Geologist Jim Evans Named 2010 Outstanding Graduate Mentor
Wednesday, May. 12, 2010
Geology professor Jim Evans, left, receives the 2010 Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award from USU School of Graduate Studies Dean Byron Burnham.
In his award citation, Evans, in orange vest, was described as a professor who spends much of his time in the field with students, passing along his excitement for geology and scientific discovery.
Geology professor James "Jim" Evans received Utah State University's 2010 Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award at the university's 123rd Graduate Commencement and Hooding Ceremony May 7, 2010. Evans was presented a plaque by USU President Stan Albrecht and Byron Burnham, dean of USU's School of Graduate Studies, during the ceremony.
The award citation stated Evans' finest attributes include his ability to pass his love for geology on to his students.
"Dr. Evans spends much of his time in the field with his students, helping them get oriented to their field area,” the citation read. “He encourages them to make interpretations and then guiding them to test those interpretations. He firmly directs his students to do their best consistently, while maintaining a constantly positive attitude.”
Evans, who joined USU’s Department of Geology in 1987, was praised for providing extensive research opportunities for his students and enabling them to gain valuable experience in preparation for employment and graduate study.
Evans’ research focuses on structural geology, especially the influence of faults and fractures on subsurface fluid flow. He serves as an investigator on the National Science Foundation-funded SAFOD or San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth project as well as a federal stimulus-funded geothermal drilling project USU and partners are undertaking on Idaho’s Snake River Plain.
The annual award, which includes a $2,000 prize and is administered by USU’s School of Graduate Studies, recognizes faculty excellence in mentoring graduate students in preparation for successful careers.
Related links:
- “When Life Gives You Ash, Give Guest Lectures,” USU College of Science
- “Where the Heat Is: USU Geologists Receive $4.9M in Stimulus Funding,” Utah State Today
- “USU Geologists Explore the ‘Guts’ of Active Fault Zone,” Utah State Today
- USU School of Graduate Studies
Contact: Derri Dee “DD” Leonard, 435-797-1191, dd.leonard@usu.edu
Writer: Mary-Ann Muffoletto, 435-797-3517, maryann.muffoletto@usu.edu
