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• Indiana Geological Survey names new assistant director for research

Indiana Geological Survey names new assistant director for research

• Sept. 26, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Lee J. Florea has been selected as the new assistant director for research of the Indiana Geological Survey. Florea will oversee the survey's research division, which consists of 20 scientists working in various geologic disciplines.

"I am thrilled to have a scientist of Lee's caliber join our organization," said Todd A. Thompson, Indiana Geological Survey director and state geologist. "Lee has the right combination of vision and drive to lead the research programs of the IGS as we redirect our society-driven focus into the 21st century."

Before joining the Indiana Geological Survey, Florea was an associate professor of geology of Ball State University, where he taught for five years. His wide-ranging areas of research interest include the hydrogeology, geochemistry and cartography of caves; landscape evolution of cave-rich areas; carbon transport and systematics in shallow groundwater; and sequence and isotope stratigraphy and the origin of Paleozoic paleokarst. He has published widely in these areas.

Florea also has a background in nongovernmental organizations and citizen science. He received a B.S. in physics and mathematics from Western Kentucky University, an M.S. in geological sciences from the University of Missouri-Columbus and a Ph.D. in geology from the University of South Florida.

Involved in a number of organizations and collaborations, Florea has been a director and the executive vice president of the National Speleological Society, president of the Kentucky Speleological Society and a board member of the Indiana Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists.

"Lee comes to us with a proven ability to gain grants and work with interdisciplinary groups and with a record of excellent teaching and institutional service," Thompson said. "His skills will enhance the current direction of the IGS as a leading geologic research institution in the state."

The Indiana Geological Survey is a research institute of Indiana University that receives support from the Office of the Vice Provost for Research at IU Bloomington. Its mission is to provide geologic information and counsel that contribute to the wise stewardship of the energy, mineral and water resources of the state. Since 1837, the health, safety and welfare of Indiana’s citizenry have benefited from a combination of Indiana Geological Survey activities: focused research initiatives and cooperative investigations with governmental agencies, businesses and industries, and educational organizations; geologic sample and data collection and archiving; and dissemination of information in many forms, including published maps, reports, databases and educational outreach programs.

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• Indiana Geological Survey