Geophysical Applications in Near Surface (GAINS)

Virtual Training Course

GAINS, a new EEGS Member benefit, is a 14-week, virtual training course designed for those looking for an introduction or refresher on practical applications in engineering and environmental geophysics. Beginning on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, EEGS' Education Committee will host Subject Matter Experts conducting 2-hour virtual Training Modules on Wednesdays from 3 to 5PM Mountain Time including:

• Non-destructive testing
• Permafrost characterization
• Karst mapping
• Survey planning
• Dams and levees
• Hydrogeology ... and others.

For a detailed Curriculum Outline, scroll down or click here.  The program will break for the winter holiday season November 25, 2024 -January 18, 2025.

Training modules will be recorded and those who  registered but were unable to attend the live session will be able to request the recording.  Additionally, EEGS will issue a Certificate of Attendance to attendees. 

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

Register in advance for the course:

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcoduqvpjMrGt0G9REC14jljvqtS7G_rX6d
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

The GAINS Virtual Training Course is offered to EEGS members free! 

Existing Members:  To take advantage of this new member benefit, current members will be sent an invitation to register for the course and participate in the modules, offered via Zoom, through their 2024 membership year expiring on December 31, 2024.   To continue participating in the remaining modules offered January 18 trough April, 2025, members will need to renew their memberships for 2025.  Renewal notices will be sent to current members beginning Oct. 1, 2024.

New members:  Join EEGS beginning October 1, 2024 and not only will you be eligible to participate in the GAINS Virtual Training course in its entirety for free, but you'll also enjoy membership benefits through December 31, 2025.  Once you've become an EEGS member, simply register for GAINS using the registration link above.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the GAINS course cost?
The GAINS virtual course is free to EEGS members.

What if I'm a current member, but my membership expires in December, can I still attend the course for free?  
Membership renewal notices will be sent to members' email addresses on file beginning October 1, 2024.  If you renew before January 18, 2025, you will be admitted to the remaining GAINS training modules in 2025 free.  (Learn more about renewing EEGS membership here: Join or Renew Online.)

I plan to become a member and attend the course beginning October 9.  Will I need to "join" EEGS again in 2025 to attend the rest of the modules free?  
No, EEGS is offering new members its special "15 for 12" membership opportunity (15 months of EEGS membership for the cost of 12 months) beginning Oct. 1, 2024.  New EEGS members who join beginning October 1, 2024 will be able to enjoy membership benefits, including the GAINS training course, for the balance of 2024 and all of 2025.            

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 course at the below rates based on your selected category and you will automatically become an EEGS member as an extra "bonus."  You will need to contact EEGS staff to facilitate the process ([email protected]) in order to adhere to current member or new member guidelines for the GAINS course (complete this printable form and send to [email protected] to indicate your interest).  

• $140 for Individuals non-members or
• $20 for student non-members

In the Curriculum Outline, there is a reference to a field demonstration in Denver as part of the SAGEEP conference.  Are there details on this module available?
Yes, this GAINS module is an exciting and unique component of the course!  Each spring, EEGS hosts the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP).  SAGEEP 2025 and the 3^rd Munitions Response Meeting will be held April 13-17, 2025.  Geophysicists, engineers, geoscientists and end-users from around the world will meet in Denver, Colorado and discuss near-surface applications of geophysics, learn about recent developments in near-surface geophysics, and participate in the Exhibitors' Outdoor Demonstration event.  After weeks of virtual coursework, registrants are invited to attend SAGEEP and participate in this valuable opportunity to meet vendors of the latest in equipment, software and services.  

GAINS Course Curriculum Outline (printable Outline)

EEGS Education Committee:

	Sarah Morton Rupert, 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.
	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.
	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.
	Nadia Fantello, S&ME Nadia is a near-surface Geophysical Operations Manager at S&ME, Inc., in Chattanooga, TN. Originally from Argentina, her career has combined her passion for geophysics with data science to ensure her technical skills are on the forefront of innovation. She enjoys piecing together geophysical, geological, and geotechnical information to formulate effective solutions while ensuring results are communicated in a tangible and meaningful way.