Gregory (Greg) L. Hempen, PhD, PE, RG, has been named the 2013-2014 Richard H. Jahns Distinguished Lecturer in Applied Geology. The lectureship is awarded jointly by the Environmental and Engineering Geology Division (EEGD) of the Geological Society of America [GSA (awarded at the Denver Annual Meeting, 29 OCT 2013)] and the Association of Environmental and Engineering Geologists [AEG (awarded at the Seattle Annual Meeting, 11 SEP 2013)]. The purpose of the lectureship is to promote student awareness of Applied Geology. The Jahns' Lectureship has been jointly awarded annually since 1988.

Hello??? Are you ready for the Big One?
[AKA: Important Considerations for Central US Seismicity] The presentation discusses the application of recent research to the paleoseismic and historic events of the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The talk considers some actions to inform the public of appropriate preparedness in that region.

Kaboom! (or whoosh?)
[AKA: Mitigating Blasting Impacts without Diminishing Effectiveness] The talk considers the application of mitigation research at unusual blasting sites, such as a Natural Gas pipeline near a quarry, removal of the Embrey Dam (Rappahannock River near Fredericksburg, VA), and blasting of submerged, or near waterside, structures.

What's my line? Site assessment!
[AKA: Applying Geophysics in Site Assessment] The presentation on the applied geologist's most important duty, site assessment, develops how geophysics may advance the information at a site and reduce the risk of unanticipated site conditions.

You're going to drink THAT water?!
[AKA: The Challenges of Reducing Groundwater Impacts from Radioactive Waste Sites] The talk weighs the challenges of reducing Groundwater Impacts at Old, Low-level Radioactive Waste Sites. The issues are not only the problem of assessing waste transit, but also convincing the public of what is known and unknown, and of a detailed, proper remediation.

Greg is a Geophysicist / Geological Engineer, consulting for URS Corporation's St. Louis Office. During his entire career, Greg has held only one title, Geophysicist. He specializes in all types of vibration mitigation from earthquakes, blasting and pile driving, and recommending appropriate geophysical studies for complex sites. His 40+-year career includes a long tenure at, and retirement from, the St. Louis District, Corps of Engineers.

Greg has conducted business for all levels of government, federal, state and local. He had worked closely with consulting firms managing studies on federal projects. He now works in the private sector, but continues studies for federal and state offices. His duties have included: site assessment of dam sites, regional earthquake studies for federal dam sites, probabilistic and deterministic appraisal of potential earthquake impacts, varied geophysical studies for different projects' concerns (from archeological to environmental transport to groundwater to rock weaknesses), blast mitigation while effectively achieving the blasting goal, environmental mitigation, and the dreaded - "other duties, as assigned."

Greg received a B.S. in Geophysical Engineering from St. Louis University, a M.S. in Geo-Engineering from the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and a Ph.D. in Geological Engineering from the University of Missouri - Rolla (now Missouri University of Science & Technology). He is a Registered Professional Engineer in Missouri and Registered Professional Geologist in Arkansas and Missouri.

Greg has authored a variety of publications, which share the understanding of procedures instead of keeping proprietary control of methodologies. Greg has been an adjunct professor at all the engineering universities in the St. Louis area. He has taught Environmental Science classes and Geotechnical Engineering courses. His longest running class was offered once a year, "Seismology and Seismic Design" (CE 530A), Civil Engineering Department, Washington University of St. Louis, 1989 to 2004. Greg had taught at several Corps of Engineers' professional training courses.

Several causes have gained Greg's attention over the years. He has long been active with AEG (President, 1989-1990), and GSA's EEGD. He had a minor role in developing the administration of the Jahns' Lectureship. He is also active with several other professional organizations. Greg has been involved with the pursuit of several important public issues, including Geologists' Registration, public disaster preparedness, and building-code adoption. He has served on state commissions, and is presently serving on two Missouri State organizations.

Some of the accolades that Greg has received are: the Otto Nuttli Award from the St. Louis Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers, October 2011; a Professional (Honorary) Degree from Missouri University of Science & Technology, December 2010; award with the Army and Corps team for the Embrey Dam removal, May 2004; Johnston Service Award from AEG, October 2002; Achievement Medal for Civil Service, December 1998; and, 1991 Regional Outstanding Engineer from the Missouri River Region of the Society of American Military Engineers.