Earth Scientist is a Finalist for Blavatnik Award

David Evans, professor of geology and geophysics, has been named a Faculty Finalist in the New York Academy of Sciences’ 2010 Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists.

The awards, which are currently in their fourth year, recognize “highly innovative, impactful, and interdisciplinary accomplishments in the life sciences, physical sciences, and engineering.”

The finalists work in a variety of disciplines, including astrophysics, biochemistry, Earth sciences, engineering, neuroscience, cell biology and computer science. Evans’ own research focuses on continental reconstructions, paleomagnetism, the long-term evolution of geodynamics, tectonics, climate change and life.

“As the only Earth scientist among this year’s finalists, I hope to fulfill the Blavatnik Award’s expectations by promoting the importance of my field to members of the general public, who too often view geology as a Victorian-era exercise with hammer and pick,” Evans says. “Instead, our fuller understanding of the Earth system, using the most advanced technology available, will help prepare humanity for the growing global concerns of natural hazards, resource depletion, environmental custodianship and climate change.”

Evans is one of 12 New York-area faculty and postdoctoral fellows selected from more than 150 nominations submitted by a jury of leading scientists.

As a finalist, he has already been awarded a $10,000 prize. Winners, who receive $25,000, will be announced at the New York Academy of Sciences’ gala in November.