Bednarz Named Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence

Dr. Sarah Bednarz was named one of two 2008 winners of Texas A&M University’s Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence Award. With stipends of $25,000 each, these awards are believed to be the highest in monetary value of their type in the nation. Texas A&M President Elsa Murano will formally present the awards at the university’s spring 2008 commencement ceremonies.

Bednarz came to Texas A&M in 1988 as a lecturer, having previously taught public schools at A&M Consolidated, Hearne and St. Mary’s School in Evanston, Ill. She holds degrees from Mount Holyoke College, the University of Chicago and Texas A&M. She has published more than 70 scholarly papers and has given presentations at more than 100 conferences and symposia around the world. She is the winner of numerous awards, among them the Gilbert Grosvenor Award from the Association of American Geographers, the George Miller Award from the National Council for Geographic Education and several teaching awards from The Association of Former Students.

The award, established in 2003 by former President Robert M. Gates to underscore the importance of teaching at a major research university, includes the title of “Presidential Professor for Teaching Excellence” – with the recipient retaining that title for the remainder of his or her career. Nominations of the recipients were made by students, faculty members and deans by each of the university’s 10 colleges. The Faculty Senate reviews each and narrows the list, and the president makes the final selections. 

Orville Named Sigma Xi’s 2008 Distinguished Scientist

Dr. Richard E. Orville, professor of Atmospheric Sciences in the College of Geosciences, has been selected by the Texas A&M University Chapter of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Society, to receive their Distinguished Scientist Award for 2008. Orville is one of the world’s foremost experts on lightning. His research contributions include advances in the physics of lightning, such as developing and implementing the National Lightning Detection Network. Sigma Xi is a diverse chapter-based organization dedicated to the advancement of science and engineering through outstanding programs and services delivered in a collegial and supportive environment. The Society’s mission is to recognize, encourage and promote scientific research at Texas A&M University and to honor the community of science scholars.

Lafon Receives Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching

Dr. Charles Lafon, Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography, College of Geosciences, has been honored with a 2008 Distinguished Achievement Award for Teaching. The award recognizes, encourages, and rewards superior classroom teachers –individuals whose command of their respective discipline, teaching methodologies, and commitment exemplify the meaning of teacher in its highest sense. The Distinguished Achievement Awards are given annually by the University and funded by the Association of Former Students.

Oceanography Graduate Students Recognized with National Fellowship Award

Daniel Murphy and Masako Tominaga, graduate students in the Department of Oceanography, have been named two of five 2007-2008 Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellows by the Joint Oceanographic Institutions' US Science Support Program, associated with the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) at Texas A&M. Murphy and Tominaga received the honor for outstanding research related to IODP. Murphy’s research project is titled: “North Pacific Intermediate Water Circulation Over the Last 60 Kyr: Southern California Margin,” and Tominaga’s research is titled: “Determination of Volcanostratigraphy of ODP/IODP Hole 1256D: Core-Log Integration of Oceanic Crust Formed at a Superfast Spreading Rate.” (click here to see news article)

New Endowed Chair Honors William R. Bryant

Twenty-three former students and associates of Professor William R. Bryant have given a total of $1 million dollars to establish an endowed chair in his name in the Department of Oceanography within the College of Geosciences. The William R. Bryant Oceanography Chair for Teaching, Research and Mentoring Excellence was announced at a dinner held in Bryant’s honor on Friday, February 1, 2008. Bryant is the first faculty member at Texas A&M University to receive all three of the Association of Former Students highest University-level awards – the Distinguished Achievement Award in Research in 1982, the Distinguished Achievement Award in Teaching in 2001, and the Distinguished Achievement Award in Mentoring in 2007. He is an accomplished and dedicated educator and scientist who, as evidenced by creation of this endowed chair, has profoundly impacted the lives and careers of his students. This is the first chair in the College to be endowed by a large group of former students from a single department, and it is only the second chair created to benefit the Department of Oceanography. With the addition of the Bryant Chair, there are now 11 endowed chairs in the College of Geosciences to attract and retain outstanding faculty.

