Atlantic Universities Geoscience Conference

The AUGC is the oldest geology conference in Canada, with the exception of the Geologic Association of Canada. Every year the AUGC hosts a conference where undergraduate students have the opportunity to present their current work, learn about local geology, meet members of the Atlantic geologic community and enjoy the company of like minded students.

Each year an AUGC website is maintained by the university which is hosting the upcoming conference. The purpose of this website is to provide links to the current AUGC website and to maintain all permanent records for the AUGC.

Links to Conference Websites

Some conference websites are still on-line - check them out for ideas.

2006 Conference @ Dalhousie University
2010 Conference @ Acadia University

A Brief Description of The AUGC

The Atlantic Universities Geoscience Conference (AUGC) was inaugurated in 1950 at Dalhousie University. This completely student organized conference is the oldest geologic Conference in Canada, with the exception of the Geologic Association of Canada. The AUGC has been used as a model for several other geologic conferences by organizations in Canada and the U.S. Presently all universities in Atlantic Canada that have a geology department are members of the AUGC. The members include Fletcher Geology Club from Acadia University, Alexander Murray Geology Club from Memorial University, Dawson Geology Club from Dalhousie University, Faribault Geologic Society from St. Francis Xavier University, Bailey Geologic Society from the University of New Brunswick and D. Hope-Simpson Geology Club from St. Mary's University.

The members AUGC send undergraduate student representatives to present research that they are currently pursuing. This allows the presenters a chance to sharpen their presentation skills in competition with the best of their colleagues in Atlantic Canada. The presentations also give earth science students a good idea of what is needed and expected in putting together a high quality presentation. The conference allows undergraduate students interested in the earth sciences to come together and forge new friendships with other earth science students.

As future earth scientists we are interested in learning firsthand about each universities local geology through field trips. The AUGC provides students a chance to see the local geology of the host university. Each year it is customary to run several day long field trips of the local geology surrounding the host university for students. Trips to different areas are run depending on a student's areas of interest.


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Lists of Awards Given at AUGC Conferences and their Recipients

SCIENCE ATLANTIC Best Paper Award
(formerly APICS - NSERC) Award

The Science Atlantic Presentation and Communication Award is given for the best overall student paper on any geoscience topic presented orally at the annual AUGC (Atlantic Universities Geoscience Conference).

Judging
The award is judged primarily on the basis of the scientific quality of the topic, the amount of original work done by the student, and his/her understanding of the subject.
Evaluation criteria include:
Abstract – Clear statement of problem, objectives, principal findings;
Presentation – Clarity, visual aids, organization;
Scientific merit – Experimental design, innovative approach, and interpretation of data;
Understanding - Overall knowledge and response to questions.

The award will be judged by a panel of at least 3 qualified judges with diverse geoscience expertise as described under judging above. 

The Award
The award consists of a monetary prize ($500 in 2015) and letter of commendation for the presenter, as well as a plaque which resides at the winner’s university for one year, after which the winner’s university is responsible for bringing the plaque to the next annual conference. The award is usually presented by a representative of the Science Atlantic Earth Science Committee at the annual banquet of the AUGC.

Sponsor Information
This award (previously known from 2004-2012 as the APICS-NSERC Award) is the AUGC version of the Science Atlantic Undergraduate Research Award and Communication Award  offered at all Science Atlantic-sponsored conferences.  The Communication part of the award is sponsored by Canadian Science Publishing. A separate Communication Award is not offered at AUGC.

Recipients of The Science Atlantic Award (known as the APICS-NSERC Award from 2003-2010 and as the APICS Award up to 2003)

