GEOC Newsletter: Fall 2019
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR
Nadine Kabengi
Greeting, GEOC Division Members,
2019 was an exciting year for the Division of Geochemistry (GEOC) and its members!
From Orlando in the spring to San Diego in the fall, we did not only cover a lot of ground, but also a variety of topics in the 21+ symposia and sessions. From mineral crystallization, aggregation and dissolution, and microbial interactions in natural, geological processes and their application in remediation of contaminants to geochemistry of the urban and lived environment, and engaging students in chemistry and geochemistry with environmental issues and career pathways, GEOC showcased both depth and breadth. I want to thank you all your many contributions that made the GEOC programing successful.
In Orlando, the GEOC Division awarded the 2019 Geochemistry Medal to Dr. Everett Shock, Professor in the School of Earth and Space Exploration, and the School of Molecular Sciences, at Arizona State University. His insights into geochemical thermodynamics and his influence as a teacher and leader have transformed our understanding of chemistry in waters at high temperatures and pressures, challenged and changed our views on the origin of life, and pioneered new understanding of how microbes survive extreme environments, with implications for topics rang-ing from the origin of life to the exploration for life on icy worlds. Congratulations!
The GEOS proudly supports the next generation of Geochemists! In 2019, we continued this tradition and awarded eight student travel grants, five to Orlando and three to San Diego. Check out the names and affiliations of the winners in the awards section.
The traditional Tuesday-night GEOC Division social continued to be a huge success for members and their friends. In Orlando, 150+ guests gathered at the Blue martini lounge and feasted on upscale hors-d’oeuvres, enjoyed free drinks including specialty martini, and mingled for two full hours ;) These division-sponsored social events provide fun and effective ways to build community and strengthen our collaborative networks. I highly encourage you to attend and please feel free to bring collaborators, friends and significant others along. We look forward to further developing our Division and hope to see you all in the future at these events.
The Division is currently ramping up its activities in preparation for the 2020 meetings in Philadelphia
(March 22 -26, 2020) and San Francisco (August 16 – 20, 2020)! Be on the lookout for the abstracts calls and I urge you all to submit abstracts and to encourage all your eligible students to apply to the student travel award.
The GEOC Division is ran by a small but highly dedicated groups of folks! I would like to personally thank them all for their exemplary service and sustained excitement throughout the year. If you are interested in joining the executive committee by running for a leadership position in the GEOC or just looking for volunteering opportunities, let one of us know. We are all featured on the GEOC website. Follow GEOC on social media and do not be strangers. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.
It has been my pleasure to serve as the Division Chair in 2019. Thank you, sessions organizers and presenters, executive committee members and volunteers for another excellent year.
Nadine Kabengi, Ph.D.
Division Chair