News Release, Kansas Geological Survey, Dec. 8, 2015
LAWRENCE--Susan Stover, geologist and outreach manager at the Kansas Geological Survey based at the University of Kansas, has been named a Fellow of one of the world's largest geological societies.
Stover was elected a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA), an association of about 25,000 members in 103 countries that promotes the geosciences and provides a forum for diverse ideas.
GSA Fellows are elected in recognition of distinguished contributions to the advancement of the geosciences through such achievements as publications, presentations, leadership in professional organizations, teaching, and promotion of scientific advances to the public.
Stover provides information about KGS research and the state's resources to technical and nontechnical audiences and serves as a liaison to the state legislature, agency administrators, and policymakers. She leads the annual Kansas Field Conference for state legislators, agency directors, and industry and organization leaders to Kansas geologic natural resource, and industrial sites, many related to current policy issues.
"Susan has made public communication a priority," said Rex Buchanan, KGS interim director. "She has engaged the public and decision makers in conversations about the Ogallala aquifer and groundwater issues and has worked to increase awareness of the geosciences."
In addition, Stover conducts specialized independent research on water, energy, and other natural resources issues in Kansas. Prior to joining the KGS staff, Stover was manager of High Plains issues at the Kansas Water Office (KWO).
Among her other activities, she is a member of the Kansas Geologic Mapping Advisory Committee, KU's Geology Associates Advisory Board, and Washburn University's Women In Science Day steering committee and formerly served on the Kansas Water Research Institute Committee.
Stover was presented with the fellowship in November at GSA's annual meeting in Baltimore, Maryland. She is immediate past chair of the organization's Geology and Public Policy Committee, and was elected second vice-chair of the Geology and Society Division.