The Geological Society of America (GSA) has announced the selection of Boston University Prof. Farouk El-Baz for its International Section’s 2014 “Distinguished Career Award.” The prestigious award recognizes worldwide scientific standing and the promotion of international geologic cooperation. It will be presented during the GSA Annual Meeting to be held on 19-22 October 2014 in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

 

In 1986 Professor Farouk El-Baz established, and continues to direct, the Boston University Center for Remote Sensing (CRS). Under his leadership, the CRS was selected by NASA in 1997 as a “Center of Excellence in Remote Sensing.” Dr. El-Baz also serves as Research Professor in the Departments of Archaeology and Electrical and Computer Engineering of Boston University.

 

El-Baz is a veteran of NASA’s Apollo program of lunar exploration. He served as secretary of the Apollo lunar landing site selection committee as well as chairman of astronaut training in orbital observations and photography. He is a pioneer in applying space images to the study of the origin and evolution of desert landforms, and is particularly noted for research on the location of groundwater resources in arid lands.

 

He served as Science Advisor to the late President Anwar Sadat of Egypt, and was elected member of the U.S. National Academy of Engineering. In 1999, the GSA established the “Farouk El-Baz Award for Desert Studies” to reward excellence in the field. It was followed by the “Farouk El-Baz Student Award” to encourage students (one male and one female) to engage in the study of arid lands.

 

The Geological Society of America (GSA), founded in 1888, is a global professional society with more than 25,000 members in 107 countries. It advances the geosciences, enhances the professional growth of its members, and promotes the geosciences in the service of humanity. The GSA provides geoscientists with a vehicle for expressing core professional values of science, stewardship, and service throughout a lifetime.