Dr. Schwartz is acclaimed for his contributions to contaminant hydrogeology and groundwater science through his preeminent research, textbooks, and ongoing commitment to solving problems of professional practice and to teaching. He is well known for five decades of vital work addressing vexing problems in groundwater contamination, nuclear waste disposal and other energy-related issues, and sustainability. His accomplishments include a world-class research program, academic texts with translations in China and Japan, and assistance to organizations in the public and private sectors.

 

Additionally, Dr. Schwartz has provided advice and assistance with U.S. Department of Energy's Waste Isolation Pilot Plant, Yucca Mountain, and the Nevada Test Site; tritium issues at Brookhaven, Oak Ridge, and Sandia National Laboratories; and international programs in Finland and Korea. He served for more than 20 years on various panels of the National Research Council.

 

Dr. Schwartz has played several society leadership roles, including the National Groundwater Association's Editor-in-Chief of "Groundwater," a member of the Geological Society of America's Management Board of the Hydrogeology Division, an International Association of Hydrogeologists' invited speaker at International Congresses and other meetings, and a meeting organizer for the American Geophysical Union's Hydrology Section and the Geological Association of Canada.

 

"Frank's service to the geoscience community is exemplary, from leadership in higher education and professional societies to his advice and contributions to government agencies and corporations," said AGI President Dr. David Wunsch. "These are accomplishments that don't merely add to our knowledge of hydrogeology and groundwater science, but they also shape the profession, and set benchmarks for future geoscientists."

 

"What makes Frank unique among his peers is his dedicated diversification beyond research to help in solving high-level national and international water problems," said Dr. Thomas Darrah, Professor at the School of Earth Sciences and Director of the Global Water Institute at Ohio State University, in nominating Dr. Schwartz for the award. "Frank's vision, commitment, and contributions have spanned more than five decades and actively continue today."

 

"I was surprised, excited, and honored to be named as the 2021 Milling medalist," Dr. Schwartz said on accepting the honor. "The stature of this award struck me as I looked at the list of former awardees — amazingly talented and renowned members of the geoscience community. I thank Dr. Darrah for nominating me and other colleagues who wrote on my behalf."

 

Dr. Schwartz has been invited to accept the medal during the awards ceremony of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists' Annual Convention in September 2021.

 

The Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal is a lifetime achievement award given in recognition of an individual's high-quality basic and applied science achievements in the Earth sciences. The award, established in 1999, was named in late 2006. Dr. Marcus Milling was an ardent and tireless champion of geoscience education, policy, and information services who served as AGI's Executive Director from 1992 until July of 2006, when he transitioned to a Senior Advisor role.

 

AGI directly, or in cooperation with its Member Societies, makes a number of awards each year to recognize particular excellence in the geosciences. In addition, AGI works with its Member Societies to foster nominations of deserving geoscientists for consideration in a number of National Science Awards. To learn more about AGI awards such as the Marcus Milling Legendary Geoscientist Medal, visit https://www.americangeosciences.org/awards.

 

The American Geosciences Institute (AGI), a federation of scientific and professional associations representing over a quarter-million geoscientists, is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to serving the geoscience community and addressing the needs of society. AGI headquarters are in Alexandria, Virginia.

 

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AGI Contact:

Geoff Camphire, Communications