Dr. Robert Finkelman, a geosciences lecturer and research scientist at The University of Texas at Dallas, recently earned national recognition for his more than 25 years of leadership in the emerging field of medical geology — the science dealing with the relationship between geological factors and health problems in humans, animals and plants.
Finkelman received the 2021 Distinguished Career Award from the Geology and Health Division of the Geological Society of America for his work.
Finkelman is a fellow of the Geological Society of America, a past chair of the society’s Geology and Health Division, and founding member and past chair of the International Medical Geology Association. In 2013 he received the division’s Distinguished Service Award.
“I am deeply honored to have been selected to receive this award,” Finkelman said. “This recognition by my peers of my contributions to geology and health is certainly a highlight of my career.”
Finkelman joined the UT Dallas geosciences faculty in the School of Natural Sciences and Mathematics in 2005 after retiring from a 32-year career as a senior scientist and project chief with the U.S. Geological Survey. An internationally recognized scientist widely known for his work on the chemistry of coal, its economic byproducts, and its environmental and health impacts, Finkelman previously served on a National Research Council committee examining the future of coal in the U.S.
“This award does not mark the culmination of my efforts to promote geology and health and to mentor those interested in this important discipline,” Finkelman said. “Rather, it convinces me that what I’ve been doing — really a labor of love — has been of value to the next generation of researchers. This award will stimulate me to continue my efforts to promote medical geology for as long as I can.”
Finkelman is the author of more than 850 publications and has been invited to speak in more than 50 countries. He has edited a dozen books, including “Practical Applications of Medical Geology,” which was published in late 2021. Additionally, Finkelman was the first person to write a dissertation on rock samples returned from the moon’s surface, earning him his PhD in chemistry from the University of Maryland in 1980.
Professor Named Honor Society Journals’ Editor
Dr. Carie S.T. King, clinical professor and associate director of rhetoric in the School of Arts and Humanities at The University of Texas at Dallas, has been selected as the managing editor of publications for Sigma Tau Delta, the international English honor society.
Established in 1924, the honor society is dedicated to fostering literacy and all aspects of the discipline of English. There are more than 900 local chapters in the U.S. and abroad. King is the advisor for the UT Dallas Sigma Tau Delta chapter, which has been at the University since 2017 and is one of largest chapters in the country with more than 40 active members.
In her new role, King will oversee the society’s two main annual publications. The Sigma Tau Delta Review publishes critical essays on literature, essays on rhetoric and composition, and essays devoted to pedagogical issues. The Sigma Tau Delta Rectangle publishes literary nonfiction, fiction and poetry.
“This is such an honor,” King said. “But more importantly this appointment is great for my students, for the School of Arts and Humanities and for UT Dallas because the UT Dallas name will be in every journal that we edit.”
As part of her new role, which will be for five years, King also will oversee three editorial interns each summer as well as attend board meetings and participate in other society events.
Accolades is an occasional News Center feature that highlights recent accomplishments of The University of Texas at Dallas faculty and students. To submit items for consideration, contact your school’s communications manager.