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 includes One Year Free 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.

GAINS 2026

GAINS 2026 began in January with the first of 10 modules and ends with a special Panel Discussion Luncheon at SAGEEP 2026 (for more information on the luncheon, click https://www.eegs.org/sageep-2026-luncheons-conference-events-activities and scroll to Wednesday, March 18).  All virtual modules will be held on Thursdays from 2-4pm Mountain Time. 

For a detailed Curriculum Outline and registration, scroll down to Course Curriculum or click here. 

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

Register in advance for each GAINS module.

Registration is required.  Prior to each module, you will receive an invitation to register for the Zoom meeting.  Once registered, an email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent.    

The GAINS Virtual Training Course includes One Year Free Membership!  (Certificates of Attendance are available upon request.)

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/. 

GAINS T-shirts Now Available for Pre-order!
Support the GAINS Training Program – Show Your Shirt!  EEGS’ Geophysical Applications in Near Surface (GAINS) Training Program is offering T-shirts you can order and pick up at SAGEEP 2026. Show your support of this educational and affordable (included in EEGS Membership) member benefit. To order, click here, complete the pre-pay order form and email to [email protected]. You can also pre-pay and have your order shipped to all states in the US (except Colorado), Canada and Mexico and all other countries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the GAINS course cost?
The cost of the GAINS virtual course is dependent upon your membership type.  If you are a current member, no additional charge.         

• $150 for non-members or
• $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 or
• $25 for student non-members

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 Pittsburgh as part of the SAGEEP 2026 conference.  Are there details on this module available?
Yes, EEGS hosts the Symposium on the Application of Geophysics to Engineering and Environmental Problems (SAGEEP) annually.  SAGEEP 2026 will be held March 15-19. Geophysicists, engineers, geoscientists, and end-users from around the world will meet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Details on the conference and the panel/luncheon with our GAINS SME’s and other activities, such as a student networking event and an outdoor geophysical equipment demonstration, will be made available as they are finalized on the SAGEEP 2026 website!

GAINS 2026 Course Curriculum Outline (printable Outline)

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.
	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.
	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.