Since 1996 the Arizona Geological Society (AGS) has presented scholarships to outstanding students at the state's three major universities, the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University. 

The 2023 scholarship program drew 9 excellent applicants from Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University, and the University of Arizona. 

Benjamin Amundsen

Ben Amundsen was awarded the 2023 Courtright Scholarship.  Currently working on a MS degree at the School of Earth and Sustainabiilty of Northern Arizona University, Ben's current research interets revolve around the Platoro Caldera of the San Juan Volcanic Complex in southwestern Colorado.  His thesis primarily focuses on understanding the eruptive stratigraphy and petrogenesis of the parental Conejos phase of the volcanic sequence, and perhaps provide some insight into the mineralization associated with the regional volcanism.

It was particularly difficult to select the best applicant for the 2023 Allison Scholarship.  We decided to award this year's scholarship to two equally qualified candidates, Emilia Clayor and Bridgett Holman, who attend the University of Arizona.

Emilia Caylor

Emilia Caylor is presently a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona, where she is studying the impact of tectonics on upper crustal processes, paleo-depositional environments, basin subsidence, and exhumation in Cordilleran-type orogenic systems.

Upon graduating, her goal is to create a diverse research group of scientists and design curricula that lowers barriers to geoscience education in the field and classroom. 

Bridgett Holman

Bridgett Holman is currently in her second year purrsuring a B.S. in Geosciences with a Geology Emphasis at the University of Arizona.  Her current research involves the mechanisms of nitrogen cycling through the deep Earth, conducting high temperature and pressure experiments that simulate ultramafic-rich melanges in subduction zones.

Upon graduation she aspires to attend graduate school, continuing her study of petrology and subduction zones or pursuing other disciplines.

Diana Kamilli

Diana Kamilli, longtime member of the Arizona Geological Society, passed away on 2 August 2023 after a brief illness. She was 81 years old. She earned her Ph.D. from Rutgers University in 1968. Diana served for six years as Chair of the Geology Dept. at Wellesley College in Wellesley, MA. Her interest shifted to archaeological geology and Diane operated a successful consulting business.

Photo of Diana and Robert Kamilli. ca early 1990s

(Courtesty of Science)

Science ran an article in 1993, “A Thoroughly Modern Marriage” by Ann Gibbons recounting the personal and professional lives of Diana and her husband, Robert (Bob) Kamilli. Diana served as an AGS Councilor from 2009-2011.  Diana’s husband, Robert (Bob) Kamilli, US Geological Survey retired, served as an AGS officer for 20 years.

The memorial service will be held at St. Philip's in the Hills Episcopal Church in Tucson, Arizona at 9:30 AM on Friday, October 20, 2023.  A reception will follow at the church from 11:45 AM to 2:00 PM.  Pleas RSVP for reception by October 13, 2023. Here is a link to her obituary.

Last, on behalf of AGS Executive Committee and AGS members present and past, we offer our heartfelt condolences to Bob, and to their children Robert Chapman Kamilli and Ann Chapman Kamilli.

Isabel Barton, an assistant professor in the University of Arizona Department of Mining and Geological Engineering and long time AGS member has been appointed the principal investigator for a $3.6 million grant approved by the Arizona Board of Regents.

This interdisciplinary project includes 13 faculty and staff from the University of Arizona, Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, who will work with the Arizona State Mine Inspector and mining community to find new ways to reuse copper mine tailings.

On 3 Oct. 2023, Dr. Amanda Hughes, Assistant Professor of Practice, Department of Geosciences at the University of Arizona,  presented "Structural modeling for reducing uncertainty in geologic interpretations" to members of the Arizona Geological Society.  The 58-minute-long presentation is available at the Arizona Geological Survey's Youtube channel.

Articles contained within the Arizona Geological Society Digests 1 through 22 are now available on-line at our publications page.  Our out-of-print Digests are available to the public, While our in-print Digests are only accessible to AGS members. 

Anyone who is interested in purchasing Printed Copies of In-Print AGS Digests can do so on-line or contact the AGS Secretary for more details.  Copies of current AGS Guidebooks and Digests are also for sale at a reduced price at AGS monthly dinner meetings.