News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, May 24, 2007
LAWRENCE--Four University of Kansas students were recognized this spring for outstanding achievement at the Kansas Geological Survey, based on KU's west campus.
Shelby Walters, a graduate student in geophysics, received the William W. Hambleton Student Research Award. As a research assistant in the Survey's Exploration Services section, she was active in collecting geophysical data for a study of the movement of carbon dioxide in an oil field in Russell County. The award is named for the Survey's director from 1970 to 1986.
Laura Murphy, a graduate student in anthropology, was presented with the Lee C. and Darcy Gerhard Field Research Student Award. Murphy works in the geoarcheology program in the Survey's Stratigraphic Research Section. She is involved in archeological investigations in northwestern Kansas, developing methods of processing and analyzing samples from the field. The award is named after the Survey's director from 1987 to 1999 and his wife.
Ian Ramirez, a graduate student in urban planning, was the recipient of the Norman Plummer Outstanding Student Award. Ramirez works in the Survey's Cartographic Services program, developing maps and other activities related to geographic information systems. The award is named after Norman Plummer, a Survey employee from 1936 to 1969.
Nicholas Schneider, an undergraduate in geology, received the Frank C. Foley Geohydrology Student Travel Award. Schneider works in the Survey's Geohydrology section, helping develop data on the Ogallala aquifer and helping process samples from a study of nitrate issues in southwestern Kansas. The award is named after the Survey's director from 1954 to 1970.
The Kansas Geological Survey studies and provides information on the state's geologic resources and hazards, particularly ground water, oil, natural gas, and other minerals. It employs approximately 40 students.
The recipients were given cash awards and certificates, presented by the Survey's director William Harrison in a mid-May ceremony.