Faculty honored by Society of Exploration Geophysicists

Two Colorado School of Mines professors were among those honored at the Society of Exploration Geophysicists’ annual meeting, held Sept. 24-29 in Houston.

Petroleum Engineering Professor Manika Prasad received the Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal, awarded to a person who “has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the science of geophysical exploration as manifested during the previous five years.”

Prasad was cited for her extensive experimental work in rock physics. According to SEG, prominent members of the profession expressed support for the award for her study of seismic wave propagation in complex rocks, particularly her recent work with shale rocks.

“Manika’s scientific contributions to geophysics have led to advances in conventional and unconventional petroleum reservoir characterization, exploration and production,” according to SEG’s citation. “The Virgil Kauffman Gold Medal will recognize Manika’s status and record as a role model for men and women within SEG and across the greater geophysics community.”

Prasad joined Mines in 2004 and is director of the Center for Rock Abuse and the Physics of Organics, Carbonates, Clays, Sands and Shales (OCLASSH) consortium.

Geophysics Professor Yaoguo Li was also recognized, one of two people awarded Honorary Membership by SEG. The award is conferred upon those who “have made a distinguished contribution, which warrants exceptional recognition, to exploration geophysics or a related field or the advancement of the profession of exploration geophysics through service to the Society.”

“His record of service to SEG includes serving many years as an associate editor for Geophysics, working as a primary organizer for the first two well-attended and highly successful gravity, magnetic and electromagnetic SEG workshops in China, and serving as a SEAM board member for three years,” the SEG citation reads.

Li joined Mines in 1999 and leads the Center for Gravity, Electrical and Magnetic Studies.

CONTACT
Mark Ramirez, Managing Editor, Communications and Marketing | 303-273-3088 | ramirez@mines.edu
Emilie Rusch, Public Information Specialist, Communications and Marketing | 303-273-3361 | erusch@mines.edu

About Mines
Colorado School of Mines is a public R1 research university focused on applied science and engineering, producing the talent, knowledge and innovations to serve industry and benefit society – all to create a more prosperous future.