AAPG’s annual recognition of excellence in the geosciences this year honors an outstanding group of members and professionals whose achievements have advanced the science, profession, and mission of AAPG around the world.
The Association’s 2027 Honors and Awards recipients represent exceptional accomplishments in exploration, research, education, leadership, volunteer service, and international engagement. Approved by the AAPG Executive Committee, these honors recognize individuals whose contributions have strengthened both AAPG and the broader geoscience community.
Leading this year’s awards list are Thomas Ewing, the Sidney Powers Memorial Award recipient, and Jeffrey William Lund, this year’s Michel T. Halbouty Outstanding Leadership Award recipient.
Both will be among the award recipients recognized and honored during a special event held on Tuesday, Aug. 18 during the IMAGE ’26 conference in Houston.
Each year, these awards provide an opportunity to recognize the dedication, expertise, and service of geoscientists who have made a lasting impact on our profession. Their accomplishments exemplify the excellence and commitment that continue to advance our science and our Association.
The 2027 AAPG Honors and Awards recipients are:
Sidney Powers Memorial Award
Presented in recognition of distinguished and outstanding contributions to, or achievements in, petroleum geology.
- Thomas Ewing, Gulf Coast Section
Michel T. Halbouty Outstanding Leadership Award
Presented in recognition of outstanding and exceptional leadership in the petroleum geosciences.
- Jeffrey William Lund, Gulf Coast Section
Honorary Member Award
Presented to those who have distinguished themselves through service and devotion to AAPG, the science, and the profession.
- John C. Dolson, Europe Region
- Meredith Faber, Gulf Coast Section
- Brian D. Keith, Eastern Section
- James L. Pindell, Europe Region
- Rasoul B. Sorkhabi, Rocky Mountain Section
Norman H. Foster Outstanding Explorer Award
Presented in recognition of distinguished and outstanding achievement in exploration.
- M. Robin Smith, Gulf Coast Section
Robert R. Berg Outstanding Research Award
Presented in recognition of a singular achievement in petroleum geoscience research.
- Vincent Matthews, Rocky Mountain Section
Distinguished Service Award
Presented to members who have distinguished themselves through singular and beneficial long-term service to AAPG.
- Henry M. Agbogun, Canada Region
- Ricardo Alevato, Latin America and Caribbean Region
- John A. Brock, Mid-Continent Section
- Patrick James Gooding, Eastern Section
- Ifeanyichukwu S. Obi, Africa Region
- Kimberly Saar Parsons, Rocky Mountain Section
- Jayne “Ali” Sloan, Rocky Mountain Section
- Donna Caraway Willette, Eastern Section
Grover E. Murray Memorial Distinguished Educator Award
Recognizing superlative contributions to geological education.
- Chidozie Izuchukwu Princeton Dim, Africa Region
- Hilary Corlett, Canada Region
Young Professionals Exemplary Service Award
Presented to members who have promoted growth, awareness, and expanded opportunities for young professionals within AAPG.
- Deborah Oyebisi, Africa Region
- Daniel Alejandro Ortiz, Latin America and Caribbean Region
Vlastimila (Vlasta) Dvořáková International Ambassador Service Award
Recognizing exceptional international service and outreach on behalf of AAPG.
- Elvira Pureza Gomez, Latin America and Caribbean Region
Honorary Member of the House
Recognizing exceptional service and contributions to the House of Delegates.
- William DeMis, Houston Geological Society
- Kristie Luchtel Ferguson, Tulsa Geological Society
Distinguished Member of the House
Recognizing distinguished service and leadership within the House of Delegates.
- James McDonald, Ohio Geological Society
- Joel Alberts, Oklahoma City Geological Society
These recipients represent the very best of AAPG’s global geoscience community. Their accomplishments reflect excellence in scientific achievement, professional leadership, education, exploration, and dedicated service to the Association and the profession.
Please join AAPG in congratulating the 2027 Honors and Awards recipients. Their contributions continue to strengthen the geosciences and inspire the next generation of professionals around the world.
Congratulations to all of our honorees.