KGS editor receives geoscience writing, editing award
LAWRENCE — Julie Tollefson, editor at the Kansas Geological Survey, is this year’s recipient of the James H. Shea Award from the National Association of Geoscience Teachers. Each year, NAGT presents the award in recognition of exceptional contributions in writing and editing of earth science material.
Since joining KGS as editor in 2012, Tollefson has managed the survey’s publishing program and edited numerous publications, including scientific reports, maps, grant proposals and KGS’ peer-reviewed journal, Midcontinent Geoscience.
“Julie writes about earth sciences seamlessly. Her dedication to education and reaching a variety of audiences shows within her work,” said Blair Schneider, associate researcher and science outreach manager at KGS, who nominated Tollefson for the award. “While the technical research reporting is incredibly important, Julie and I both agree that getting our science to a nontechnical audience is one of the most important contributions we can provide.”
Tollefson is co-author of the 2018 KGS Educational Series publication Rocks, Minerals and Fossils of Kansas, which is used by many as a resource for school visits and field education. She also co-developed the KGS’ GeoKansas website, an educational site that serves as a central hub for Kansas geology information geared for the general public.
“I’m honored to receive this recognition. I’ve spent my career here at the university working with fantastic scientists who do important work, and it’s especially satisfying to have a role in getting the results of their research out to a wide audience,” Tollefson said.
The James H. Shea award was created in 1991 in honor of Shea, the longtime editor of the Journal of Geoscience Education.
KGS is a nonregulatory research and service division of the University of Kansas. KGS researchers study and provide information about the state’s geologic resources and hazards, including groundwater, oil and natural gas, rocks and minerals, and earthquakes.