GVSU Earth Science Week lecture series to feature alumni

In conjunction with international Earth Science Week, a series of lectures will shine a light on the field of geology, careers in the field, and its importance in the world.

The lecture series will begin November 6 with Grand Valley alumnus Joshua Ehlich, '14.

“Unless you are lucky enough to know a geologist, you probably have no idea what they do and how important they are to our quality of life and standard of living,” said Peter Riemersma, associate professor of geology and organizer of Grand Valley's Earth Science Week.

Below is the full schedule of Grand Valley Earth Science Week presentations, sponsored by the Geology Department. All lectures will take place on the Allendale Campus:

“Using Fluid Inclusions to Understand Copper and Gold Transport in Magmatic-Hydrothermal Ore Deposits"
Presented by Joshua Ehlich, ’14, doctoral candidate, Northern Illinois University
November 6, from noon-12:50 p.m., Manitou Hall, room 122

“Geology Rising — The Environmental Remediation Industry’s Renewed Emphasis on Sound Geological Practices”
Presented by Colin Plank, ’97, senior geologist at Burns & McDonnell
November 7, from 1-1:50 p.m., Manitou Hall, room 102

“Environmental Sleuthing using Petroleum Fingerprinting Identifies Archeological Contamination at Site”
Presented by Richard Christensen, Jr., ’84, principal hydrogeologist at ACUITY Environmental Solutions
November 8, from 1-1:50 p.m., Manitou Hall, room 123

“Fracture Networks: The Internal Plumbing of Bedrock”
Presented by Matt Reeves, associate professor of geosciences and director of the Hydrogeology Field Course at Western Michigan University
November 9, from 1-1:50 p.m., Manitou Hall, room 102    

“Time and Space Traveling with Microbes of Lake Huron’s Sinkholes”
Presented by Bopaiah Biddanda, associate professor with Grand Valley’s Annis Water Resources Institute
November 10, from 3-3:50 p.m., Manitou Hall, room 123    

Since October 1998, the American Geosciences Institute has celebrated Earth Science Week to help the public gain a better understanding and appreciation for the Earth sciences and encourage stewardship of the planet. This year’s global Earth Science Week took place in October with the theme “Earth and Human Activity.”

For more information, contact Riemersma at [email protected].