WILLIAM SIOK GRADUATE ESSAY Jim Jacobs, CPG-7760


University of California - Santa Cruz


California Section Beyond education, training, and


experience, a geologist using the guiding principles of competence, ethics, and integ- rity ensure that his or her geologic contributions to the complex challenges of the next quarter century are not only scientifically sound, but also ethically responsible.


Competence is a core principle of professional geologists. To


address the most pressing scientific questions of the next quarter century, collaboration will be even more necessary in the future as competent geologists work within interdisciplinary teams of engineers, climate scientists, chemists, biologists, geophysicists, meteorologists, as well as data scientists, attorneys, city planners and policy makers. These efforts will likely lead to new insights and scientific discoveries. Those questions will undoubtedly be focused on climate change, including sea level rise, extreme weather events, droughts, and wildfires. Through field observations and complex modeling, geologists will be working on predicting and possibly reducing the damage of natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, landslides, and floods. As extreme weather causes changes in water resources, geologists over the next quarter century will use more data mining, computer visual- izations, and statistical analysis to provide sustainable water, fuel, and mineral resources extraction programs while protecting the environment.


To work with others, including the public in communicating the


results of data collection, competence in geology is required. This will include a life-long education plan with continuous learning and development, locating mentors, going to professional meet- ings, and keeping up with the latest technological advancements and research methods. Competence for geologists over the next quarter century includes mastering advanced computer modeling and statistical methods, a variety of remote sensing applications, and artificial intelligence applications for the benefit of address- ing these most complex of scientific inquiries. Competence also provides geologists with flexibility, to be able to take skills learned in one subdiscipline and apply them to a new industry. The past fifty years have demonstrated that large numbers of geologists require mid-career retraining as new technologies or new geologic disciplines offer opportunities. The core principle of competence


through continuous education allows resilient geologists to move from one field to another.


Integrity, relating to the character of the geologist in words and deeds, is generally something learned well before college and uni- versity, but encouraged through strong mentors and role models. Integrity relates to honesty and a sense of uncompromising adher- ence to the truth. For geologists over the next quarter century, it requires rigorous data collection and evaluation, and development of conclusions from data which may not always be popular but lies along the path traveled by a geologist with integrity. A geologist with integrity is an honest broker of the facts. The scientific process requires integrity and support of the public trust. This will lead to a level of assurance to be credible and provide policy makers with articulated, accurate, and balanced understandings of geologic impacts.


Ethics for a geologist means adhering to the truth and to be


responsible for professional work, including rigorous data collec- tion analysis, and reporting. Ethics involves the honest reporting of accurate statements, including what is known about a particular topic, and where the data gaps or unknowns exist. As misinforma- tion on the internet increases and science literacy in the general population may remain low, ethics for the geologist working in the next quarter century will require a professional geologist to inform the public with truthful, unbiased, and balanced explanations. Successful geologists in the next 25-years will need to become sen- sitive and aware of environmental impacts, social vulnerabilities, and the limitations resources on a particular project. Of the three guiding principles for the professional geologist today and over the next quarter century, ethics is the most challenging principle to maintain when strong economic interests and political forces enter a project. In those cases, strong mentors, and a network of professional colleagues reinforce high ethical standards.


In the next quarter century, geologists possessing unwavering


integrity, unparalleled competence and superior ethics will make important contributions to address complex scientific challenges in interdisciplinary teams to benefit society. The efforts of geologists will filter down to citizens and communities across the country. The cornerstone of the successful professional geologist over the next 25-years lies in a commitment to continual self-improvement to engage in ongoing training, embracing emerging technologies while nurturing the confidence to collaborate with others.


Ethics and integrity are fostered by engaging mentors and role models in the profession. Equally important for current profes- sional geologists, these three guiding principles are necessary for the successful professional geologist in the next quarter century to understand and address complex scientific questions.


AIPG Member Photo Challenge Challenge Rules: Challenge categories:


Awards: First place in each category:


Image published on the cover of TPG in 2025. Win- ners will receive a personalized Estwing rock ham- mer engraved with their name and member number


or AIPG Gear of choice up to $50. Runners Up in each category:


Images will be published inside the TPG. Runners up will receive AIPG gear of choice up to $30.


30 TPG • Jul.Aug.Sep 2024


1. Off the Beaten Path - Unique feature/ formation.


2. Ancient Life - Fossil hunting finds.


3. Geologists in the Field - People at work/field trips.


4. Micro-Geology - Under the microscope.


Entries must be original and taken by a member. Entry authorizes publication of the image in The Professional Geologistby AIPG with credit given to the photographer.


Image requirements: digital, 300 dpi, 8.5”x11,” portrait orienta- tion full color.


Members are allowed one entry per category with up to four sub- missions (one per category).


All images must be original and taken by the member. Submit entries via email to aipg@aipg.org. Entries must include: • Name • Member number • Section • Title of image •


Less than 200 word description of the image


• Names of any identifiable persons in the image and per- mission to publish their photo


• Year photo taken Entry deadline: November 1, 2024.


www.aipg.org


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