2023 Abigail Kennedy Memorial
2022 Claire Gullison UNB
2021 Kathleen Clark Dalhousie
2020 Josh Jackman SMU
2019 Miguel Vaccaro Acadia
2018 Liam MacNeil UNB
2017 Ariel Greenblat Dalhousie
2016 Sean Murphy Memorial
2015 Katie McCulloch Acadia
2014 Jillian Leigh Kendrick Dalhousie
2013 Lisa Mundry Acadia
2012 Marina Joudry Memorial
2011 Dewey Dunnington Acadia
2010 Travis McCarron St. FX
2009 Matt Stimson St. Mary's
2008 Luke Hilchie  
2007 Duncan McLeish Dalhousie
2006 Chris Galbraith Dalhousie
2005 (tie) Heather Campbell
Jared Chipman		 UNB
St. Mary's
2004 Robert Lodge Acadia
2003 Christopher Hamilton Dalhousie
2002 Amy Tizzard Acadia
2001 Jennifer Young Memorial
2000 Kaesy Baldwin Acadia
1999 Samantha Gray St. FX
1998 Stanley Johnston St. Mary's
1997 Samantha Evans St. FX
1996 Tracy Cail St. FX
1995 Barbara Medioli Dalhousie
1994 Susan Jennings Acadia
1993 Ken Doucet St. FX
1992 Mary Pat Cude St. FX
1991 Alger St-Jean St. FX
1990 Randolph Corney St. Mary's
1989 Deborah MacDonald St. FX
1988 Allan Armitage Acadia
1987 Lloyd Chubbs St. FX
1986 Alison Steele Acadia
1985 Colette Rennie St. FX
1984 Gregory Edgecombe Acadia
1983 Allan Huard St. FX
1982 Rick Valenta St. Mary's
1981 Raymond Yip Choy Acadia
1980 Paul Rennick UNB
1979 Nicole Gillard St. Mary's
1978 Keven Cameron St. Mary's
1977 Adele Poynter Memorial
1976 Bill Osbourne Dalhousie
1975 Dan Kontak St. FX
1974 Robert Ryan Acadia
1973 Sheldon Crowdis St. FX
1972 Derek Faust St. FX
1971 P. J. Trembly UNB
1970 R. Frank Blackwood Memorial
1969 not known if a prize was awarded  

 

IMPERIAL OIL Best Paper Award

The Imperial Oil Best Poster Award is given to the student presenting the best overall student poster on any topic at the annual AUGC.

Judging
The award is judged primarily on the basis of the scientific quality of the topic, the amount of original work done by the student, and his/her understanding of the subject.
Evaluation criteria include:
Abstract – Clear statement of problem, objectives, principal findings;
Poster design – Clarity, organization, visual appeal;
Scientific merit – Experimental design, innovative approach, and interpretation of data;
Understanding - Overall knowledge and response to questions. 

The award will be judged by a panel of at least 3 qualified judges with diverse geoscience expertise as described under judging above.  When a representative of Imperial Oil is present, he/she will take the lead in judging this award.

The Award
The award consists of a monetary prize for the student presenter. 

Sponsor Information
This award has been sponsored by Imperial Oil since 2007.  Imperial Oil recognizes that business success depends on the economic, social and environmental health of the communities where they operate and views community investment not simply as a responsibility but as an essential component in building a strong society. Imperial Oil gives back to local communities through financial contributions, in-kind donations and volunteer efforts and supports scientific research with a number of awards and sponsorship.

Recipients of the Imperial Oil Poster Award

(referred to as "The Poster Award before 2007):

2023 Hayley Newell Acadia
2022 Leila Rashid St. Mary's
2021 Nikita Lakhanpal St. Mary's
2020 Marie Flanagan Memorial
2019 Andrew Wagner St. Mary's
2018 Mattea McRae Memorial
2017 Mariah Williams St. Mary's
2016 Christopher Williams Memorial
2015 Glen Hodge St. Mary's
2014 Haley LeBlanc St. Mary's
2013 Siobhan McGoldrick Dalhousie
2012 Tara Forstner Dalhousie
2011 Mariella Nalepa Acadia
2010 Nor Afiqah Mohamad Radzi Acadia
2009 Mary Leaman Memorial
2008 Morgan Quinn Dalhousie
2007 Kara-Lynn Scallion Acadia
2006 Peter Meredith St. F.X.
2005 Steve Schwartz Memorial
2004 Jeffery Bigelow Acadia
2003 Ozlem Suleyman St. Mary's
2002 no award  
2001 Greg Feltham Memorial

 

The Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists (CSPG) Award

The Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists Award is awarded annually for the best presentation of a petroleum geology-related paper at the annual AUGC.  If the winner of the Science Atlantic Best Paper Award gave a petroleum geology-based presentation, then the CSPG award will go to the petroleum geology-based paper judged to be next best.

Judging
The award will be judged by a panel of at least 3 qualified judges with diverse geoscience expertise as described under judging above.  When a CSPG representative is present, he/she will take the lead in judging for the award.

