iron Mountain, MI, May 16-17, 2018 where he received the Best Student Poster Award (graduate and undergraduate!). Adam Wiest, Carly Mueller, and Melissa Hackenmueller with award-winning SME poster.
25 DONATIONS HOW TO DONATE advancement funds are becoming increasingly after their family or the name of a loved or critical. Therefore, we have been working with honored one. Some have endowed scholarships The Geology funds with UW-Eau Claire the Foundation O ce to learn more about in the name of a favorite professor. Foundation are used to support a wide range of establishing a named lecture series, new - The donor(s) may help develop scholarship activities in the Department, including student scholarships, etc. If you would happen to be criteria with the assistance of a development travel to professional meetings, faculty/student interested in establishing a scholarship within o cer. Preferences rather than requirements eld trips, faculty recruitment, and student the Department of Geology, here are a few are most often expressed. Preferences may scholarships. The attached slip is intended basic guidelines from the Foundation O ce. involve academic major, nancial need, to make it easy to contribute to the Geology - All gifts to the UWEC Foundation are tax international study, academic promise, rst- funds. Please be assured that your gift will be deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. year student or upper-division status. greatly appreciated and it will be used e ectively You may use cash, checks, credit cards, stocks within the Department. In addition to nancial or other tangible assets to fund a scholarship. - IRS regulations prevent donors from designating support, we also welcome and encourage your family members as recipients or from selecting the support by volunteering to speak to our majors/ - Two types of scholarships exist: the recipients themselves. Donors may be noti ed of minors about your job experiences, o ering annual scholarship, which is funded each the nalists and will be noti ed of the recipients. possible job opportunities to our students, or by year, and the endowed scholarship, where the donation of equipment or eld supplies. principal is invested and only the income is If you would like more information about used for the annual scholarship award. establishing an annual or endowed scholarship, During the past year, 86 individuals/companies please feel free to contact the Foundation donated $70,355 to the Geology Foundation - A minimum commitment of $500 is required O ce at 715/836-5630. We ask that if the accounts—a new record! Please understand to establish an annual scholarship fund. UWEC Foundation O ce calls you asking for that all gifts, large or small, are greatly a donation, please remember the Geology appreciated! Please consider giving something - A minimum investment of $10,000 is required to advancement funds! If you work for a corporation back to your undergraduate department. establish an endowed fund; there is no maximum. or a geology-related rm, please inquire if your company has a matching program for Due to state budget cuts and increasing - The name of the scholarship is determined contributions to academic geology departments. gasoline prices, alumni gifts to the department’s by the donor(s). Most name a scholarship THANK YOU Milestone Materials* Roger and Julie Oreskovich DEPARTMENT DONORS! Timothy Molitor* Curtis and Laura Peck (in memory of Ronald & Thora Willis) Paul and Welthy Soni-Myers* (in memory Steven Pierce The Department thanks the generous of Ronald & Thora Willis) David Risch donors listed below who have contributed Larry and Ellen Nelson* Securian Foundation to Geology Department accounts with Curtis Peck* Short Elliot Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) UW-Eau Claire Foundation from June Steven Pierce Bruce and Mary Swenson 1, 2017 through May 31, 2018. Pinion Hill Resources LLC* (in memory James Tannler (in memory of Ronald & Thora Willis)
BECKSTROM GEOLOGY MAJOR SCHOLARSHIP of Ronald & Thora Willis) John and Christine Tinker Gregory Beckstrom Michelle Roth* Chad and Alison Underwood Kent and Lila Syverson (in memory Unimin Corp. PAUL MYERS & RONALD WILLIS GEOLOGY of Ronald & Thora Willis) FIELD CAMP SCHOLARSHIP THE ADOPT CORPORATE CONTRIBUTIONS A FIELD CAMPER CAMPAIGN GEOLOGY ADVANCEMENT FUND TO RESPONSIBLE MINING INITIATIVE * indicates adopter of at least one field camper Olivia Alloy Kristin Weaver Bowman Badger Mining Corp. Aquila Resources Nathalie Brandes Barr Engineering Co. Badger Mining Corp. Braun Intertec Corp.* Kristin Weaver Bowman Barr Engineering Joshua Carlisle* Chevron Corporation Big Rock Exploration Chevron Corporation* Mark and Molly Ciardelli Cedar Corp. Charles Louis Christopher (in memory of Ronald Willis) Gregory and Shari Durocher Fairmount Santrol Inc. Michael Cummings* Fairmount Santrol Inc. Foth Environmental Ryan and Karilyn Dayton Foth Environmental Haley & Aldrich, Inc. ExxonMobil Foundation* Nicholas Freiburger Ho man Construction Co. Michelle Forgette* Greater Green Bay Community Foundation In ll Thinking Ronald Hutter Kristen Lynn Gunderson-Inden Maptek Diane Kelsch Lucy Horst Mathy Construction Kimberly-Clark Foundation Inc. Gail Lundeen Milestone Materials Ric and Jacqueline Kopp* (in memory Gregory Michael Northern Industrial Sands of Ronald & Thora Willis) Claudia Moore Petroleum Connection Gillian Krezoski* (in memory of Cale Anger) Sarah and Kristian Moore Short, Elliot, & Hendrickson Inc. (SEH) Taryn Lopez (in memory of Charles Lopez) Jean Morrison Smart Sand Inc. Mathy Construction* Carly Mueller Unimin Corporation Jamie and Monica Oakley Weld Riley, S.C. 26 Steven and Pamela Olson (in memory WGNHS of Bud & Jane Stromer) Wisconsin Industrial Sand Association (WISA) DONATION SLIP
Our Geology Department Advancement Fund is the primary support fund for the department. It is used to support a wide range of activities in the NAME Department including student travel to national meetings, special research and instructional equipment, faculty recruitment, and the seminar ADDRESS program. If you choose, your gift can also be applied in part or total to individual scholarship CITY STATE ZIP award funds. See information above for minimum commitments for establishing your own scholarship. Undesignated funds will be credited PHONE EMAIL to the Geology Department Advancement Fund.
Mailing Address: $ ______Geology Department Advancement Fund (#279) UW-Eau Claire Foundation $ ______Myers/Willis Field Camp Scholarship Fund (#1633) (Adopt a Field Camper) Scho eld Hall 214 | 105 Gar eld Ave Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004 $ ______Emeriti Faculty Scholarship Fund - Unnamed (#1632)
Give Online: $ ______Dr. John R. Bergstrom Scholarship (#2475) connect.uwec.edu/donate $ ______Hydrogeology Advancement (#2271) and select a Geology fund option. $ ______Total Contribution (tax deductible)
______My employer (or my spouse’s) will match this gift.
EMPLOYER ______I have made plans to bene t the Geology Department through my estate. Please have someone contact me.
______Please send me information about how I might make provisions in my estate to bene t the Geology Department.
Please indicate how you wish your contribution to be recorded:
Record jointly with my spouse ______
Record in my name only
In memory of ______
PAYMENT METHOD My check is enclosed (made payable to UW-Eau Claire Foundation)
Credit card gift
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NUMBER EXP. DATE
SIGNATURE DATE
27 Non-Profi t Org. U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 1557 DEPARTMENT OF GEOLOGY 102-2-064502 Eau Claire, WI 105 Garfi eld Avenue | P.O. Box 4004 Eau Claire, WI 54702-4004
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