20 on a rotation program where the College of Arts and Sciences replaces it every three years. In 2015, CAS provided new workstations capable of running Schlumberger Petrel 2015 and Kingdom, IHS's Petra, and other processor- and graphics intensive software. We also have the same workstations in our three primary classrooms (NRC001, NRC002, and NRC003/004) for instruction. The department retains half of the old computers and puts them in student office space or in heavily-used research labs where they are likely to get the most use. The College of Arts and Sciences provides funds from fees that students pay for educational technology for special onetime purchases. But, those funds are also limited so requests for that money are competitive. So, durable goods— projectors, touch-screens, etc.—are a challenge to replace. Using funds awarded last spring, we replaced the presentation technology in the rooms used to teach labs for Geology and Human Affairs and Physical Geology (NRC007 and NRC008) with new-model Sharp Aquos flat-screen touch displays. We applied in the fall for funds to do the same thing in NRC 003 and NRC004 where we have unstable 10-year-old, end-of-lifed, unsupported presentation systems. We did not get the funds in the fall, so we will apply again this spring. We will also apply for funds to buy a new GPS/GNSS survey system. On a more personal note: Aside from my day job supporting some of the technology in the school, I am also enrolled in the geology Ph.D. program. I am making progress on my research into earthquakes in the broader Stillwater area. Among my research goals are illuminating faults, estimating the kinematics, and hopefully back out the large-scale mechanics providing strain in the southern midcontinent. After exploring some other options, we are now using SEISAN to locate and estimate magnitudes of local events. Both the USGS and OGS provide data from their seismic stations through IRIS (Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology) that supplement that data from our own network of ten seismographs, and we are exchanging data from a limited number of stations with another research group. Needless to say, maintaining the stations, processing and analyzing the data from an overwhelming number of earthquakes, and interpreting the results keeps me busy. Nevertheless, I hope to submit one manuscript by the time you read this. Ms. Sandy Earls Administrative Assistant I am still counting the years in the department and August will begin my 20th. Time is flying and it seems like every once in a while we lose a month around here. There have been many activities this year including a wedding and new baby in the department. We once again went to visit family in Tennessee in November. We also spent a little time in the Great Smoky Mountains revisiting some of the sights from our Honeymoon to celebrate out 32nd anniversary. We have had an interesting winter as my Mom decided to live with us during this time. She is considering moving to Stillwater, but not sure when that might be. I look forward to another year of working with the alumni, students, staff, faculty and friends of the Boone Pickens School of Geology. I hope you will stop by the department next time you are in town, just to say hi! Ms. Tabitha Schneider Administrative Support Specialist II It has been a busy and exciting three years since I first started here at the Boone Pickens School of Geology. I still spend most of my time working with both current and prospective graduate students. Along with handling much of the travel arrangements for current graduate and undergraduate students. In addition to acting as a backup for purchasing supplies and equipment for the department. The Graduate College changed their graduate application process from paper to electronic. Embracing this process has gone a long way toward streamlining the application process as well as making the applications readily available to faculty members who are interested in working with a prospective student. Things at home are kind of hectic at the moment between preparing to move and having a birthday party for my little girl who turned 8 recently. She is now in the 2nd grade and doing much better in school. We have a new device to help with monitoring her blood sugar levels. The Dexcom CGM we purchased in October has been amazing and gives this mom some much needed peace of mind. My son is now 10 years old and in 4th grade this year. He is doing really well in school and working his way toward a Webelos badge in Cub Scouts. This is my second year as their den leader and I have to say it has been way more fun
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAxMjk=