DOI Distinguished Service Award Given to Two Program Scientists Completed
U.S. Geological Survey Scientist Denis R. LeBlanc
U.S. Geological Survey Scientist Dr. Michael T. Meyer
Denis R. LeBlanc Receiving his Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Michael T. Meyer Receiving his Distinguished Service Award
Two U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program (TSHP) scientists, Denis R. LeBlanc and Dr. Michael T. Meyer, received the Department of Interior's (DOI) highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award. The award is given to recognize outstanding contribution to science, outstanding skill or ability in the performance of duty, outstanding contribution made during an eminent career at DOI, or any other exceptional contribution to public service. Denis and Michael were honored at the DOI's 71st Honor Awards Convocation on May 9, 2016.
Denis R. LeBlanc
Denis R. LeBlanc is widely recognized in the USGS and in the broader research community for more than 40 years of scientific leadership and contributions in groundwater science. With the support of the USGS TSHP, Denis pioneered the design and execution of controlled, large-scale groundwater tracer experiments in a shallow sand and gravel aquifer on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. These experiments, and subsequent tracer tests at smaller scales, have greatly enhanced basic understanding of the physical, chemical, and microbiological processes governing groundwater flow and quality. As part of this program, he led research on the history, chemistry, and microbiology of a large treated wastewater plume underlying the site. Studies at the site have generated more than 450 peer-reviewed publications to date. The sampling array continues to be used for innovative subsurface tracer experiments to help understand the fate of a diverse set of contaminants, such as phosphate, antibiotics, and pathogens. His work facilitated a highly credible, cost-effective remediation process with benefits for public health and the environment.
Michael T. Meyer
Dr. Michael T. Meyer is widely recognized for his geochemical expertise, which has enhanced knowledge of the occurrence, fate, and transport of organic contaminants and their degradation products in the environment. Mike is the director of the USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) in Kansas. He and his team at the OGRL have developed innovative and sensitive analytical methods to measure contaminants such as pesticides, antibiotics, natural and synthetic steroidal compounds, and "inert" ingredients in pesticide formulations in the environment. He and his collaborators have produced more than 60 journal articles and 45 USGS publications including the first published documentation on the national occurrence of a wide variety of hormones, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other wastewater contaminants released into surface water throughout the United States, which received the USGS Shoemaker Communication Award. Mike has been named a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher for 2014 and 2015 in the environment/ecology field. Collectively, his contributions have had a profound impact on our understanding of the occurrence, fate, and geochemical transport processes of organic compounds that are not routinely measured.
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Organic Geochemistry Research Core Technology Team
Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Science Team
Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award
Two Scientists Receive Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award
USGS Scientist Receives Award for Assistance with National Wetlands Assessment
Sewage-Contaminated Ground Water
U.S. Geological Survey Scientist Recognized as Highly Cited Researcher
Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory Scored High on Proficiency Testing for Glyphosate
Recognition for a USGS Scientist in Service to Others
- Overview
Two U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Toxic Substances Hydrology Program (TSHP) scientists, Denis R. LeBlanc and Dr. Michael T. Meyer, received the Department of Interior's (DOI) highest honor—the Distinguished Service Award. The award is given to recognize outstanding contribution to science, outstanding skill or ability in the performance of duty, outstanding contribution made during an eminent career at DOI, or any other exceptional contribution to public service. Denis and Michael were honored at the DOI's 71st Honor Awards Convocation on May 9, 2016.
Denis R. LeBlanc
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsU.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Denis R. LeBlanc. Photo Credit: USGS. Denis R. LeBlanc is widely recognized in the USGS and in the broader research community for more than 40 years of scientific leadership and contributions in groundwater science. With the support of the USGS TSHP, Denis pioneered the design and execution of controlled, large-scale groundwater tracer experiments in a shallow sand and gravel aquifer on Cape Cod, Massachusetts. These experiments, and subsequent tracer tests at smaller scales, have greatly enhanced basic understanding of the physical, chemical, and microbiological processes governing groundwater flow and quality. As part of this program, he led research on the history, chemistry, and microbiology of a large treated wastewater plume underlying the site. Studies at the site have generated more than 450 peer-reviewed publications to date. The sampling array continues to be used for innovative subsurface tracer experiments to help understand the fate of a diverse set of contaminants, such as phosphate, antibiotics, and pathogens. His work facilitated a highly credible, cost-effective remediation process with benefits for public health and the environment.
