Kentucky Geological Survey to host 63rd annual seminar

The Kentucky Geological Survey (KGS) at the University of Kentucky will host its 63rd annual seminar on May 15 at the Jacobs Science Building, Room 121, on the UK campus. For this largest annual gathering of geologists in Kentucky, the theme is “KGS for the Commonwealth.” The seminar will explore the breadth of KGS research impact and include behind-the-scenes presentations of KGS collaborations and research resources.  

“This year’s annual seminar aims to really shine a light on all the great research and collaborations going on at the Kentucky Geological Survey,” said KGS Acting Director William “Drew” Andrews, Ph.D. “I’m hopeful that this year’s seminar will increase awareness and engagement of students, community members, scholars and researchers interested in the Kentucky Geological Survey and its impact on Kentucky.”

Gina Lukoczki, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and KGS geologist, will discuss ongoing KGS critical minerals research. Jason Dortch, Ph.D., assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and KGS geologist, and Meredith Swallom, KGS surficial geologist, both in the KGS mapping section, will discuss their flood and lidar modelling work. Matt Crawford, Ph.D., adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and KGS geologist, will present on the KGS landslide program and outreach. Steve Greb, Ph.D., adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and KGS geologist and energy and minerals acting section head, will discuss KGS carbon management projects. Marty Parris, Ph.D., adjunct professor in the College of Arts and Sciences and KGS geologist, will offer insights on the collaboration with Kentucky Division of Oil and Gas in measuring methane from orphaned wells. Liz Adams, KGS archives manager, will provide an overview of the Paul Edwin Potter summer internship program and recognize the incoming 2024 interns.

These KGS experts will be joined by Brad Lee, Ph.D., professor in the UK Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, who will offer insights on the UK-CAFE/KGS Edge-of-Field projects and Stacy Stanifer, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UK College of Nursing, who will discuss cooperation in radon research. Ethan Davis, 2024 UK Earth and Environmental Sciences MS graduate, will present his thesis on Kentucky meteorites.  

KGS staff will present posters throughout the day with a range of topics from digitizing physical geologic specimens to variations in trace element distributions.  

Unique to this year’s seminar, there will be an opportunity for seminar participants to provide feedback on KGS research and data products. KGS will also host a jobs table where employers can advertise their job openings. Students and job seekers are invited to bring resumes.

The seminar is free and open to the public, but registration is required by May 10. Check-in will be from 8-8:30 a.m. Opening remarks will start at 8:30 a.m. Lunch is provided from noon-1 p.m. The seminar will conclude at 4 p.m. Participants can park at Parking Structure No. 2, 301 Hilltop Ave., Lexington, Kentucky 40506. 

Certificates for continuing education credits will be available. 

For more information, visit the KGS website.