Geophysical Applications in Near Surface (GAINS)

Virtual Training Course

GAINS, a virtual training course is designed for those looking for an introduction or refresher on practical applications in engineering and environmental geophysics.  Participation in the GAINS Virtual Training Course is included in EEGS Membership!  Whether you are a government employee, a student or are in the early phase of your career, this virtual Training Course provides a unique, valuable perspective and a broad understanding of geophysics.  Attendance at GAINS presentations is tracked and those who include instruction, presentation or study hours to fulfill licensure, certification or PDH requirements can request their record(s) of attendance and length of module(s) if needed. Certificates of Completion are available for all GAINS participants upon request.

GAINS 2027

GAINS 2027 is a 12-week program beginning the week of January 11, 2027 with the first of 11 modules.  The program ends with a special, in-person Panel Discussion Luncheon at SAGEEP 2027 in Nashville, Tennessee USA. Return to this page for the specific dates of each module.

For a Curriculum Outline and the weeks of presentation, scroll down to Course Curriculum or click here. 

For questions or additional information, email [email protected].

As each module's date and times are scheduled via Zoom, you will receive an invitation.  Pre-registration is required.  Be sure your membership and email address are up to date and register in advance for the live presentation.  Once registered, an email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent. Recordings will be made available post webinar.  

Existing Members:  Current members can pre-register for all 2026 GAINS modules.  

Not an EEGS Member?  Membership in EEGS is free to those who sign up to participate in the GAINS Virtual Training program.   Here's how:  Just visit https://www.eegs.org/join-or-renew-online and join.  You can now pre-register and attend all 2026 GAINS modules.

Recorded presentations:  Recordings are available at the conclusion of each module.   Be sure to log in at the EEGS web site to access the web pages "GAINS 2024-25 Recordings" and "GAINS 2026 Recordings" viewable under the GAINS menu item.  

Join the GAINS Reddit Community! 
Follow information about each session and join discussion threads outside each module at: https://www.reddit.com/r/EEGS_GAINS/. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the GAINS course cost?
The cost of the GAINS virtual course depends on your EEGS membership status:  If you are a current member, no additional charge.         

• $150 for non-members (3 Corporate Membership types; check the rates here)
• $25 for student non-members

I'm a government employee and am not eligible for professional memberships reimbursement.  Can I purchase the GAINS course instead of joining EEGS or renewing my existing membership?
Yes, you can register for the GAINS training course at the below rates and you will automatically become an EEGS member as an extra "bonus."  In order to facilitate any special government requirements regarding invoicing for instance, contact EEGS staff ([email protected]).  You can also complete the GAINS training course form (printable form) and send to [email protected] to indicate your interest.  

• $150 for non-members (3 Corporate Membership types; check the rates here) or
• $25 for student non-members

How many CE credits can I earn by attending a GAINS module?
Although EEGS does not award continuing education credits for GAINS modules, your attendance at a module is tracked.  Those who submit CE or Personal Development Hours (PDH) toward certification or licensure requirements can request a Certificate of Attendance and the number of hours of each module presentation for your records.  

I've missed one of the GAINS module presentations.  Are they recorded and if so, how can I access them?
All previously held module recordings (2024-25 and 2026) are available to those who registered for the program.  To learn more, access www.EEGS.org and select menu item GAINS.  The recordings are grouped by year.  You must be logged in to view the menu items "GAINS 2024-25 Recordings" and "GAINS 2026 Recordings."  

There is a reference to a luncheon/panel in Nashville, Tennessee as part of the SAGEEP 2027/Munitions Response Meeting.  Are there details available?
Details on the special GAINS Luncheon and Panel on Super Intelligence to be announced. EEGS and the National Association of Ordnance Contractors (NAOC) are hosting the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP) in Nashville, Tennessee USA April 11-15, 2027. Details on the conference and the panel/luncheon will be made available as they are finalized on the SAGEEP 2027 website!

GAINS 2027 Course Curriculum Outline (printable Outline)

*USACE EM CX: US Army Corps of Engineers, Environmental and Munitions Center of Enterprise
**USACE CRREL: US Army Corps of Engineers, Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
***Artificial Intelligence (AI) is now referred to as Super Intelligence (SI) per EO 14434

EEGS Education Committee:

	Sarah L. Ranney, Ph.D., Bureau of Reclamation Sarah is an engineering geophysicist with the Bureau of Reclamation in Denver, CO. She is known for her love of near-surface seismic methods with a keen interest in subsidence and other natural hazards. She is a New England native with multiple degrees in both Geology/Geophysics and Geotechnical Engineering. Her career started in 2010 with positions at several state geological surveys and other federal-government agencies. She is passionate about mentorship and developing accessible forms of education for aspiring geophysicists.
	Miriam Johnston, Bureau of Reclamation Miriam is an engineering geophysicist with the Bureau of Reclamation in Denver, CO. She has over 10 years of experience in all near-surface geophysical techniques, having worked in both the public and private sectors. Throughout her career, she has performed geophysical surveys in over 25 US states, in every type of field condition imaginable. She is known for her creative and successful execution of field surveys in challenging and less than desirable terrains.
	Paul Schwering, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory  Paul is near-surface geophysicist with practical experience spanning geothermal energy resource characterization, geologic engineering, infrastructure investigations, hydrogeology, environmental remediation, and mineral exploration since 2005. He is enthusiastic about the potential for geothermal resources to bolster energy surety and about designing/executing multi-faceted experiments for subsurface characterization.
	Trever Ensele Mr. Ensele is a seasoned geophysicist and geologist with 18 years of experience in the acquisition and analysis of geophysical, geological, and geotechnical data. His expertise spans a wide range of geophysical methods, including seismic, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic, magnetic, and GPR surveys, as well as GPS surveying and GIS software applications. Additionally, Mr. Ensele has managed mineral exploration programs, large scale geophysical surveys, diamond core drilling, trenching, and geotechnical sampling and analysis programs.
	Rebekah Lee  Rebekah Lee is a research geophysicist specializing in seismology. She applies passive seismic and other geophysical techniques to engineering and environmental challenges, including monitoring the health of earthen levees. Her research interests extend beyond seismology to include using innovative GPS and microgravity methods to understand complex geological processes. Rebekah’s educational background includes a BA in English and Intercultural Studies from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and a M.Sc. in Geophysics from Boise State University (2017) where she studied ionospheric signals from pressure waves produced by surface uplift from earthquakes. In 2026, Rebekah was elected as an EEGS At-Large Board Member. She also served as a guest editor for the December 2026 edition of FastTIMES on AI/ML in Near-surface Geophysics.