Winners of the 2021 GSA GBGM Division Student Presentation Awards

It is our pleasure to announce the winners of the GSA 2021 student presentation awards. We were all so impressed with the quality of presentations by our student members! Picking winners this year was not an easy job.

We would also like to express our deepest gratitude to our members who judged this year's competition. Without your feedback and support, this endeavor would not be possible. 

To all of our students, congratulations on presenting at GSA this year. All of the excellent entries from you all truly made choosing winners difficult, but here are the students who will receive awards and honorable mentions this year:

Best oral presentation winners:

Karen Pham: "Impacts of Miocene climate change on palm trait evolution in Madagascar and mainland Africa"

Katherine Turk: "Priapulid trace fossils from the late Ediacaran of Namibia"

Best poster presentation winners:

Martin Fernandez: "Preliminary investigations into ecology and functional morphology of the annulated orthoconic cephalopod Spyroceras"

Hannah Hogan: "Provenance of volcanogenic sediments in Wuchiapingian and earliest Changhsingian strata at Penglaitan"

Andrei Olaru: "Functional morphology of the Ediacaran organism Tribrachidiium heraldicum revealed by computational fluid dynamics"

Honorable mentions:

Andres Marquez (poster presentation): "Comparing the hypoxia tolerance and temperature sensitivities of Paleozoic and Modern marine fauna"

Jack Shaw (oral presentation): "Reassessing Burgess Shale trophic structure"

As with previous years, we will be handing out prizes to our award winners at GBGM awards luncheon next year at GSA 2022.

We'd like to thank all of the students who contacted us and put their names forward for consideration. It was a real privilege to see and hear about the work you've been doing, and we encourage you to enter again next year. Recognizing the excellent work of our members is the most important aspect of the GBGM division, so please stay in touch. It is wonderful to see the faces of the student population of GSA GBGM and there is a bright future ahead for this group!

The University of Southern California Department of Earth Sciences invites applications for a position in Geobiology at the level of Associate or Full professor

 At USC, Geobiology is interpreted broadly, including geomicrobiology, biogeochemistry, carbon cycles and proxies, ocean acidification, astrobiology, source to sink processes, earth-atmosphere-biosphere co-evolution, global change, carbon sequestration, paleoenvironments/paleoclimate, paleobiology and other areas that relate to these topics.

The successful candidate will be expected to build active collaborations within and outside the university, to develop internationally recognized and externally funded research programs, and to teach graduate and undergraduate level courses.  This position is supported by significant lab space, research infrastructure, and resources commensurate with the hiring level.

Located in central Los Angeles, USC serves a transnational student body and provides unique opportunities to engage in research, teaching, and service within an urban sphere, as well as easy access to the broader Southern California environment. The position offers opportunities to interact with the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies and the Wrigley Marine Science Center on Catalina Island.

Candidates should submit a full CV, research and teaching statements (1-2 pages each), names and email addresses of 3-5 individuals who could provide letters of recommendation, a statement on how you would foster diversity at USC, and a brief description of possible opportunities for interaction with the Wrigley Institute for Environmental Studies, if applicable.

To be considered for this position, applicants are required to submit an electronic application at https://usccareers.usc.edu/job/los-angeles/associate-or-full-professor-of-geobiology/1209/14872585040. Application review will begin on Nov. 1, 2021 and continue until the search is completed. Letters may be requested of referees prior to this date. Send inquiries to the Department Chair, Frank Corsetti (fcorsett@usc.edu).

USC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law or USC policy. USC will consider for employment all qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring ordinance.

Link to ad: https://usccareers.usc.edu/job/los-angeles/associate-or-full-professor-of-geobiology/1209/14872585040

GBGM GSA 2021 Student Presentation Awards!

Attention all student members of GBGM!

GSA 2021 in Portland is coming up soon, and we are excited to announce another year of GSA GBGM student awards for outstanding student oral and poster presentations. This is a great opportunity to get to know professionals in your field and show off the fantastic work you’re all doing.

If you are a student presenting research at GSA 2021 this year, either in person or virtually, and you would like to be considered for one of the GSA GBGM student awards, please fill out the following Google Form before September 10, 2021:

https://forms.gle/9xutpCGFHGaGmVGd8

Your GSA GBGM student representatives will assemble a team of impartial judges to view your presentations and collect their feedback, and we will announce the winners via email shortly after GSA ends. This year’s winners will be recognized during next year’s GSA meeting during our GBGM Division Award Presentation Event & Business Meeting.