The Award
A plaque is presented to the winner at the AUGC banquet as well as a monetary prize ($500 in 2015), preferably by a CSPG member or representative. The plaque will reside at the winner’s university until the next AUGC, when the winner’s university is responsible for bringing the plaque to the next conference. 

Sponsor Information
This award is sponsored by the Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists. Founded in 1927, the mission of the Society is to advance the professions of the energy geosciences – as it applies to geology; foster the scientific, technical learning and professional development of its members; and promote the awareness of the profession to industry and the public.

Recipients of the CEGA (formerly CSPG) Award

Before 2009, this award was simply "for the best presentation of a paper".

2023 Kira Evans Memorial
2022 Nikita Lakhanpal Sr. Mary's
2021 Nikita Lakhanpal St. Mary's
2020 Lindsay Oldham Memorial
2019 John Dooma St. Mary's
2018 Brant Gaetz Memorial
2017 Max Chipman Acadia
2016 Erin Anderson Dalhousie
2015 Dan MacLeod St. F.X.
2014 Dillon White St. Mary's
2013 Daniel Niquet Memorial
2012 Lianabel Selviz Memorial
2011 Derrick Midwinter Dalhousie
2010 Frank Ryan Memorial
2009 Jordan Nickerson Dalhousie
2008 Darren LeFort St. Mary's
2007 Daniel Haider Dalhousie
2006 Mary Samolczyk Acadia
2005 Andrew Cook UNB
2004 Perry Clark UNB
2003 Jamie Braid St. F.X.
2002 Nicolette Stanley UNB
2001 Adam Zoltan Csank Dalhousie
2000 Jenn Sabean Dalhousie
1999 Tanya Costain Dalhousie
1998 Brian Rex Memorial
1997 James Newsome Acadia
1996 Janis Drover Memorial
1995 Kevin Peterson Acadia
1994 Geoffrey Davis St. Mary's
1993 Michael Parsons Dalhousie
1992 David Pass St. Mary's
1991 Janice Ledrew Memorial
1990 David Palmer St. F.X.
1989 Robert MacNaughton UNB
1988 Janet Dunphy Memorial
1987 Stuart Deveau Acadia
1986 Brian Sears Memorial
1985 Vince Clifford St. Mary's
1984 Fred Boner St. Mary's
1983 A. MacDonald St. Mary's
1982 R. A. Secco St. F.X.
1981 K. S. Pelletier Memorial
1980 S. Dunsworth St. Mary's
1979 D. B. Dingwell Memorial
1978 G. A. Doiron St. F.X.
1977 R. J. Dubreuil Mt. Allison


Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists (CSEG) Award

The Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists Award was established in 2008.  The award is given to the student who presents the best overall geophysics paper at the AUGC conference (typically awarded for an oral presentation; however, poster presentations are also eligible). Geophysics is a diverse discipline with many different areas of study, and this award could be awarded to any student whose work falls under this broad category.

Judging
Students will be evaluated on the scientific merit of their work, their general understanding of the material covered and their ability to effectively communicate this to the judges. This award will be judged by the panel of judges chosen by the conference organizers. Ideally one of these judges should have a geophysics background. The CSEG will typically send representatives to attend the conference so if a geophysics judge cannot be found locally then one of these representatives may be asked to judge. The award may not be presented if the judges and the CSEG representatives determine that no presentation fulfills the spirt of the award.

The Award
The award consists of a monetary prize ($500 in 2015) for the student presenter, as well as a plaque which resides at the winner’s university for one year, after which the winner’s university is responsible for bringing the plaque to the next annual conference. The award is usually presented by a CSEG representative at the annual banquet of the AUGC. The monetary prize of $500 comes from the funds ($4,500 in 2015) that the CSEG commits to the conference.  It is a responsibility of the school that hosts the conference to prepare and distribute a cheque for the winning presenter.

Sponsor Information
The Canadian Society of Exploration Geophysicists began in 1949 at around the time of the petroleum production boom of the Leduc and Redwater discoveries. As a result of these significant discoveries, there was a need for increased knowledge, skill and professional attributes in the field of geophysics. Today, the CSEG is a thriving organization. CSEG’s mandate is to promote the science of geophysics among its members, especially as it applies to exploration, and to promote fellowship and co-operation among those persons interested in geophysical prospecting.

