Near Surface 2018 Elections

Dr. Choon Park is lead author of the MASW technique, published in GEOPHYSICS (1999) while he was at the Kansas Geological Survey (KGS) (1988-2006).  Since then, Dr. Park has published more than one hundred papers on MASW and related topics.  He is currently founder and principal geophysicist at Park Seismic LLC, a firm that provides R&D and analytic services for near-surface geotechnical applications.  During the last two decades, he has been promoting the near-surface seismic method among relevant engineering communities by applying it in an increasingly diverse array of geotechnical projects.  He has taught the MASW course at more than twenty geophysical and geotechnical conferences.  

Dr. Park received his Ph.D. from the University of Kansas (KU) (1995). His dissertation developed a high-frequency near-surface seismic investigation method that delivers a few hundred seismic impacts in a coded mode to increase the signal-to-noise (SN) ratio of reflection waves.  In parallel to this, Dr. Park also performed research on low-frequency near-surface seismic investigation by utilizing surface waves (commonly known as ground roll), which ultimately led to the development of the MASW method.  He is the author of the first MASW data-processing software, SurfSeis, and coauthor of the seismic reflection software, WinSeis and Eavesdropper, both of which were developed at KGS.  Dr. Park received his master's (MS) degree from Ohio University (1988) with research in the migration of high-frequency reflection data for near-surface investigation. 

Position Statement

It would be an honor for me to serve as chair for the SEG near-surface section.  If elected, I would certainly continue to pursue the duties and perspectives carried over from the previous terms.  By working together with other committee members, I will continue to promote the research, development and application of all types of near-surface geophysical methods.  Unlike GPR, resistivity, EM, and gravity methods, which have been actively utilized for near-surface engineering applications, the reflection seismic method has featured relatively limited utilization among non-oil-exploration type geotechnical engineers – despite its great potential effectiveness.  On the other hand, the seismic surface-wave method has been very rapidly spread into the geotechnical community.  Nonetheless, the surface-wave method likely deserves more frequent applications on more diverse geotechnical projects.  To facilitate the connection between near-surface geophysical techniques available currently and civil engineers as potential end-users, I hope to seek ways to further promote the development and diffusion of near-surface training courses as well as the development of enhanced software tools.  I will also seek enhanced collaboration between SEG and other societies outside US including in Asia, South America, Australia, and Europe. 

Dr. Weiss (PhD, 1998, Geophysics, Texas A&M) is a recognized leader in computational geophysics, with a strong emphasis on electromagnetic methods. Now back at Sandia National Laboratories and recently promoted by Special Appointment to Distinguished Member of the Technical Staff (adjunct appointment at University of New Mexico, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences), he previously held positions at Virginia Tech (Associate Professor of Geophysics), BP (Scholar in Residence), Scripps Institution of Oceanography (Greens Fellow) and Cambridge University (Visiting Scientist). He is author of 38 peer reviewed papers and reports (1153 citations), an invited book chapter on magnetotellurics (Jones and Chave, Cambridge Univ. Press, 2012), and 88 national and international conference abstracts/presentations – one of which was recognized as a Top 30" presentation of the Society of Exploration Geophysicists 2015 Annual Meeting.

He has actively mentored/advised students throughout his career at Sandia and Virginia Tech, who now apply their knowledge of electromagnetics toward successful careers in academia, government laboratories and the energy industry. He has chaired/convened over a dozen special sessions at the annual meetings of the American Geophysical Union and the Society of Exploration Geophysicists on topics ranging from whole-earth electromagnetics to borehole anisotropy to fractional calculus and multi-scale transport.

His early-career work in three-dimensional numerical modeling of electrical anisotropy (Weiss and Newman, 2002; 2003) is among the most highly cited literature on the topic. His novel visualization of the complex electric current patterns within such media resulted in a cover article in Petrophysics (Weiss et al., 2001) and quantitatively dispelled many of the prevailing qualitative assumptions. Having since worked on marine CSEM problems (Constable and Weiss, 2006; Weiss, 2007), whole Earth electromagnetic induction (Weiss, 2010; Weiss and King, 2012; Kelbert et al., 2014; Weiss, 2014) and electromagnetic interferometry (Shamsalsadati and Weiss, 2010; 2012; 2014; Slob and Weiss, 2011), his recent work has focused on finite element analysis (a return to his roots as a young graduate student) where he has developed real-time modeling solutions to computationally explosive problems in oil field geophysics. His expertise is sought across Sandia, industry and academe to solve problems in subsurface imaging, optimization, forward modeling of electromagnetic phenomena and analysis of electromagnetic data.

He is a member of American Geophysical Union, Society of Exploration Geophysicists and was elected Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society in 2002. He was Assistant Editor for Geophysical Prospecting (2003-09) and is now Assistant Editor (2009-11, 2016-present) and frequent reviewer for Geophysics on the topics of electromagnetics, numerical modeling and fracture characterization. When not working, he pursues his lifelong passion for outdoor sports (cycling, running and skiing) and spending time with his wife and twin three-year-old boys.

