What's Up @ CGRER?

CGRER has become one of four sites on the University of Iowa campus to train faculty and students in the use of Geographical Information System (GIS) software. The university has signed an institution-wide site license with the nation's largest producer of GIS software, the Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI), for use of its software and products. CGRER has committed $1000 to license fees, as well as the salary of a half-time research assistant to ensure the proper teaching and use of this GIS software.

An official naming ceremony was held on October 8 for the Paul H. Nelson Stable Isotope Laboratory, which was established and is maintained in part with funds from CGRER. This laboratory will provide a broad range of relatively inexpensive and fast isotope analysis services to researchers across Iowa (see CGRER's 1998 Annual Report, page 12, for more details). The lab started collecting data this past September, once the equipment had been installed and calibrated. A grand opening ceremony, to include a talk by the world-renowned isotope geochemist James O'Neill, will be held November 3. O'Neill, now retired from the USGS and University of Michigan, most recently has explored the use of phosphate found in bones and teeth for examining paleoenvironmental change. His talk will be followed by an open house for the entire university community.

Best wishes and many thanks were extended to Glenn Larson, who expertly managed CGRER's computer laboratory, when he left for a position in Lacrosse, Wisconsin, in June. Jeremie Moen has recently been hired to replace Glenn.

CGRER bids a fond farewell and extends thanks for years of service to Advisory Board members Paula Dierenfeld (representing the Iowa Utilities Board) and Robert Holmes (representing Alliant Utilities). Warm welcomes go to their respective replacements, Susan J. Frye and Steve Guyer.