FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tulsa, Okla., USA – The AAPG Foundation Trustees today named Dr. Julie Bloxson, associate professor of Earth Sciences and Geologic Resources at Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, as the 2025 Inspirational Geoscience Educator.
The annual Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award honors college and university professors within 10 years of their initial tenure-track appointment who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in geoscience education. The recipient receives $6,000 and a commemorative plaque.
"Many of us who studied geology in university and pursued geoscience careers did so because of the influence and encouragement of one or more faculty members," said Jim McGhay, chairman of the Board of Trustees. "Recognizing faculty who have demonstrated this ability early in their careers is the purpose of this award, and Julie is eminently deserving of this recognition."
Distinguished Career in Applied Geoscience
Dr. Bloxson, who earned her Ph.D. in Earth Science from Case Western Reserve University, has focused her research on subsurface systems, applying her expertise to real-world problems. Her work led to a research position at the Ohio Geological Survey, where she concentrated on carbon sequestration and hydrocarbon assessments across the Appalachian Basin.
Her passion for applied geoscience continues to drive her teaching and research as a faculty member at Stephen F. Austin State University since 2018.
"She's truly inspirational and remarkably productive," observed Mike Party, Trustee and chair of the selection committee. "Since joining the faculty, she has advised more than a dozen graduate theses, supervised numerous undergraduate research projects, and engaged in collaborative research with both industry and government partners."
Active Professional Leadership
Dr. Bloxson maintains an active presence in the professional community, with Trustee Jeff Lund noting with admiration "her willingness to present at various professional meetings and to bring many of her students to participate and make poster presentations. Her leadership was recently on full display as she chaired the very successful 2025 AAPG Gulf Coast Section meeting."
"I am truly honored to be selected as the 2025 recipient of the Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award," Dr. Bloxson said. "This award affirms the power of community and collaboration in geoscience education and reinforces my commitment to creating inclusive, innovative learning spaces that bridge academia, industry, and public engagement."
About the AAPG Foundation
The American Association of Petroleum Geologists Foundation is a permanent non-profit 501(c)(3) foundation supporting educational and scientific activities in the field of geology. Since 1967, the Foundation has promoted geoscience education by providing funding for educational and research programs that benefit the geologic profession and the general public, with particular emphasis on cultivating a strong and vibrant community of students and professionals focused on petroleum geoscience, energy minerals, and environmental geoscience.
For more information about the AAPG Foundation and its programs, visit foundation.aapg.org.
Media Contact: Susie Nolen, Foundation and Programs Team Lead, Tel: +1-918-560-2634, Email: [email protected]