We look forward to hearing from everyone and seeing your presentations this year! If you have any questions, feel free to email Zoë Havlena (zoe.havlena@student.nmt.edu) or Alison Cribb (cribb@usc.edu).

2021 Division Awards for outstanding geobiologists

Every year the GBGM executive committee selects exceptional scholars to receive awards for their accomplishments in research, education/mentoring, and service in geobiology. This year we had an exceptional list of nominees so thanks to all those who nominated someone!

We are pleased to announce that the 2021 awards go to Kim Lau (pre-tenure), Phoebe Cohen (post-tenure), and Frank Corsetti (distinguished career). Please check out their brief biographies below and explore their websites for further details about their research.

Pre-Tenure Award Recipient: Kimberly Lau (Pennsylvania State University)

Dr. Kim Lau is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geosciences at the Pennsylvania State University. Her research focuses on reconstructing biogeochemical changes in Earth’s past and specifically the causes and consequences of redox changes in ancient oceans using a combination of lab, modeling, and field methods. She is interested in major perturbations throughout Earth history and how these events are recorded geochemically in the sedimentary record. Her approach includes better understanding the sedimentary geochemical and isotopic proxies that geobiologists can employ to constrain past environmental change.

Post-Tenure Award Recipient: Phoebe Cohen (Williams College)

Dr. Phoebe Cohen is an Associate Professor in Geosciences at Williams College. Phoebe is a paleontologist who uses a wide array of microscopic, microchemical, and geochemical techniques, in combination with field-based stratigraphy and sedimentology, to reconstruct ancient organisms and ecosystems. Her current work focuses on the evolution of eukaryotes in the Proterozoic and the microfossil record of the end-Devonian mass extinction. She is also actively involved in justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion work in the geosciences. 

Distinguished Career Award Recipient: Frank A. Corsetti (University of Southern California)

Dr. Frank Corsetti is a Professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California.  He studies the co-evolution of the Earth and its biosphere from a geobiologic/sedimentologic perspective, searching for traces of life in deep (and not so deep) time.  Key topics of study include the identification of biosignatures (in particular, those left behind by microbes), unraveling the diagenetic alteration of biosignatures, mass extinctions, the environmental setting for the emergence of animals, and the search for life beyond Earth.  Frank co-directed the International Geobiology Summer Course from 2010-2016.  He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America, recipient of the SEPM Dickinson Medal, the 2019 James B. Thompson Distinguished International Lecturer, and a recipient of the Mellon Mentorship award for mentoring graduate students.

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional scientists at the 2021 GSA (hopefully) in Portland; the awardees will be giving invited talks in our "New Voices in Geobiology" and "New Advances in Geobiology" sessions! The Geobiology Division Award Presentation (a.k.a. the GBGM Lunch) will be held virtually since this year's meeting will be offered in a hybrid format with limited in-person attendance.

Microbes now in our Redbubble Shop!

Hi geobiologists, need more microbes in your life? You can now buy microbial swag from our Redbubble store (www.redbubble.com/shop/ap/80783453)

Geobiology sessions at GSA 2021 in Portland, Oregon

 Hi GBGM members, 

We are excited to be hosting two sessions and to be hosting so many exciting sessions covering a wide range of topics in geobiology at GSA 2021 in Portland (October 10-13, 2021) this year! 

Our two sessions, T124. New Advances in Geobiology and T125. New Voices in Geobiology will both highlight new hypotheses, methods, and field sites that address questions at the intersection of geological and biological processes. T125. New Voices in Geobiology will specifically aim to highlight early career researchers in our field. We are aiming to host these as hybrid sessions so that we can accommodate both in-person and remote presenters for oral presentations! 

We are also sponsoring 22 other excellent sessions that will cover a wide range of geobiology topics, from the Precambrian to the modern, and from Earth to Mars!

We hope that you'll submit an abstract to any of these sessions, and we'll see you (in person or virtually!) in Portland in October!

Announcing the New GBGM Division Logo

Hi GBGM Division Members,

We are excited to announce the new division logo! After the 2020 logo vote, the winning submission was tweaked to fit the GSA logo rules and we are now ready to unveil our new logo!