North Receives the Jule G. Charney Award

Dr. Gerald North, Distinguished Professor in the Atmospheric Sciences Department of the College of Geosciences, has been named the 2008 recipient of the American Meteorological Society’s Jule G. Charney Award. This award is granted to individuals in recognition of highly significant research or development achievement in the atmospheric or hydrologic sciences. Dr. North is cited "for groundbreaking research on climate models, atmospheric statistics, and satellite mission development." Dr. North will receive the award at the American Meteorological Society Annual Meeting in January 2008 in New Orleans. For more information visit the College of Geosciences or the Department of Atmospheric Sciences.

Atmospheric Sciences Professor Wins Outstanding Publication Award

Dr. Fuqing Zhang, an associate professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, and Chris Snyder, a senior scientist for the Earth and Sun Systems Laboratory (ESSL), received the 2007 Outstanding Publication Award from the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) for their collaborative study published in the Monthly Weather Review. The article, titled "Assimilation of simulated Doppler radar observations with an ensemble Kalman filter," discusses a new method of assimilating convective-style radar data to improve short-term modeling of thunderstorms. The article was published in 2003 and has since stimulated many research efforts on the subject. Dr. Zhang has been teaching at Texas A&M since 2001 and has coauthored more than 50 peer-refereed publications.

Dr. Gilbert Rowe Named Regents Professor

Dr. Gilbert Rowe, Head of the Department of Marine Biology at Texas A&M at Galveston and Professor of Oceanography in the College of Geosciences, was honored with the title "Regents Professor" Thursday during an open session of the Texas A&M Board of Regents. The prestigious title, given to several A&M system professors and administrators annually, recognizes distinguished records in teaching, research and service. Honorees received a medallion, a certificate and a $9,000 stipend.

Dr. Epifanio Awarded 2007 AFS College Level Teaching Award

Dr. Craig Epifanio was awarded the 2007 AFS College Level Teaching Award at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Dr. Epifanio is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. He came to Texas A&M in 2002 and received his Ph.D. from the University of Washington.

Dr. Thomas Awarded 2007 AFS College Level Teaching Award

Dr. Debbie Thomas was awarded the 2007 AFS College Level Teaching Award at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Dr. Thomas is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Oceanography. She came to Texas A&M in 2004 and received her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina.

Dr. Cairns Awarded for Distinguishment Achievement: Faculty Teaching

Dr. David Cairns was awarded the 2007 Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Teaching at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Dr. Cairns is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography. He came to Texas A&M in 1998. Dr. Cairns received his M.S. from the University of Florida and his Ph.D. from the University of Iowa.

Dr. Collins Awarded for Distinguished Achievement: Faculty Research

Dr. Donald Collins was awarded the 2007 Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Faculty Research at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Dr. Collins is an Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences. He came to Texas A&M in 1999 and received his Ph.D. from the California Institute of Technology.

Dr. Howard Awarded for Distinguished Achievement: Research Scientist

Dr. Matthew Howard was awarded the 2007 Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for a Research Scientist at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Dr. Howard is an Associate Research Scientist in the Department of Oceanography. He came to Texas A&M in 1982 and received his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 1992.

Ms. Foster Awarded for Distinguished Achievement: Administrative Staff

Ms. Margaret “Peggy” Foster was awarded the 2007 Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Administrative Staff at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Ms. Foster is an Assistant to the Director of Texas Sea Grant. She came to Texas A&M in 1995 and has been with Texas Sea Grant since 1997.

Ms. Simmons-Fulton Awarded for Distinguished Achievement: Administrative Staff

Ms. Rhonda Simmons-Fulton was awarded the 2007 Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Administrative Staff at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Ms. Simmons-Fulton is a Business Associate III in the Dean’s Office of the College of Geosciences. She came to Texas A&M in 1999 and has been with the Dean’s office since 2004.

