Dr. Ernest A. Mancini

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The 2004 Ian Campbell Medal, the American Geological Institute’s most distinguished award, was presented to Dr. Ernest A. Mancini, professor of geological sciences at The University of Alabama, at an awards ceremony in Denver earlier this month.

Mancini received the award in recognition of his contributions to academia, industry and government, both as a leader and a public servant.

Mancini will also serve as president-elect on the AGI Executive Committee. He has made significant contributions to many of AGI's member societies such as the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and the Geological Society of America. His career has centered around three decades of commitment and dedication to the geological profession.

Mancini views this recognition as the pinnacle of his career. “To receive the AGI Medal in Memory of Ian Campbell is indeed a high honor and the highlight of my career as a geoscientist,” he said.

After receiving his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 1974, Mancini worked in the oil industry for two years. He came to UA in 1976 as an assistant professor of geology. In 1982, he was named State Geologist for Alabama, and served in that capacity until 1996.

Mancini has been named an AAPG distinguished lecturer and also a distinguished educator. He has been the Regional Director of the Eastern Gulf Region of the Petroleum Technology Transfer Council since 1995. Mancini also served as director of the Geological Survey of Alabama and the State Oil and Gas Board, and as president of the Association of American State Geologists from 1990-1991.

As professor in the department of geological sciences and as current director of the Center for Sedimentary Basin Studies at UA, Mancini has directed four doctoral students who have completed their degrees, and he’s directing four others who are working on their degrees. His current field work in Wyoming, Texas and Louisiana investigates how to prolong the life of an oil field.

The American Geological Institute is a nonprofit federation of 43 scientific and professional associations that represent more than 120,000 geologists, geophysicists, and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the role the geosciences play in use of resources and the environment. More information about AGI can be found at http://www.agiweb.org/.