Here is the beautiful new logo design!

If you like it, you can buy some sweet GBGM Merchandise at our Redbubble Store!

And here is the new logo with the various GSA logo set-ups.

This version is also in the Redbubble Store!

So who designed our gorgeous new logo? Meet Ichiko Sugiyama (she/her), you can find her on Twitter @FerrousChiko. Ichiko is from Japan, and she is a Ph.D. candidate at the Weizmann Institute of Science. Currently, her research focuses on constraining metal and nutrient cycling in the Precambrian ocean. Ichiko dedicates her spare time to outreach work through different organizations (GSA, EGU, and EAG). She is also a co-founder of 'Rock Archive' (in collaboration with Dr. Kärt Paiste), which helps communicate Earth History to the public (https://rockarchive.org/). If you would like to learn more about her work, please visit her webpage at: isugiyama.com.

GSA Opportunities for Science Policy and Communication

 Are you interested in the way science policy is developed or passionate about improving science communication? 

The Geological Society of America is offering a fellowship in science policy and a fellowship in science communication. Application deadlines for each will be closing this month so apply soon!    GSA Science Policy Fellowship Spend a year in Washington, D.C., furthering efforts to bring scientists and their work into the policy process. Help keep GSA members informed, involved, and represented in areas related to research funding, energy & natural resources, climate change, and natural hazard mitigation & response. Open to early-career geoscience graduates. Deadline: 15 May Apply Now    GSA Science Communication Fellowship Candidates who are passionate about science communication can tailor their knowledge and skills for communicating geoscience and its value to society. This ten-month, non-residential fellowship offers the chance to gain experience and professional contacts while working in concert with GSA communications and member leaders.  Deadline: 31 May  Apply Now

GSA Student Opportunities 

Expanding Representation in the Geosciences (ERG) Scholarship

Undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree in the geosciences are encouraged to apply for this opportunity. Six awardees will receive a $1,500 scholarship, one year GSA membership, and full meeting registration to GSA Connects 2021 in Portland, Oregon. GSA welcomes applications from students who are marginalized in the geosciences including racially and ethnically diverse communities and individuals with disabilities. Apply by 15 May.
Learn More
Send your questions to awards@geosociety.org

On To the Future (OTF) Mentoring and Award Program

"OTF connects me to people now and in the future that I can look to for advice should I encounter any issues, and who will support me as a geologist regardless of who I am."

- Jazzy Graham-Davis, 2019 OTF participant

The OTF program offers partial travel funding, full meeting registration, one-year membership, and mentoring at the GSA 2021 Connects meeting in Portland, Oregon. Apply by 28 May. GSA welcomes full participation of students and early career professionals who are underserved in the geosciences. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals from racially and ethnically diverse communities, individuals with disabilities, individuals from the LGBTQ+ communities, first generation, low-income, women, veterans, and individuals who experience intersectionality with one or more of these identities.

Learn More

Geoscientist - University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources

The Conservation and Survey Division (CSD), a unit of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, is seeking a motivated individual to research the diverse geology and hydrogeology of eastern Nebraska, a vibrant combination of rural and urban environments. Lincoln’s quality of life is consistently ranked among the highest in the U.S. Find more information at https://www.unl.edu/lincoln/. This is a 12-month, non-tenure track position consisting of 75% research and 25% extension.

The successful candidate will: (1) demonstrate a thorough understanding of the intimate relationship between sediments, stratigraphy, and groundwater; (2) possess knowledge of Quaternary glacial and fluvial deposits as well as understand the role of bedrock stratigraphy in regional hydrogeology; (3) understand urban and rural water-supply issues; (4) collect and process groundwater monitoring-well data; and (5) help develop cyberinfrastructure for geological and hydrogeological data. The successful candidate will also be expected to cooperate with local and state government agencies and engage in cooperative research with the CSD team and other University personnel.

The successful candidate will plan and conduct basic and applied research on geology (stratigraphy, geomorphology, mapping, etc.) and hydrogeology (aquifer characterization, hydrostratigraphy, stream- aquifer interactions, etc.), emphasizing eastern Nebraska. Work as part of the Conservation Survey Division (CSD) research team in (1) identifying emerging issues in natural resources and water supply, (2) applying new technologies, (3) acquiring external funding, (4) developing cyberinfrastructure, and (5) publishing results (CSD publications, Extension media, and peer-reviewed scientific journals). Present research results at seminars, workshops, and scientific meetings. Collaborate with government agencies (local, state, and federal), municipalities, industry, and educational institutions. Approximately 10% of the FTE will be dedicated to the Statewide Groundwater Level Monitoring Program.