Ms. Stark Awarded for Distinguished Achievement: Administrative Staff

Ms. Debra Stark was awarded the 2007 Dean’s Distinguished Achievement Award for Administrative Staff at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Ms. Stark is a Business Associate II in the Department of Geology & Geophysics. She has been with Texas A&M since 1998 and has been in Geology & Geophysics since 2000.

Dr. Nowlin Awarded Distinguished Professor Emeritus Title

Dr. Worth Nowlin was awarded the title Distinguished Professor Emeritus in the Department of Oceanography at the College’s annual fall meeting November 2. Dr. Nowlin has been with Texas A&M since 1971. He received his B.A., M.S., and Ph.D. from Texas A&M.

Dr. Sarah Brooks Honored by President Bush

Dr. Sarah Brooks, an assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M, received a Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) on November 1, 2007 at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. The PECASE is the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers beginning their independent careers. Selected for their innovative research which is at the frontier of science and technology, PECASE nominees must show exceptional potential to shape the future through intellectual and inspired leadership. Their educational activities must reflect a spirit of community service and may include efforts to help their colleagues or the public understand the nature and implications of their scientific research. The White House, following recommendations from participating agencies, confers the awards annually (see White House website).

Winner of the Breheny Prize

Dr. Daniel Sui, professor of geography and holder of the Reta A Haynes endowed chair in the College of Geosciences, has won the Michael Breheny Prize for best paper published in the journal Environment and Planning B: Planning and Design. Dr. Sui currently serves as assistant vice president for research and director for Geospatial Information Science and Technology (GIST) at Texas A&M. He has held visiting professorships at the University of California (Santa Barbara) in 2001 and the National University of Singapore in 2006. He also served as a senior research scientist at the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) headquarters in Rome in 1999. This annual prize was established to honor the work and continue the memory of Michael Breheny, coeditor of the journal from 1989 to 2003.

Jennifer McGuire Named Montague Scholar Teacher

Dr. Jennifer McGuire, assistant professor of Geology & Geophysics, has been named a Montague Center for Teaching Excellence Scholar. The Montague-CTE Scholar program, named for founding donor Kenneth Montague ‘37, honors early-career excellence in undergraduate teaching at Texas A&M. The intent of the program is to recognize one tenure-track assistant professor in each college who has already demonstrated a commitment to, and potential for, excellence in undergraduate teaching. This award includes a $5,000 grant to encourage further development of undergraduate teaching excellence.

Morse & Grossman Named GSA Fellows

Dr. John W. Morse, Oceanography, and Dr. Ethan L. Grossman, Geology & Geophysics, were recently recognized by the Geological Society of America (GSA). They were among 46 geological scientists selected as 2007 GSA Fellows and will be recognized at the 2007 GSA Annual Meeting Presidential Address & Awards Ceremony on Saturday 27 October at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver. Dr. Morse was cited for having “defined the field of physical chemistry of calcium carbonate in seawater and the controls on the carbonate composition depth in the ocean”, and Dr. Grossman was cited for his contribution to “pioneering research in stable isotope geochemistry and its applications to paleoecology, aquifer, and groundwater chemistry and Late Paleozoic climate.”Drs. Grossman and Morse join a host of GSA Fellows in the College, including Drs. Gordon Eaton, Paul J. Fox, John R. Giardino, Earl R. Hoskins, Christopher C. Mathewson, John Spang, Robert Stanton, Michael R. Waters, David Wiltschko, Thomas Yancey, and Hongbin Zhan.

Bouma is 2007 Sydney Powers Memorial Award Winner

Dr. Arnold Bouma of the Department of Geology & Geophysics received the 2007 Sydney Powers Memorial Award from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists. The award, a gold medal, is given "in recognition of distinguished and outstanding contributions to, or achievements in, petroleum geology." Dr. Bouma is famous for his pioneering studies of turbidites, deep-water deposits with a complex sequence of sedimentary features now known as a Bouma sequence. Texas A&M University boasts two former recipients of the Powers Medal, former student Michel T. Halbouty (’30) and former holder of the Halbouty Chair, Dr. Robert R. Berg.

