AAPG Feature Staffer
Mike Mlynek
I joined AAPG as the Student Affairs Coordinator in August 2003 after graduating from Oklahoma State University with degrees in Zoology and Business Management. I am still working on my theory about how Zoology applies to Geology, but perhaps it was the Business degree that interested AAPG. I guess as one of the youngest staff members and still a recent student myself I have been chosen to relate to the AAPG Student members; it has turned out to be an exciting ride.
I currently work in the AAPG Membership Department under the excellent supervision of Membership manager Vicki Beighle. My current responsibilities include working with the Student Chapter Committee, Student Expo Committee, Academic Liaison Committee, Student Focus Coordinating Committee, Virtual Student Expo, and the Visiting Geoscientist Program. So basically ... anything student related ... I am your contact. It is a very challenging and rewarding position that I have enjoyed.
I especially like visiting with the AAPG Student members at meetings and Expo events, and working with those in the Membership Department; JoAnn Trippett, Jan Dorman, Nancy Ince, and Norma Newby with the Divisions.
Outside of work I enjoy my wife of four years, Jennifer, and being at home in Prague, Oklahoma with my new four-month-old son Jayden. I also enjoy sailing, scuba diving, traveling, and am a voracious reader. In fact I am teased that I read “too much”, any book, newspaper, magazine or even advertisement within my reach is not safe. Just ask Vicki or Bryan, past featured staffers.
Since this will be included in The Delegates’ Voice I thought I would use this opportunity to seek your help. AAPG and I are always looking to expand the Student membership ranks, and any help with recruitment is always appreciated. However I think a bigger need is keeping them as members. So if you can, take some time to talk with students. Please relay to them the importance of staying an AAPG member, and how it has benefited your career. Professional association with AAPG will continue to help the individual, the industry and I believe the science. Keep up the good work.