The Jack Kleinman Memorial Award for Volcano Research

The Jack Kleinman Memorial Award for Volcano Research represents a partnership between GSA and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to recognize early-career scientists conducting high-impact research in volcanology. The award was created in memory of Jack Kleinman—a USGS Cascades Volcano Observatory scientist known for his commitment to collecting high-quality field data and who relished a challenge, inspired enthusiasm in others, and delighted in the natural world. The award honors students who demonstrate these same qualities in their scientific explorations.

Up to US$5,000 may be awarded to undergraduate, graduate, and aspiring graduate students, regardless of current enrollment status. Successful proposals typically focus on geologic, geochemical, geophysical, or hazards investigations with an emphasis on fieldwork. Cooperation with a staff member from the USGS Volcano Science Center is encouraged and given considerable weight in the selection process.

Although applicants do not need to be U.S. citizens, the work supported by the award focuses on U.S. volcanoes, with preference for studies in the Cascade Range, Aleutian Arc, Hawaii, Yellowstone, Long Valley, or distributed volcanism in the western USA. Funding is intended to defray the costs of field-focused studies, such as travel to field sites, living expenses during fieldwork, field supplies, and analytical costs. Awardees are invited to present their results in the USGS Kleinman Seminar Series and attend the Awards Ceremony at the GSA annual meeting.

Applications are submitted through a portal link that will be linked below. Two letters of recommendation are required: at least one should be from a current research mentor, and a letter from a USGS cooperator is optional but may strengthen the application. Letters should address both academic qualifications and personal qualities exemplified by Jack Kleinman, such as exuberance, integrity, and reliability. The selection committee includes geologists and volcanologists, with representation from the USGS Volcano Science Center.

Application period: 1 December through 18 February