Ettensohn Recognized for Contributions to Geological Education

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Dec. 14, 2017) —​ Frank Ettensohn, professor in the University of Kentucky Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, has received the Grover E. Murray Memorial Distinguished Educator Award for 2018 from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), an international association of petroleum geologists. The award is given in recognition of distinguished and outstanding contributions to geological education.

“This award has been given to some very prestigious educator/geoscientists. It is a veritable who’s who of geoscientists in the field of sedimentary geology,” said Dave Moecher, chair of the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences. “Dr. Ettensohn has contributed significantly to the field and is definitely deserving of this recognition.”

Ettensohn began his career at UK 40 years ago and is an internationally recognized expert in sedimentary geology and paleontology. Much of his research on unconventional shale resources is widely used in the petroleum industry. During his time in the UK College of Arts and Sciences, Ettensohn’s research has resulted in nearly 200 publications, more than half of which were co-authored with his students. Over the years, Ettensohn has successfully mentored 37 master’s and 12 doctoral students to degree completion and still has graduate students in progress.

“In truth, it has been the interactions with my many students over the years that have been the source of much creativity in my teaching and research. Many of my best research ideas were generated by the need to explain complex ideas more simply for students and colleagues,” Ettensohn said.

In 2013, Ettensohn was named the Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor. He has been recognized with many awards, including two Levorsen Best Paper Awards from the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, an A.A.A.S. (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Fellowship, two Fulbright Fellowships, a Jefferson Science Fellowship, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Institute of Professional Geologists, and the Superlative Award for a Distinguished University Scientist from the Kentucky Academy of Science, of which he will become vice president next year.

“I appreciate much the opportunities provided to me by the university, the college, my department and the many students I have encountered,” Ettensohn said.  “I really value the freedom and necessity of thinking broadly in the university setting.”