Bednarz Recognized for Outstanding Work as an Educator

Dr. Sarah Bednarz of the Department of Geography received the Gilbert H. Grosvenor Honors in Geographic Education award from the Association of American Geographers for outstanding work as an educator. Nominations for these honors are reviewed by committees that include at least two former winners, and nominations are voted on by the Association Council. Dr. Bednarz’s primary research interests focus on cognition, geography education, and ways geospatial technologies support the development of spatial thinking. Her secondary research interests include environmental and geosciences education and curriculum development in these areas.

Sherman Elected AAAS Fellow

Dr. Douglas Sherman was elected as a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for distinguished contributions to the field of coastal geomorphology, particularly for sedimentary structures created by waves and aeolian processes in the near-shore environment. Dr. Sherman is head of the Geography Department and a geomorphologist interested in fundamental earth surface processes, especially those involving sand transport by wind and waves. Dr. Sherman also maintains a general interest in the histories, methodologies, and philosophies of geomorphology.

Geosciences Business Associate Receives Business Award

Rhonda Fulton, Business Associate III, in the College of Geosciences' Dean's Office, was the 2007 recipient of the CSBA Best in Business Award for Classified Staff. She received the award for having made distinguished contributions to Texas A&M University and exemplifying outstanding service. She was presented with an engraved plaque and a $500 cash award at the CSBA Spring Professional Development Workshop yesterday, May 22, 2007. (click here to see news article)

Geology Student Receives Brown-Rudder Award

William Dennis Dugat IV, a geology major from Austin, has been named a 2007 recipient of the Brown Foundation-Earl Rudder Memorial Outstanding Student Award. To be eligible for the Brown-Rudder award, a student must demonstrate outstanding academic achievement, leadership, be a member of an honor or professional society and have participated in extracurricular activities, including community service, with dedication to Texas A&M and its principles. This honor is presented to the two most outstanding graduating seniors with these attributes. (click here to see news article)

Distinguished Professor Honored as TOS Fellow

Dr. Robert A. Duce, a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University, has been named as one of four scientists to be honored by The Oceanography Society (TOS) as a 2006 TOS Fellow. Dr. Duce, who served as the Dean of the College of Geosciences from 1991 through 1997, was given this award during the organization’s most recent meeting in Honolulu, Hawaii on Feb. 23rd.

Associate Professor Named 2006 Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellow

Dr. Andy Dessler (reinvestment faculty hire, May 2005), an Associate Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences, is one 18 academic environmental scientists from the United States and Canada to be awarded a 2006 Aldo Leopold Leadership Fellowship. (click here to see news article)

Geology Graduate Recognized with National Fellowship Award

Hiroko Kitajima, a PhD student in the Department of Geology and Geophysics has been named one of the seven 2006-2007 Schlanger Ocean Drilling Fellows by the Joint Oceanographic Institutions' U.S. Science Support Program, associated with the Integrated Ocean Drilling Program at Texas A&M. Kitajima, who originally hails from Fukuoka, Japan, received this honor for her research proposal titled: "Sediment consolidation state and fluid flow properties of Nankai Trough and Cascadia Margin accretionary subduction zones." (click here to see news article)

Assistant Professor Receives NSF Career Award

The National Science Foundation (NSF) recently awarded Dr. Sarah Brooks, an assistant professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University, with a career award for her research proposal titled “Career: Chemical Processing and Cloud Nucleation Activity of Spot Aerosol.” The award grants Dr. Brooks 4,000 to be spread over five years. (click here to see news article)

Geosciences Department Head Honored

The head of Texas A&M University’s Department of Atmospheric Sciences, Dr. Richard Orville, was named recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to the Advance of Applied Meteorology by the American Meteorological Society, on February 1st at the annual meeting of the AMS in Atlanta, GA. (click here to see news article)