On April 11, the Prairie Research Institute honored employees for their outstanding achievements and excellent work. Selection committees composed of staff from across the organization reviewed multiple strong nominations before selecting these 2018 honorees: ISGS Steven Sargent was awared the Distinguished Research Specialist Award.
Steven Sargent is an Instrument and Measurement Technician in Hydrogeology and Geophysics at the Illinois State Geological Survey. His nominators praised his leadership in designing, developing, and maintaining specialized equipment and apparatus for the geoscience community, his data collection and processing, and the training and mentoring he provides. He has positioned ISGS at the leading edge of developing near-surface geophysical acquisition systems. The technology, developed over a decade ago, is still widely used by many national and international groups. In Illinois, the system assisted others in managing the state's natural resources, leading to additional opportunities for sustainable economic development. His contributions to the people of Illinois and the scientific community exemplify the multidisciplinary scientific research and service conducted at the Prairie Research Institute.
Four Civil Service staff employees were also recognized for their years of exemplary service to the University of Illinois:
- 25 Years of Service: Laura Kohlmann, Accountant II, PRI Finance/Fiscal Services
- 10 Years of Service: Adam Deany, Finance Management Specialist, PRI Finance/Fiscal Services
- 5 Years of Service: Mindy Lowers, Office Administrator, Forbes Biological Station, Illinois Natural History Survey
- 5 Years of Service: Debra Wurl, Chief Clerk, PRI Finance/Purchasing