AGS members participated in the 52nd Annual Colloquium, held on 6-7 February 2026. A final celebration and awards presentation was coordinated by AGS President Karl Butler, where the various awards and student speaker and poster presenter winners were announced. A special thanks to Howard Donohoe for his photography of the event.
Gesner Medal, Distinguished Scientist Award
The Society’s Gesner Medal is made to a person who has developed and promoted the advancement of geoscience in the Atlantic Region in any field of geology. The 2026 medal was awarded to Susan Johnson for her contributions to Appalachian geology, southern New Brunswick geology and the Society.
Photo credit: Howard Donahoe
Laing Ferguson Distinguished Service Award
The Laing Ferguson Distinguished Service Award is given in recognition of exceptional and altruistic contributions to the Atlantic Geoscience Society and/or to foster public appreciation of Atlantic Geoscience over a long period of time. The 2026 award was made to Sheila Watters for her long standing contributions to the Society and public geoscience outreach.
Nelly Koziel Award
The Nelly Koziel Award is given to a person who recently has made a significant contribution to geoscience, beyond the call of duty, in the Atlantic Provinces. The 2026 award was made to Mo Snyder for their contribution to promoting safe and inclusive fieldwork practices in Atlantic Canada and more broadly.
Photo credit: Howard Donahoe
Student Speaker and Poster Presenter awards
As always, student talks and posters were an important aspect of the Colloquium, and judges had their work cut to select award winners among the 33 papers and 16 posters prepared by students at all levels from undergraduate to PhD. Winners were:
- Rob Raeside Award, best undergraduate student poster: Kayla Youngchief, Acadia and Cape Breton universities
- Rupert MacNeill Award, best undergraduate student paper: Geena Morse, St. Mary’s University
- Graham Williams Award, best graduate student poster: Leslie Boateng-Dwomoh, Acadia University
- Sandra Barr Award, best graduate student paper: Cameron Greaves, Dalhousie University
Photo credit: Howard Donahoe
Banquet Speaker
Tracy Webb, Chair AGS Education Committee, presented “Geoscience Education through the decades – a look back to look forward” at the Banquet.
Photo credit: Howard Donahoe
Dalhousie University conference attendees
Photo credit: Howard Donahoe
Saint Mary’s University conference attendees
Photo credit: Howard Donahoe
University of New Brunswick conference attendees
Thanks are expressed to all who participated in the Colloquium, as presenters, organizers and/or participants, and to the sponsors who helped to defray costs to participants:
