March 31, 2026
The New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources at New Mexico Tech will present the 2026 Earth Science Achievement Award for Research and Education to Dr. David W. Love, emeritus senior principal environmental geologist at the bureau. A respected field geologist, collaborator, and educator, Love is being recognized for a career spanning more than four decades of research and public service that has significantly advanced understanding of New Mexico’s geology while inspiring fellow scientists, students, and teachers across the state. The award will be presented at the 2026 New Mexico Geological Society Spring Meeting on April 17 at the Macy Center on the New Mexico Tech campus.
Throughout his career, Love has been widely admired for his detailed field observations, broad curiosity in all things geology, and collaborative spirit. His work spans geology, geomorphology, sedimentology, and environmental hazards, with a particular focus on the landscape evolution of the American Southwest. Much of that work has centered on New Mexico, where his studies have helped scientists better understand the processes that shape the state’s landscapes and influence water resources, environmental management, and geologic hazards.
“We do not regularly recognize one of our own researchers for this award; however, Dr. Love exemplifies the very best kind of public servant,” said Bureau of Geology Director and State Geologist Mike Timmons. “He is a very talented, interdisciplinary, and impactful researcher with an innate ability to connect with anyone, regardless of background, to better understand geologic processes and their impacts on the human experience. We are very honored to recognize Dr. Love’s important contributions to New Mexico geology and his enduring work to bring our science to the public.”
Love earned his undergraduate degrees in geology and anthropology from Beloit College in 1969 and his MS and PhD in geology from the University of New Mexico in 1971 and 1980, respectively. His doctoral research examined the geology of Chaco Canyon—a nexus of geology and archaeology. That work helped establish a foundation for decades of research exploring how climate, sediment transport, and landscape evolution have shaped the environments and people of the Southwest.
Love joined the bureau as an environmental geologist immediately after graduating from UNM in 1980, and over the course of his 36-year career, he contributed to a wide range of geologic investigations across New Mexico. His studies helped increase understanding of arroyo development—a process that affects land use, water management, and environmental change—as well as past climatic conditions in southern New Mexico and basin evolution in the middle Rio Grande rift. Fieldwork was central to Love’s approach to geology, and he led and contributed to numerous mapping projects and field studies. Colleagues often recall his remarkable ability to link small features of the landscape to much larger stories about ancient lakes, shifting climates, and the evolution of desert landscapes.
“I first started working with Dave in the mid 1990s,” said Sean Connell, a collaborator who worked with Love in the Albuquerque region. “To me, Dave’s career reflects a rare combination of dedication and meticulous attention to detail—an ability to recognize the significance of subtle features and relationships that others might easily overlook.”
Another hallmark of Love’s fieldwork was his willingness to engage students and younger geologists, particularly early-career scientists at the bureau. Love was never shy about sharing his knowledge of the state, helping build confidence among younger geologists while reinforcing the collaborative spirit he brought to scientific work.
“I've had the pleasure of working with Dave since 2008, first as a PhD student and now as a professional,” said former student and colleague Alex Rinehart. “With his characteristic humility, he always sees to the center of a geologic question, sharing it with pun-filled wit and passion, usually with his eyes twinkling. During many long, windy days in the field, he taught me so much by example about being a good human and scientist.”
Love produced an extensive body of work documenting the geology of New Mexico and the broader Southwest, including more than 70 scientific papers, reports, guidebook articles, and conference abstracts, along with over a dozen geologic maps and quadrangle studies. Many of these publications were collaborative efforts that brought together geologists, archaeologists, hydrologists, and paleontologists to better understand the region’s complex landscapes. Love was—and still is—a faithful contributor to New Mexico Geological Society Fall Field Conference guidebooks, and readers will find few guidebooks that don’t contain one of his articles. Fittingly, the 2016 NMGS guidebook was dedicated to Love.
In addition to his research accomplishments, Love has long been recognized for his dedication to education and outreach. Up until his retirement in 2016, he participated in nearly every Rockin’ Around New Mexico, a Bureau of Geology outreach program that brings earth science education to K–12 educators across the state each summer. Through this effort, Love helped connect teachers with hands-on geology, sharing the stories behind New Mexico’s landscapes and encouraging curiosity about the natural world. Similarly, Love was a faithful contributor to Lite Geology, a biannual bureau publication designed to make geologic concepts accessible to the general public.
“One thing is obvious: David Love works harder than anyone I have ever known and asks for little or no recognition for contributions over the decades to the scientific community,” said long-term collaborator Susie Welch, who ran the bureau’s outreach program throughout the latter part of Love’s career. “He cared about making the world a better place.”
Even late in his career and into (quasi) retirement, Love has maintained a deep enthusiasm for learning and discovery. He continues to explore new questions about New Mexico’s geology, participate in field investigations, and collaborate with colleagues. That lifelong curiosity, combined with a remarkable generosity, kindness, and humility, undoubtedly made him a respected figure in the geological community.
Upon learning that he would receive the Earth Science Achievement Award, Love expressed gratitude for the many colleagues, students, and collaborators who shaped his career and shared in the exploration of New Mexico’s landscapes.
“This award humbles me to be included with so many truly outstanding earth science luminaries from previous years. Wonderful teachers, mentors, relatives, colleagues, friends, and students have educated me throughout my career in New Mexico and throughout the West. This award represents a ‘thank you’ for all their help, goodwill, expertise, friendship, and confidence. I thank Director Mike Timmons and previous directors at the Bureau of Geology, and all my friends and colleagues in the New Mexico Geological Society.”
In recognition of these contributions, the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources is proud to present the 2026 Earth Science Achievement Award for Research and Education to Dr. David W. Love.