South Dakota Section, American Institute of Professional Geologists 2024 J.P. Gries
Geologist of the Year Brian Fagnan accepts his award on April 17, 2024, from SD
Section President, Tim Cowman. Photo taken by Joanne Noyes.
 

2024 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year award announced
The South Dakota section of the American Institute of Professional Geologists (SD-AIPG) has named Brian Fagnan as the 2024 J.P. Gries Geologist of the Year. The award is named in honor of Dr. John Paul Gries for his exceptional work in the field of geology and is provided each year by the South Dakota Section of AIPG in memory of Dr. Gries, a longtime geology professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology.  Mr. Fagnan's nomination letter was submitted by Mr. Gary Haag and included the following:

Brian Fagnan -- Geologist -- South Dakota Geological Survey

In 2002, Brian earned his Master of Science in Geology and Geological Engineering from the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, laying the foundation for a career marked by expertise and dedication. Prior to this, Brian pursued a Bachelor of Science in Geology, showcasing a multidisciplinary approach with a dual major in Audio Communications and a minor in Art, specializing in Photography, thus illustrating passion for both the sciences and the arts. In 2014, Brian reached a milestone by becoming a certified professional geologist with the esteemed American Institute of Professional Geologists, solidifying his commitment to excellence and professionalism in the field of geology. These academic degrees and certification serve as the cornerstones in Brian’s journey as a geologist tackling the challenges of the ever-evolving scientific landscape.

Embarking on a dynamic career path, Brian has seamlessly blended scientific inquiry with educational engagement and public service. Starting as a park ranger at Jewel Cave National Monument, Brian taught the public about the nature of karst geology from 2000 to 2002. Transitioning into public service in 2003, Brian took employment with the South Dakota Geological Survey in the Department of Agriculture and Natural Resources as a geologist upgrading to the role of environmental scientist III over the past 21 years. Simultaneously, Brian served as an instructor at the University of South Dakota from 2003 to 2011, imparting knowledge and teaching basic principles of geology. Additionally, he ventured into the realm of self-employment as a contracted geologist from 2001 to 2004, harnessing his skills to create geologic maps for the National Park Service.

Throughout his career in geology, Brian has made significant contributions to the understanding and documentation of geological landscapes, particularly in the Black Hills region. His publications include detailed geologic maps of various 7.5-minute quadrangles such as Mount Coolidge, Signal Hill, Sturgis, Tilford, Wind Cave, and Jewel Cave, as well as geologic map of Wind Cave National Park, providing valuable insights into the complex geological formations of these areas. Brian is currently mapping the geology of Custer State Park at 1:24,000 scale. The results of this multi-year project will benefit state and federal agencies in their understanding of the complex and scenic geology that forms the Park. Additionally, Brian has employed GIS and digital cartography techniques to enhance the accessibility and accuracy of geological data mapped by others to produce aquifer materials maps, other geologic quadrangles, and contributed to the comprehensive geologic map of South Dakota. Brian’s work extends beyond just the SD Geological Survey, as he has conducted geologic mapping projects in conjunction with the National Park Service, South Dakota Game Fish and Parks, University of Albion, and the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. Also, Brian has engaged in outreach efforts such as numerous field trips, information requests, as well as participating in a high school mentoring program. Furthermore, his geological descriptions have enriched publications like Hiking the Black Hills, a Falcon guidebook. Through these multifaceted contributions, Brian has strived to advance the field of geology, promote scientific understanding, and inspire future generations of geoscientists.

Previous J.P. Gries award recipients include Tom Durkin with the South Dakota Space Grant Consortium, Gary Haag with the United States Forest Service; Richard Hammond with Heine Electric and Irrigation; Dr. Rachel Benton with Badlands National Park; South Dakota School of Mines & Technology professors Dr. Nuri Uzunlar, Dr. Arden Davis, Dr. Colin Paterson, Dr. Edward Duke, Dr. Perry Rahn, Dr. Jack Redden, Dr. Alvis Lisenbee, Dr. James Fox, and Dr. J. Foster Sawyer;  Mark Anderson  and Janet Carter with the United States Geological Survey; and South Dakota Department of Environment and Natural Resources geologists Dr. Mark Fahrenbach, Fred Steece, and Derric Iles.

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