The candidate will also work as part of a CSD team to translate research into educational programs. Contribute to field trips and workshops for practicing professionals. Apply research results in responding to inquiries from stakeholders and the general public. Develop and maintain working relationships with stakeholders to address current issues.

In addition to the above-described duties, the individual will accept committee assignments, reporting responsibilities, and other special ad hoc assignments as requested at the administrative unit, college/division, institute, and/or university level.

A master’s degree in geology, geological sciences, or closely related discipline, at time of application is required. GIS skills, the ability to work with large datasets in a digital environment, and a valid driver’s license are also required.

Preference will be given to those applicants with a master’s degree and at least five years of experience, or a PhD degree, in geology, geological sciences, or closely related discipline, at the time of hiring. Applicants should have research expertise in at least one of the following areas: geological and hydrogeological mapping, stratigraphy and hydrostratigraphy, geomorphology, applied geophysics, 3D geological modeling, remote sensing, unoccupied aircraft systems (UAS), aquifer characterization, stream-aquifer interactions, or groundwater modeling. Experience in successfully managing research programs; experience with glacial geology and hydrogeology; two years of experience planning and conducting geological or hydrogeological investigations, including test-hole drilling, lithologic logging, and/or field geology; a basic understanding of down-hole geophysical logging (e.g., SP, resistivity,

gamma ray); excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to write and publish research results in bulletins, Extension media, and peer-reviewed scientific journals are preferred. The successful candidate should obtain a monitoring well technician license within two years of hiring.

Recognizing that diversity within a context of inclusivity enhances creativity, innovation, impact, and a sense of belonging, the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources (IANR) and Conservation and Survey Division are committed to creating learning, research, extension programming, and work environments that are inclusive of human diversity. We actively encourage applications from and nominations of individuals from underrepresented groups.

To view details of the position and create an application, go to http://employment.unl.edu, requisition F_210010. Click “Apply to this Job” and complete the information form. Attach 1) a letter of interest that describes your qualifications for the job, explains how your research interests and expertise will contribute to team science and innovative educational programs, and describes your experience contributing to inclusive environments; 2) your curriculum vitae; and 3) contact information for three professional references. Review of applications will begin April 1, 2021 and continue until the position is filled or the search is closed.

As an EO/AA employer, qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation. See http://www.unl.edu/equity/notice-nondiscrimination.

Nominate your colleagues for a GSA GBGM Award!

Dear Geo(micro)biologists,   Every year the GSA Geobiology and Geomicrobiology division selects three exceptional researchers to receive pre-tenure, post-tenure, and distinguished career awards (or equivalent career stage in a non-tenure track position). For details on past awards, see the GBGM website. Since 2018, the division leadership has solicited nominations from our members in order to create a more diverse and inclusive nominee pool, both in terms of academic fields and demographics. We also hope this process allows our members to feel more involved and empowered to nominate the people who have made a difference to them or their (sub)field.   Please use this nomination form to identify exceptional researchers who you think should be recognized, along with justification (max. 500 words). Final nominees will be selected by the GBGM division representation committee from amongst this pool, and awarded based the nominee’s complete portfolio (i.e., research, mentoring, teaching, service, and leadership). Please note that this year you must confirm that the person you are nominating has not breached GSA's Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct nor is under investigation for any action that would be a breach of GSA's Code of Ethics & Professional Conduct.   We're grateful for your participation in this process - we know that your time is valuable, but this is one of the most important things the division does, and we think the community should nominate our awardees. Please submit your nominations to the division chair, Vicky Petryshyn (petryshy@usc.edu) by Sunday, March 21st.   We look forward to being overwhelmed with nominations!   Vicky, Trinity, David, Emmy, Rowan, Lydia, Brandt, Andrew, Alison, and Zoe (a.k.a. your Geobiology and Geomicrobiology Division Representatives)

Historical Ecology Postdoctoral Fellowship

Historical Ecology Postdoctoral Fellowship at William & Mary 

The Environmental Science and Policy (ENSP) program at William & Mary seeks applications for a two-year postdoctoral scholar position in the historical ecology of the precolonial Chesapeake. Supported by W&M faculty, the postdoctoral fellow will develop a historical ecological study of shell midden deposits linked to questions of sustainability, traditional ecological knowledge, and biological conservation in the Chesapeake. 

