Geophysical Applications in Near Surface (GAINS)

Virtual Training Course

GAINS, a virtual training course (free to EEGS Members) designed for those looking for an introduction or refresher on practical applications in engineering and environmental geophysics. 

GAINS 2026

Fall of 2024 through March, 2025 marked the first GAINS training course.  GAINS is returning in 2026 beginning January 15, 2026 for the first of 9 modules, a special luncheon Panel discussion at SAGEEP 2026, and an invitation to the Outdoor Demonstration event at the March 15-19, 2026 symposium.  2026 courses will be held on Thursdays from 2-4pm Mountain Time.  (Recorded presentations will be available to those registered.)   

For a detailed Curriculum Outline, scroll down or click here. 

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

Register in advance for the all GAINS courses:

Prior to each module, an invitation to meet via Zoom will be sent with the pertinent information necessary to attend.  Registration is required.  Once registered, an email containing information about joining the meeting will be sent.

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

Existing Members:  To take advantage of the GAINS program, current members will receive an invitation to register for the course and participate in the modules, offered via Zoom, through their 2026 membership year expiring on December 31, 2026.      

New members:  Anyone joining EEGS at any time from October, 2025 to January 15, 2026 will be eligible to participate in the GAINS Virtual Training course in its entirety for free as well as enjoying membership benefits through December 31 of 2026.   

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 have been sent to members' email addresses on file beginning October 8, 2025.  If you renew before January 15, 2026, you will be admitted to the remaining GAINS training modules in 2026 free.  (Learn more about renewing EEGS membership here: Join or Renew Online.)

If I become a member after October 8, will I need to "join" EEGS again in 2026 to attend the rest of the modules free?  
No, EEGS offered new members its special "15 for 12" membership opportunity (15 months of EEGS membership for the cost of 12 months).  New EEGS members who joined as of October 8, 2025 are able to enjoy membership benefits, including the GAINS training course, for the balance of 2025 and through Dec. 31, 2026.            

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 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 participate in the training modules.  You can 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 a couple of 2024-25 presentations.  Are they recorded and if so, how can I access them?
All previously held module recordings are available.  To learn more, click here (must be a member and logged in to the EEGS website to view).

There is a reference to an outdoor field demonstration in Pittsburgh as part of the SAGEEP 2026 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 2026 will be held March 15-19, 2026 in Pittsburgh, PA USA.  Geophysicists, engineers, geoscientists and end-users from around the world will meet in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 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 2026 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.
	Trevor 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.