Recipients of the CSEG Award

2023 not awarded  
2022 Megan Macdonald Dalhousie
2021 Joseph de Luca UNB
2020 Sarah Greene Memorial
2019 Alex Bugden Memorial
2018 Jacob Newman Memorial
2017 Joey Pittman Memorial
2016 Nicholas Lynch Memorial
2015 not awarded  
2014 Andrew Blagdon Memorial
2013 Taylor Campbell Dalhousie
2012 Lianabel Selviz Memorial
2011 Andrea Christians St. Mary's
2010 Matthew Vaughan Dalhousie
2009 Byron Kelly Memorial
2008 Nicole Peters Dalhousie

 

The Frank S. Shea Memorial Award in Economic or Applied Geology

The Frank S. Shea Memorial Award honours the student making the best presentation regarding an aspect of or with implications for economic or applied geology. If the winner of the Science Atlantic Best Paper Award gives an economic or applied geology presentation, then the Shea Award will go to the economic or applied geology presentation judged to be next best.

The award was established by the Mining Society of Nova Scotia at its annual meeting in June 1981 to honour Frank Shea, a long-time member and former president. 

About Frank Shea
During some 27 years, Frank Shea was engaged in mineral resources exploration and development activities in the Atlantic region. For more than 10 years he served as Chief Geologist and division director of the Mineral Resources and Geological Services Division in the former Nova Scotia Department of Mines. Frank graduated from St. Francis Xavier University in 1954 with a BSc in geology. He continued his studies at Dalhousie University, receiving his Master’s degree in 1958. Frank had a great love for his native province and promoted its welfare by assisting mineral exploration and research projects whenever and wherever he could. He was a strong supporter of educational programs in geology such as the geology field school at Crystal Cliffs near Antigonish and prospector training.

Judging
Student papers are reviewed and judged for content in economic or applied geology or implications for economic/applied geology by a panel of practicing geologists.  For practical purposes, this will be done the same panel of judges as evaluates the other awards.  If there are no papers on economic or applied geology deemed worthy during the annual AUGC, the award may not be given. 

The Award
The award consists of a cheque ($500 in 2015) for the winning student and a $100 cheque for the geoscience club that the student represents. 

Sponsor Information
The Frank Shea Memorial Award is sponsored by the Mining Society of Nova Scotia. Organized in the 1890s to promote the mineral industry, to share technical knowledge and to encourage fellowship, this Society was one of the founding members of the Canadian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (CIM), the premier mining organization in Canada.  The Society is pleased to support this award honouring a student, the contributions of Frank Shea, and the economic impact of geology on the Canadian economy.

Recipients of The The Frank Shea Memorial Award

2023 Gabriela Fuentes Way St. Mary's
2022 Taylor Mugford Memorial
2021 Amanda Smith Acadia
2020 Moya MacDonald UNB
2019 Natalie McNeil St. Mary's
2018 Kali Gee St. Mary's
2017 Kate Woods Dalhousie
2016 Taylor Chew Acadia
2015 Corwin Trottier St. Mary's
2014 Nikolett Kovacs Memorial
2013 Travis White UNB
2012 Aaron Bustard UNB
2011 Erin Adlakha St. Mary's
2010 Sarah Gordon UNB
2009 Darren LeFort St. Mary's
2008 April Coombs Memorial
2007 Kristy-Lee Beal UNB
2006 Jillian Martin UNB
2005 Dave MacDonnell UNB
2004 Peter McChesney St. F.X.
2003 Frances Mitchell Acadia
2002 Patrick Collins Dalhousie
2001 Heather Paul Acadia
2000 Jason Johnson St. F.X.
1999 Richard Wright Memorial
1998 Kirsten MacLaughlin UNB
1997 Leah Dejong St. Mary's
1996 Melody Myers Acadia
1995 Fraser T. Keppie St. F.X.
1994 Richard Tobin St. F.X.
1993 not awarded  
1992 Jan MacDonald Acadia
1991 Joe Nearing St. Mary's
1990 Sean McDonald UNB
1989 Karen Patey St. F.X.

AGS Environmental Geoscience Award

The Atlantic Geoscience Society Award was established in 2015 by the Atlantic Geoscience Society to recognize the best project (talk or poster) at the annual AUGC involving a significant component of environmental geoscience.

Judging
Student papers are reviewed and judged for content in environmental geoscience or implications for environmental geoscience by the same panel of judges as evaluates the other awards. 

The Award
The award consists of a monetary prize ($100 in 2015) to the winning student and a plaque that will reside at that student’s university until the next AUGC.

Sponsor Information
The Atlantic Geoscience Society exists to promote a better and wider understanding of the geology of Atlantic Canada, both to its members and to the public. An entirely volunteer association, the AGS brings together earth scientists from universities, government institutions, the environmental, mining, and petroleum industries, and consultants in the Atlantic provinces.

Recipients of AGS Environmental Geoscience

Recipients of the AGS Environmental Geoscience Award

2023 Lauren Kew Dalhousie
2022 Juliana Whelan Memorial
2021 Logan Cormier St. Mary's
2020 Hannah Sharpe UNB
2019 Kayla Lawrence Memorial
2018 Garrett Velkjar Acadia
2017 Kirklyn Davidson Acadia
2016 Fiona Henderson Dalhousie
2015 Kazuhito Mizutani Memorial
     

Winners of the CSEG Challenge Bowl

2022 Jessica Beckwith and Cameron Greaves Acadia

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The AUGC Constitution

Click here for the AUGC constitution (2016 version).

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Archive of Useful Documents For The Hosting University

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Past Hosts of The AUGC

1950 Dalhousie   1980 Dalhousie   2010 Acadia
1951 Dalhousie   1981 St. F.X.   2011 Memorial
1952 Acadia   1982 Mount Allison   2012 Dalhousie
1953 N.S. Tech   1983 U.N.B.   2013 St. F.X.
1954 Dalhousie   1984 S.M.U.   2014 U.N.B.
1955 St. F.X.   1985 Acadia   2015 S.M.U.
1956 Mount Allison   1986 Memorial   2016 Acadia
1957 U.N.B.   1987 Dalhousie   2017 Memorial
1958 Acadia   1988 St. F.X.   2018 Dalhousie
1959 N.S. Tech   1989 Mt. Allison   2019 St. F.X.
1960 Dalhousie   1990 U.N.B.   2020 U.N.B. (online)
1961 St. F.X.   1991 S.M.U.   2021 S.M.U. (hybrid)
1962 Mount Allison   1992 Acadia   2022 Acadia
1963 U.N.B.   1993 Memorial   2023 Memorial
1964 S.M.U.   1994 Dalhousie   2024 Dalhousie
1965 Memorial   1995 St. F.X.      
1966 Dalhousie   1996 U.N.B.      
1967 St. F.X.   1997 S.M.U.      
1968 Mount Allison   1998 Acadia      
1969 U.N.B.   1999 Memorial      
1970 Ricker College (Houlton, Maine)   2000 Dalhousie      
1971 Acadia   2001 St. F.X.      
1972 Memorial   2002 U.N.B.      
1973 Dalhousie   2003 S.M.U.      
1974 St. F.X.   2004 Acadia      
1975 Mount Allison   2005 Memorial      
1976 U.N.B.   2006 Dalhousie      
1977 S.M.U.   2007 St. F.X.      
1978 Acadia   2008 U.N.B.      
1979 Memorial   2009 S.M.U.      

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List of Recent Sponsors

  •  
    • Acadia University
    • Association of Professional Geologists of Atlantic Canada
    • Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences
    • Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum
    • Geological Association of Canada
    • Imperial Oil Esso
    • Keiths Brewery
    • McGregor GeoScience Ltd.
    • Minas Basin Pulp and Paper
    • Mineralogical Association of Canada
    • Noranda Falconbridge
    • Nova Scotia Dept. of Natural Resources
    • Petroleum Research Atlantic Canada
    • Shell Canada Ltd.
    • Suncor Energy
    • Talisman Energy
    • Atlantic Geoscience Society
    • Atlantic Provinces Council on the Sciences
    • Canadian Society of Petroleum Geologists
    • Canadian Superior Energy Inc
    • D. Hope-Simpson Geology Society
    • Geological Association of Canada
    • Geological Foundation of Canada
    • Imperial Oil
    • Inco Inc.
    • Marathon Oil
    • Mineralogical Association of Canada
    • Saint Mary’s University Administration (Offices of President and VP Academic)
    • Saint Mary’s University Dean of Science
    • Saint Mary’s University Geology Department
    • Saint Mary’s University Student Association
    • Shell Canada
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