Position statement

The science and engineering of the near-surface environment is, by definition, a cross-disciplinary investigative pursuit, drawing on multiple lines of technical expertise and impacting a broad range of problems relevant to exploration geophysics.  The strength of the near-surface geoscience community is therefore built upon a foundation of diversity – a foundation that synthesizes evolving societal needs and technological advances with the rich tapestry of scholarship, leadership and innovation for which geophysics is known.  It is in this spirit that I am honored to be considered for the position of Near-Surface Candidate-Elect of the SEG.   I see the Near-Surface Technical Section as uniquely positioned within the geoscience community as vibrant home for researchers seeking inspiration and impact outside of traditional disciplinary silos, but also committed to forwarding the fundamental science therein. 

The potential for making a difference through the pursuit of near-surface geophysics simply cannot be overstated: from humanitarian efforts to meeting the energy and resource needs of the future, near-surface geophysics is there.   And in doing so, we necessarily draw upon the experience of academic, government, and industry scientists alike.   Having worked in each of these sectors over the course of my career, I feel I can successfully resonate with the needs, language and culture of each, and together we can build and even stronger and more impactful community of near-surface geoscientists.  Naturally, this will include continuing our commitment toward professional growth and technical exchange through relationships between the SEG and other professional societies (AGU, EEGS, SIAM, SPLWA, etc.), our commitment to research opportunities and support for students, and our commitment to outreach and “boots on the ground” impact through Geoscientists Without Borders.

Dr. Adam R. Mangel is currently a Post-Doctoral Fellow in the Department of Geophysics at the Colorado School of Mines in Golden, Colorado. Adam holds a BS in Geology from the University at Buffalo, an MS in Hydrogeology from Clemson University, and a PhD in Environmental Engineering from Clemson University. He has held positions in many service roles such as graduate student senator, member of the SEG NSTS strategic planning committee, and the founding member and president of the Clemson University chapter of EEGS. Adam is also involved in the scientific community in many regards through service as a reviewer, service on conference planning committees, and service as a mentor. His research focuses mainly on applications of GPR and in general on the use of geophysical methods for solving near-surface and hydrologic problems. For hobbies, Adam likes to travel to new corners of Colorado, work on vintage motorcycles, and brew beer and other fermented foods.

Position Statement

From Adam: “I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as Secretary of the Near Surface Technical Section of the SEG. As your Secretary, I view this role as more than just taking meeting minutes and ensuring that the Leadership Team functions smoothly. I see this as a great opportunity to learn how the Team operates, learn issues facing SEG and the NSTS, and as an opportunity do my part to ensure that SEG and the NSTS are around for generations to come. I also look at this as a chance to build upon my previous experiences and skills as a member of a leadership team. By voting for me, you are making an investment in the SEG NSTS leadership, and as your elected representative, I promise to do all that I can to make SEG NSTS inclusive, diverse, successful, and innovative. I look forward to working with you and the SEG community to make our organization a great place for great science and great people.”  

Lia Martinez is a Geophysical Engineer working with Mount Sopris Instruments in Denver, Colorado. She received her B.Sc. degree in Geophysical Engineering with a minor in Physics from the Colorado School of Mines in 2007. She then studied for a Master’s degree in Archaeology at the University of Denver (2008-2010). Her thesis field work was completed over two summers applying ground penetrating radar to a pre-Incan mound site in highland Ecuador. Lia has worked with Mount Sopris Instruments since 2013. Her work includes field training, online marketing, equipment development, and technical support for geophysical borehole instrumentation and software around the world. Lia speaks Spanish and frequently travels to other countries to teach geophysical logging applications for groundwater, environmental, and mining applications. Lia is currently serving out her term as VP of Committees for the Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (EEGS), where she has focused her attention to aid ongoing work with the Communications and Intersociety Committees.

Position Statement

If I am honored by election for role within the SEG-Near Surface community, my goals as Secretary would include:

• Increase our Near Surface social media presence and communication between members and students. There are many pathways to build a strong, enduring geophysical society and I believe good communication is at the foundation.
• Work in conjunction with the Near Surface Chair to develop and implement concrete steps towards other current Near Surface goals. The SEG-Near Surface community should grow and be recognized as one of the leading societies for Near Surface Geophysics.
• Create shared goals between the Near Surface Technical Section and other geophysical and geological societies including the AGU, EAGE, AEG, and EEGS. Co-edited special publications and co-located focused technical conferences should be commonplace, and a way to bring our larger geophysical community together.

I see volunteering with SEG-Near Surface as a great way for me to come full circle and give back. The first conference I attended as a 17-year-old freshman at the Colorado School of Mines was SEG in Denver, and I have attended many more throughout my career since.  I’m very grateful to be a part of this community and would like the opportunity to continue to give back. Thank you for your consideration.