Michael T. Meyer
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsUSGS scientist Dr. Michael T. Meyer. Photo Credit: Michaelah Wilson, USGS. Dr. Michael T. Meyer is widely recognized for his geochemical expertise, which has enhanced knowledge of the occurrence, fate, and transport of organic contaminants and their degradation products in the environment. Mike is the director of the USGS Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) in Kansas. He and his team at the OGRL have developed innovative and sensitive analytical methods to measure contaminants such as pesticides, antibiotics, natural and synthetic steroidal compounds, and "inert" ingredients in pesticide formulations in the environment. He and his collaborators have produced more than 60 journal articles and 45 USGS publications including the first published documentation on the national occurrence of a wide variety of hormones, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and other wastewater contaminants released into surface water throughout the United States, which received the USGS Shoemaker Communication Award. Mike has been named a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher for 2014 and 2015 in the environment/ecology field. Collectively, his contributions have had a profound impact on our understanding of the occurrence, fate, and geochemical transport processes of organic compounds that are not routinely measured.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsDenis R. LeBlanc receiving his Distinguished Service Award on May 9, 2016, from Mike Connor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior (left) and Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior (right). Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Interior.
Sources/Usage: Public Domain. View Media DetailsDr. Michael T. Meyer receiving his Distinguished Service Award on May 9, 2016, from Mike Connor, Deputy Secretary of the Interior (left) and Sally Jewell, Secretary of the Interior (right). Photo Credit: U.S. Department of Interior. - Science
Below are other science projects associated with this project.
Organic Geochemistry Research Core Technology Team
About the Research The Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory Core Technology Team (CTT) as part of the Environmental Health Program works to develop targeted and non-targeted analytical methods for the identification and quantitation of chemicals that can impact the health of humans and other organisms, and uses bioassays to screen for receptor inhibition.Drinking Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Science Team
The team studies toxicants and pathogens in water resources from their sources, through watersheds, aquifers, and infrastructure to human and wildlife exposures. That information is used to develop decision tools that protect human and wildlife health.Program Scientist Receives Meritorious Service Award
Dr. Isabelle M. Cozzarelli received the U.S. Department of Interior's second highest honorary award—the Meritorious Service Award—for her numerous contributions to understanding the biogeochemical controls of contaminant degradation in groundwater and near-surface environments.Two Scientists Receive Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) 2016 Early Career Excellence in Leadership Award was given to Dr. Denise M. Akob and Dr. Karl B. Haase. Drs. Akob and Haase have demonstrated outstanding leadership through their scientific accomplishments and service to the USGS.USGS Scientist Receives Award for Assistance with National Wetlands Assessment
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Dr. Keith A. Loftin received the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Water's Achievement in Science and Technology Award for his contributions to the National Wetlands Condition Assessment.Sewage-Contaminated Ground Water
The USGS is investigating a wastewater plume in a shallow aquifer near Cape Cod, Massachusetts, to increase the understanding of the physical, chemical, and microbiological processes that affect the fate and transport of contaminants in groundwater.U.S. Geological Survey Scientist Recognized as Highly Cited Researcher
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Dr. Edward T. Furlong has been designated a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher, ranking among the top 1 percent of researchers from 2003 to 2013 for most cited documents in their specific field (Environment/Ecology). He was listed in Thomson Reuters' "The World's Most Influential Scientific Minds 2015" report.Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory Scored High on Proficiency Testing for Glyphosate
In a recent inter–laboratory comparison of 28 international laboratories, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Organic Geochemistry Research Laboratory (OGRL) scored A's for the analysis of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA) in this proficiency testing.Recognition for a USGS Scientist in Service to Others
U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) scientist Dr. Michael T. Meyer has had a prolific career, publishing 60 journal articles and 45 USGS publications. Mike's publication record has recently led to his designation as a Thomson Reuters Highly Cited Researcher, ranking among the top 1 percent of researchers from 2002 to 2012 for most cited documents in their specific field (Environment/Ecology). He was...