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April 2006 Education, Outreach, & Support Briefs See more items in Jackson School Quarterly.
New library fund honors Charlie N. Chernoff, contributions welcomeFamily members of Charlie N. Chernoff, a former chief geophysicist at Chevron Geosciences and past recruiter of geophysicists at The University of Texas at Austin, have made pledges in his honor to establish a fund supporting library information in geophysics and remote sensing. The Chernoff Family Library Fund for Geophysics and Earth System Sensing will help the Walter Geology Library grow its geophysics collection. A corporate match from ConocoPhillips will complement the gifts. The donors invite friends and colleague of Chernoff to contribute to the fund to honor Charlie Chernoff. The goal is to raise a total of $100,000. "I'm really excited about this new opportunity," said Senior Librarian Dennis Trombatore. "This will give us more security against the vagaries of library budgets as we grow. I'm really grateful to the Chernoff family for keeping our library among the very best." Charlie Chernoff retired from Chevron in 1992. He was born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan, and completed his earth science education at the University of Saskatchewan. Chernoff started his career doing geological field mapping for Standard Oil. In 1960, he transitioned into geophysics. He remained in geophysics for the next 32 years, holding at retirement the position of chief geophysicist at Chevron. Chernoff's career encouraged several family members to pursue the geosciences. His brother, Michael Chernoff, has been a major contributor to the petroleum industry in Canada and Ecuador. Michael's son, Bruce Chernoff, works in the petroleum industry, as does Charlie's daughter, Dr. Carlotta Chernoff, who holds a doctorate in earth sciences. Two other Chernoffs, Michael's daughter Cathy and Charlie's daughter Cheryl, graduated from the School of Architecture at UT Austin. Friends of Charlie Chernoff interested in contributing to the fund should contact Dennis Trombatore in the Walter Geology Library, drtgeol@mail.utexas.edu, 512-495-4680. Bureau of Economic Geology's Tinker prepares to take the lead among state geologistsBureau of Economic Geology Director Scott W. Tinker, the state geologist of Texas, is an active member of the Association of American State Geologists (AASG), an organization that brings together state geologists from the 50 United States and Puerto Rico. As president-elect of AASG, Tinker has been responsible for organizing semiannual liaison meetings in Washington, D.C., so that AASG could bring its message of sound science to the Hill. These meetings give state geologists the opportunity to visit with key congressional staff, federal agencies, and other Washington organizations. The effort is aimed at bringing scientific issues to the forefront so that legislators and other decision makers can benefit from the knowledge state geologists and their colleagues hold concerning natural resources and the environment. AASG travels to Washington, D.C., in September and March every year for a several-day blitz of liaison meetings and briefings. On the most recent trip March 19–22, Tinker and other AASG representatives held meetings with the U.S. Geological Survey, American Geological Institute, Independent Petroleum Association of America, State and House Resources and Appropriations Committees, USDA Forest Service, Office of Management and Budget, National Geographic, and National Association of State Universities and Land-Grant Colleges, among other key organizations. Besides leaving with a full agenda of follow-up items of their own, AASG has created a series of AASG fact sheets to leave behind in Washington to educate stakeholders on topics ranging from the value of comprehensive geologic mapping to the need for analyzing and protecting vital groundwater resources. In looking back on the process, Tinker remarked, “If even just a few of the folks we visited are exposed to a science message that they had not heard or considered before, our trip will have been worth it.” Information about AASG and copies of the fact sheets may be viewed at the AASG Web site.  Also See:
Jackson School Explore UT Slide Show Austin Science Fun Day: Formerly held the same day as Explore UT, this annual outreache event now has its own day at the new Texas Natural Science Center  Explore UT, biggest open house in Texas, draws crowds to Jackson SchoolBringing more than 40,000 visitors to campus in one day, Explore UT is the largest annual showcase for the University. As an official college at UT Austin, the Jackson School hosted its first school-wide activities this year. By all measures they were a great success. Thousands of children of all ages visited the Geology building and took part in geoscience activities meant to inform and inspire. Hands-on activities included Not All That Glitters Is Gold (panning for pyrite), Gem Faceting, and the Texas Oil Tycoon game, which contrary to its name taught young minds how hard it can be to find oil. People were educated by the CT Lab’s X-Ray Vision demonstration and the seismology exhibit—Earthquakes: Shake, Rattle, and Roll. Many visitors were captivated by the Bureau of Economic Geology’s 3-D Geology presentation. And a series of short movies packed in audiences, offering dramatic perspectives on tsunamis, Mt. Saint Helens, the geologic history of Texas, and the Edwards aquifer. The presence of 58 volunteers, mainly students, was another highlight for young visitors. As Bureau of Economic Geology researcher Sue Hovorka observed, “Young students are very attracted by older students. And it’s good for undergrads and grad students to practice being experts.” The Jackson School looks forward to an even bigger and better Explore UT in 2007—where we can continue to bring the wonder of the geosciences to the public. To get involved with Explore UT at the Jackson School contact Julie Spink, outreach coordinator, jspink@jsg.utexas.edu, 512-471-4360. 1956 Reunion welcomes all Class of 1956 members to campus April 27-28On Thursday, April 27, and Friday, April 28, the Class of 1956 will reunite on The University of Texas at Austin campus to celebrate a 50-year class reunion. The Texas Exes have planned two days of events and tributes, including a visit to the Jackson School of Geosciences for our alumni on Thursday, April 27. Following lunch at the Texas Union, alumni from the Class of 1956 will be welcomed for tours of the Jackson School's facilities. Please meet in Room 6.218 for refreshments and a visit with Dean William Fisher followed by a tour of the building. If you have any questions about the reunion, please contact Nancy Ewert at 512-471-6048 or n.ewert@jsg.utexas.edu. For details regarding the entire schedule of events, visit the Texas Exes Web site or contact Erin Campbell at 1-800-594-3938. For more information about the Jackson School contact J.B. Bird at jbird@jsg.utexas.edu, 512-232-9623. |
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