Citation by Erin Campbell
Dr. Vicki McConnell has dedicated her professional life both to science and to the establishment of programs to advance science and the careers of all scientists. In addition to her strong contribution to the understanding of volcanic systems, and her many years as State Geologist at the Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries, Dr. McConnell has made incredible differences in the lives of earth scientists around the world through her work as the Executive Director of the Geological Society of America (GSA).
Dr. McConnell’s greatest contributions to the geosciences have been her development of new programs and systems that have set standards nationally in both scientific and societal aspects. While serving as Oregon State Geologist, she initiated protocols for the collection and use of LiDAR, which were adopted by the USGS and other states, and which have allowed for coordination of LiDAR data at the national level. Additionally, while serving as Oregon State Geologist, Dr. McConnell was at the forefront of addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion. She then carried this focus on diversity to her directorship at GSA, where she developed new ethics and diversity guidelines that have set the standard for inclusive programs at organizations nationally. She also implemented GSA participation in an NSF-funded program to evaluate and create positive culture change in the geosciences.
Keeping GSA active during the COVID pandemic was a challenge that Dr. McConnell mastered and managed to turn into an opportunity for GSA to broaden its scope. A main focus of GSA is to further science, which requires keeping people connected. Under the direction of Dr. McConnell, GSA implemented CARES grants for students in need and created more scholarship opportunities for students internationally. Additionally, she established a new focus on “hearing the voices of the future” by broadening GSA’s leadership scope to include students and early career faculty.
Dr. McConnell exemplifies selfless pursuit of improvement of the scientific community. She has strived to create a scientific environment where all researchers are treated with respect, and where everyone’s research can thrive. She has left a legacy of advocacy for ethics and strong research that will be long remembered, and she has made an indelible and lasting impact on the earth sciences and the careers of countless earth scientists.
Response by Vicki S. McConnell
Ian Campbell led a multidimensional career in geology and the earth sciences; and his support of all those in the profession is legendary. I am incredibly honored to receive this award bearing his legacy and to be included in the august group of Campbell Medal awardees; many of whom have mentored me during my career.
I learned along my non-traditional career path that both our science and all levels of our scientists should be treated with honesty and integrity. I also learned that it is vital we freely and frequently communicate the importance of geosciences to everyone. Their lives, our planet and beyond depend on it. I recognize that our science is greatly enhanced by integrating across disciplines and welcoming the most diverse thinkers and doers to study it. It has been a pleasure to work with so many dedicated and talented people toward achieving these goals.
I want to extend my gratitude to my friends and peers that serve or have served as State Geologists across the US again following in Dr. Campbell’s footsteps. To my family, my geoscience friends, and mentors, I am so in your debt for your love and support through the years. Again, thank you.