2011 Earth Science Achievement Awards
We are a research and service division of:
The 2011 New Mexico Earth Science Achievement Awards were presented to Roger Madalena, for outstanding contributions advancing the role of earth science in areas of public service and public policy in New Mexico, and to Nicholas Bugosh, for outstanding contributions in advancing earth science and education in New Mexico. These awards, co-sponsored by the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, a division of New Mexico Tech in Socorro, and the Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) in Santa Fe, were initiated in 2003 to honor those often unrecognized champions of earth science issues vital to the future of New Mexico. Selections were made following a statewide nomination process.
The presentation occurred at noon in the rotunda of the state capitol building on Thursday, March 10, during the legislative session, in conjunction with Earth Science Day. The presentations were made by Brett Woods, the deputy cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, and by Dr. Peter Scholle, State Geologist and Director (now Emeritus) of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.
Public Policy & Service
Roger Madalena is the New Mexico State Representative from District 65. He has demonstrated leadership for ground water issues statewide. His understanding of water use as a community leader, a farmer, and a tribal member have made Roger a keen advocate of the science and technology necessary to manage New Mexico’s precious water resources. Roger has served as the tribal governor of Jemez Pueblo, a Sandoval County commissioner, and has been a member of the New Mexico House of Representatives since 1985. He was the longtime chair of the House Energy & Natural Resources Committee, and is currently chair of the House Agriculture & Water Resources Committee and co-chair of the Indian Affairs Committee.
Research & Education
Nicholas Bugosh is being recognized for his pioneering contributions to geomorphic reclamation. Initially developed in New Mexico and now being adopted throughout the world, geomorphic reclamation is the process of constructing watersheds on disturbed lands that simulate the relatively stable topography that the erosive forces of nature would eventually form over a very long time. The approximation of natural drainage patterns reduces erosion and sedimentation by creating shorter slopes with correct profiles, and by improving conditions for revegetation. Mr. Bugosh is currently the principal of Geofluv, Inc., which provides worldwide geomorphic reclamation training and design services. His training in geology and hydrology includes a B.S. in Geology and an M.S. in Earth Sciences
The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources is a non-regulatory research and service division of the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in Socorro that has served as the geological survey for the state of New Mexico since 1927. EMNRD provides resource protection, recreation, and resource development services to the public and other state agencies. Nominations for next year’s awards are welcome from the general public and may be made directly to the director of the Bureau of Geology.
Nominations for next year's awards are welcome from the general public.