2013 NSGS Election John Lane Candidate for NSGS President-Elect | Biography  John Lane is Chief of the USGS Office of Groundwater, Branch of Geophysics, and an associate research professor and graduate student advisor at the University of Connecticut, in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Center for Integrated Geosciences. He holds BS and MS degrees in Geology and Geophysics from the University of Connecticut and a Doctorate in Earth and Environmental Engineering from Columbia University, New York. John’s research focuses on the development and application of surface and borehole geophysical methods to characterize fractured rock and porous media aquifers and the use of electrical and electromagnetic geophysics to monitor hydrologic processes, ionic tracer tests, and engineered remediation. Recent work has centered on the development of mobile geophysical platforms, use of passive seismic methods for bedrock mapping, and application of fiber-optic distributed temperature sensing to assess groundwater-surface water exchange. A key aspect of John’s work is the development and implementation of geophysical training courses and workshops for geoscientists engaged in groundwater exploration and water-resources studies. A geophysical specialist for the Fulbright Program, John has a particular interest in educational outreach and humanitarian assistance in developing countries. Position Statement The near-surface geophysics community does its work at the complex and dynamic interface linking the earth’s crust with the atmosphere and hydrosphere, where the needs of a growing human population are acutely felt and the impacts of natural and human-driven changes to earth systems are readily observed. Our field continues to rapidly grow and evolve, developing new applications and ever-more sophisticated methodologies. Our membership is likewise diverse, drawn from virtually every discipline in the geosciences and fields of engineering. This diversity makes us unique and extends to our professional society membership – most members of the NSGS are also members of other large and small societies with a near-surface focus (i.e. AGU, EAGE, ASCE, and EEGS). The growing importance of near-surface geophysics has been recognized by SEG and AGU. SEG and AGU now co-sponsor sessions at the annual meetings of AGU. Near-surface geophysicists are serving on the SEG Board of Directors, and SEG will have its first ever near-surface geophysicist as president starting in September. The Executive Committee of SEG has committed to investing in near-surface geophysics through an annual NS Honorary Lecture series, inclusion of a standing hydrogeophysics session at the annual meeting, and most notably facilitating the planned merger with EEGS which involves a 5-year investment by SEG of over $1,000,000. All these activities and developments bode well for our section and the long-term growth of our community. It is my honor to be asked to run as a candidate for the position of President-Elect of the Near-Surface Geophysics Section. I strongly support the existing SEG initiatives to improve cooperation and collaboration with other professional societies and believe that the development of opportunities for students and professionals interested in near-surface geophysics is critical for our future. If elected I will work to: - Strengthen ties between the NSGS and our sister societies and focus groups
- Expand the range of near-surface geophysics courses offered by the SEG continuing education program
- Increase student scholarships and travel support available to attend the annual meeting and continuing education courses, and review student chapter NSG activities as a first step toward developing a long-term NSG growth strategy among our members in developing countries
- Advocate for increased involvement of SEG in humanitarian and educational activities in developing counties through the SEG Foundation Geoscientists Without Borders and Field Camp Committees
- Explore ways to improve the visibility of student chapter activities, GWB projects, and Field Camps through expanded publication of special issues of The Leading Edge, Near Surface Views or joint issues with other society publications
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