2008 Earth Science Achievement Awards
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The 2008 New Mexico Earth Science Achievement Awards was presented to Maxine Goad, for outstanding contributions advancing the role of earth science in areas of public service and public policy in New Mexico, and to Dr. Robert S. Bowman, 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 (NMBGMR), 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 occured at the rotunda of the state capitol building on Friday, January 25, 2008 during the legislative session in conjunction with Earth Science Day. The presentations were made by Joanna Prukop, cabinet secretary of the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department, and Dr. Paul Bauer, associate director of the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources.
Public Policy & Service
Maxine Goad was instrumental in the development of the state's ground water protection program in the 1970s, working first as a citizen advocate and then as a state employee to devise the rules that we use today. She was heavily involved in the oversight of uranium mining in the 1980s, where she oversaw studies that advanced the state's understanding of the potential and actual water quality impacts. In the early 1990s Maxine was very involved in the development and negotiation of a mine reclamation act for New Mexico. Maxine is currently an “at large” member of the state’s Water Quality Control Commission.
Research & Education
Rob Bowman is currently chair of the Department of Earth & Environmental Science at New Mexico Tech, where for the past 20 years he has taught hydrology and mentored over 40 graduate students who are now working in industry, consulting, government, and academia. His primary research interests relate to the origin of dissolved materials in surface and ground water. This important work includes studies on the transport of solvents and fuels from spill sites, and the movement of nutrients and pesticides below irrigated fields in shallow aquifers. His research has also focused on the development of practical and affordable methods for the removal of pollutants from ground water. Rob was pivotal in a statewide effort to improve estimates of evapotranspiration in the Rio Grande riparian corridor, the results of which has helped the state to better balance the varied water demands on the Rio Grande. Rob has served on the board of the Socorro Soil & Water Conservation District, and overseen the development of the Socorro-Sierra Regional Water Plan. He was the 2006 recipient of New Mexico Tech’s Distinguished Research Award.
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. The New Mexico 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.