2019 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 2019 awards go to Betsy Swanner (pre-tenure), Clara Chan  (post-tenure), and Russell Shapiro (distinguished career). Please check out their brief biographies below and explore their websites for further details about their research.

Pre-Tenure Award Recipient: Elizabeth (Betsy) Swanner (Iowa State University)

Betsy Swanner is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geological and Atmospheric Sciences at Iowa State University. Dr. Swanner is interested in the impact of ferruginous conditions on life throughout Earth’s history. Her research seeks to determine the extent of ferruginous conditions through time and space, and how global biogeochemical cycles operate in iron-rich conditions, primarily those cycles mediated by microbes. She uses a wide variety of analytical tools coupled to experimental approaches and work in modern analogues.

Post-Tenure Award Recipient: Clara Chan (University of Delaware)

Dr. Clara Chan is an associate professor of Earth Sciences at the University of Delaware, specializing in geomicrobiology. She studies how microbes make minerals, addressing the molecular mechanisms of biomineralization, as well as the unique composition of biominerals. Her approaches integrate culturing, ‘omics, biochemistry, and field experiments in caves, deep sea vents, coastal environments, and streams. She loves to watch things grow, including her microbes, crystals, her garden, and her daughter.

Distinguished Career Award Recipient: Russell Shapiro (California State University, Chico)

Russell Shapiro is a Professor of Geology and (just recently) former department chair at California State University, Chico. Dr. Shapiro has studied Phanerozoic microbialites from the modern Bahamas all the way back to the Archaean; he then branched out to enigmatic iron formations and methane seep carbonates.  In particular, he is interested in how metamorphic processes affect the fidelity of geobiological signals.  He funded his college education as a tattoo artist both at Humboldt State and UC Santa Barbara. Dr.  Shapiro was a field instructor on the International Geobiology Course from 2010-2016, served on the editorial board for Astrobiology, and was the Biosignature Panel Chief for the Mars2020 mission.  In addition to his academic career, Shapiro also works as a consultant for paleontological resources.

While research is a passion, he is most proud of the service he has provided in various roles inside and outside of academia. If you see a problem that needs to be fixed, step up!

Please join us in congratulating these exceptional scientists at the GSA Geobiology Division Award Presentation (a.k.a. the GBGM Lunch) during the 2019 GSA in Phoenix.