The AAG awarded the Silver Medal to Dr. David Smith at the 24th International Applied Geochemistry Symposium banquet in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Dave Smith (right) receiving the award from David Cohen (left)
Citation given by Rob Bowell, AAG Past President, in August 2009 in Fredericton
As Past President of AAG for 2008 to 2009, it is my privilege to present this award to Dr David Smith of the USGS. David is a research geochemist at USGS where he has been for over 33 years. David holds a BA and MSc in Geology from Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee and a PhD in geochemistry from Colorado School of Mines, Golden, Colorado. He started professional life during the first uranium boom and this led to his PhD dissertation covering uranium in volcanic ash. He has served his time in USGS management as associate and as chief for the branch of geochemistry. He is currently the USGS leader for the soil geochemical baseline landscape project and has served as co-leader of the IAGC-IUGS global geochemical baseline since 1997. He joined AEG in 1975, has been a fellow since 1982 and has served as secretary since 1998. During this time he has served nine AAG or AEG presidents and has overseen changes in the Association in terms of name and overhauled our articles of Association. He has seen through two mineral booms and brings his good sense of humour, patience, courtesy, organizational skills and good old southern charm to his position of secretary and dealings with others. On behalf of AAG, may I ask President Cohen to present Dr David Smith with his much-deserved medal.