Bureau researchers Stephen Laubach and Michael Young have been elected Fellows of the Geological Society of America (GSA). GSA Fellows are nominated by existing Fellows in recognition of their distinguished contributions to the geosciences through such avenues as publications; applied research; teaching; administration of geological programs; contributing to the public awareness of geology; leadership of professional organizations; and taking on editorial, bibliographic, and library responsibilities. Laubach and Young will be recognized in September at the 2016 GSA Annual Meeting Presidential Address & Awards Ceremony in Denver, Colorado.
Senior Researcher Stephen Laubach was nominated by Bureau Director and GSA Fellow Scott W. Tinker, who recognized Laubach “for his outstanding accomplishments and research in the geosciences. His contributions to geologic research are exemplified by his publication record and citations, and especially for his service, leadership, mentorship and research contributions in fracture mechanics, diagenesis and fracture formation in sedimentary basins.” Laubach was recently honored with the AAPG 2016 Distinguished Service Award and serves as the Executive Editor of SPE Reservoir Evaluation & Engineering. He is also a member of the Journal of Structural Geology Editorial Advisory Board, as well as of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science Council on Earth Sciences.
Bureau Associate Director (Environmental Division) Michael H. Young has achieved distinction for his significant research contributions on soils and related geologic systems, especially in the relationships between soil, water, plants, and time in arid regions. Said Young’s nominator, Bureau Senior Researcher and GSA Fellow Bridget R. Scanlon: “His research has significantly advanced understanding of water partitioning near the land surface considering climate forcing and ecosystems.” Young is the founding chair of the GSA Soils and Soil Processes Interdisciplinary Interest Group and has been instrumental in developing soil studies and water-resource-management research at the Bureau. Young is a member of the GSA’s Joint Technical Program Committee, as well as of the Graduate Studies Committee of the Energy and Earth Resources Program at the Jackson School of Geosciences at The University of Texas at Austin. He recently completed his three-year term as Editor of the Vadose Zone Journal.
