WKU Geologist Receives
International Recognition
October 04, 2004
Bowling Green, Ky. - G
eologist Ken Kuehn, a Western Kentucky University Distinguished University Professor, received a Distinguished Service Award from The Society for Organic Petrology (TSOP) at its 21st annual meeting under way in Sydney, Australia.
TSOP is an international scientific organization that investigates the origins, characteristics, and uses of organic sediments such as coal and kerogen, and their related petroleum and natural gas deposits.
Dr. Kuehn joined TSOP in its charter year of 1984 and was integral in planning the course of society activities through his various elected leadership roles including that of president in 1997.
"I am grateful to have been on board early and in circumstances to help the Society achieve the renown and stature it enjoys today within the global community of energy researchers," Dr. Kuehn said. "The TSOP organization and its individual members have made outstanding scientific contributions to the understanding of Earth's fossil fuel resources."
TSOP comprises 500 member scientists who represent more than 20 countries. TSOP is an associated society of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists and a member society of the American Geological Institute. Dr. Kuehn is only the second person to receive a Distinguished Service Award in their 21-year history.
"Service to one's discipline is a critical element of academic life and Dr. Kuehn epitomizes excellence in service," said Dr. David Keeling, head of the Geography and Geology Department. "Ken has taken a leadership role in promoting geology, both as an academic discipline and as a tool for solving human-environment problems, in Kentucky and his myriad contributions have highlighted the importance of geology to our society. The department is proud to see Ken recognized by the TSOP for his service to that organization."
Dr. Kuehn is a registered professional geologist in Kentucky who teaches specialized courses in petroleum geology and coal geology. He has participated in approximately 75 petroleum exploration and drilling projects in Kentucky.
For more information, contact Dr. Ken Kuehn at (270) 745-3082. More WKU news is available at www.wku.edu. If you'd like to receive WKU news via e-mail, send a message to WKUNews@wku.edu.