The postdoctoral fellow will develop a research and teaching program bridging the social and natural sciences through a study of a Native American community and its relationship with the Chesapeake oyster fishery over the long term. This position offers the successful candidate an opportunity to use her/his skills to lead cutting-edge research and facilitate undergraduate projects while receiving mentorship in professional academic development. The postdoctoral scholar will also teach one upper-level seminar course per academic year, a summer session course, and arrange an environmental speaker series in the second year. 

The position offers a competitive salary, research and travel funds, and administrative support. The postdoctoral fellow will be mentored by two William & Mary faculty (Rowan Lockwood, Martin Gallivan) with teaching and research interests in Chesapeake archaeology and marine paleobiology. 

For full consideration please submit CV, cover letter, and a diversity statement detailing how the applicant will contribute to diversity in the program and W&M more broadly by the review date, 3/24/21. Additional information and application link may be found online: https://jobs.wm.edu/postings/40741. 

Required Qualifications: A PhD in Anthropology (Archaeology specialty preferred) or a closely related discipline (e.g., Paleontology, Historical Ecology, Geography) is required by the time of appointment, August 10, 2021. Since the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the progress of many doctoral students, applicants who have scheduled a dissertation defense prior to apportionment date will be considered for the position. 

Preferred Qualifications : Teaching expertise/interests at the intersection of the social and natural sciences is preferred, but not necessary. 

William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. 

Postdoctoral Scientist Position in Microbe-Mineral Interactions for Astrobiological Research, Harvard University

A Postdoctoral Scientist position is available to advance the study of biosignatures in support of NASA’s search for life beyond Earth. This unique two-year position will be based at Harvard University’s Department of Organismal and Evolutionary Biology in the laboratory of Dr. Peter Girguis, and in close collaboration with Boston University’s Department of Biology in the laboratory of Dr. Jeffrey Marlow. Research questions will include but are not limited to: How does mineralogical heterogeneity affect microbial abundance and metabolic activity? Does microbial metabolism enhance or degrade spatial patterns of energetic disequilibria? Are the measurable electrical properties of a rock-hosted microbiome diagnostic of biological activity? Research activities include the development and use of electrochemical, mineralogical, and microbiological techniques and methods to study microbe-mineral interactions that are astrobiologically relevant. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in two or more of the following research areas and methods: aqueous geochemistry, bioenergetics, microbial ecology, electrochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, microspectroscopy, microbial physiology/biochemistry, and electrochemical measurements. A robust publication record, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a demonstrated commitment to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences are all highly desirable.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in two or more of the following research areas and methods: aqueous geochemistry, bioenergetics, microbial ecology, electrochemistry, fluorescence microscopy, microspectroscopy, microbial physiology/biochemistry, and electrochemical measurements. A robust publication record, an ability to work both independently and collaboratively, and a demonstrated commitment to expanding diversity, equity, and inclusion in the sciences are all highly desirable.

Additional Qualifications

Specific duties will include: Leading independent research projects in partnerships with members of the Girguis and Marlow labs; Leading the publication of the resulting findings; Presenting relevant findings at conferences and publishing results in peer-reviewed journals; Working with other members of the Laboratory for Agnostic Biosignatures through collaborative cross-cutting projects and regular meetings.

Special Instructions

Applicants should send application materials (CV, publication list, and statement of research interests) and the names and contact information for three references to pgirguis@oeb.harvard.edu and jthomson@oeb.harvard.edu and jjmarlow@bu.edu by February 1, 2021. A PhD in a related field is required at the time of appointment. 

Applications received before March 15th, 2021 will receive primary consideration. No applications will be reviewed after May 1st. The target start date is between July and August 1st, 2021.

More Details here: https://academicpositions.harvard.edu/postings/9999

LAST CHANCE FOR SWAG

The GBGM Swag with the finalist logo designs will be retired on January 15th!

If you want notebooks, clothes, blankets, or bags with any of these beautiful designs, don't delay, order from our Redbubble shop today!

The shop can be found here: www.redbubble.com/people/GSA-Geobiology/shop