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Why GSA Membership
is Important to Me

Christopher A. Gellasch

Ijoined GSA as an undergraduate student more than 25 years
ago and have remained a member since then. As a military
geologist I typically move across the country (or overseas)
to a new assignment every few years and am frequently the
only geologist assigned to my organization. I am a hydrogeologist
working primarily with environmental and public health profes-
sionals in a mix of academic and applied settings, so GSA is
my professional home where I can interact with other geologists.
I frequently attend the GSA Annual Meeting each fall and enjoy
catching up with my friends and colleagues while also meeting
new geoscientists.

Being a part of GSA gives me the opportunity to share my
research and learn about a variety of relevant, high-impact geo-
science research presented by others. The interdisciplinary nature
of GSA’s Section and Annual Meeting technical sessions is
appealing because my interests span a wide spectrum, including
hydrogeology, geochemistry, geology and health, and military
geology. In addition to giving research presentations at meetings,
I have also published my research through GSA publications. The
GSA short courses and field trips allow me to engage in lifelong
learning and remain current in my field.

My GSA membership also allows me to give back to the pro-
fession in many ways. I have organized several technical sessions
at meetings, served on GSA committees, participated in numer-
ous mentoring programs, and recently was the Hydrogeology
Division Technical Program Chair for GSA’s Annual Meeting.
I find these volunteer opportunities to be both personally and
professionally rewarding because they allow me make a differ-
ence and broaden my network of colleagues. Why is GSA mem-
bership important to me? For all of the opportunities it provides
to me and for the opportunity to help others through my service
to the organization.

Christopher A. Gellasch
GSA member since 1991

20 GSA Today | March–April 2017