Dr. James S. Beard of the Virginia Museum of Natural History was recently announced as chairman of the Mineralogy, Petrology, Volcanology, and Geochemistry (MPVG) Division of the Geological Society of America.  Beard's appointment to this national position was announced during the Geological Society of America's annual meeting in Portland, Oregon, in October.

Beard serves as director of research and collections and curator of earth sciences at VMNH, where he leads the research and collections staff and functions of the museum.  Research at VMNH focuses on studies of Invertebrate Paleontology, Vertebrate Paleontology, Recent Invertebrates, Archaeology, Mammalogy, Marine Science and Geology.  While the Museum’s primary geographic strengths are in Virginia and the Southeastern United States, the collections and research programs span the globe with programs in China, Peru, Brazil, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Belgium, Germany, Russia and Tanzania.

Beard earned a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and earned his doctorate in geology from the University of California, Davis.  In addition to his role at VMNH, Beard serves as adjunct professor of geology at Virginia Tech.  Beard’s research interests include origin and evolution of igneous rocks in continental and oceanic settings and the chemical alteration of ocean crust.

The purpose of the MPVG Division of the Geological Society of America is to stimulate and facilitate within the framework of the GSA the presentation and discussion of problems, ideas, knowledge, and results of work and research in the areas of mineralogy, petrology, volcanology, and geochemistry.

Established in 1888, The Geological Society of America provides access to elements that are essential to the professional growth of earth scientists at all levels of expertise and from all sectors: academic, government, business, and industry.  GSA’s mission is to be a leader in advancing the geosciences, enhancing the professional growth of its members, and promoting the geosciences in the service to humankind and stewardship of the Earth.

For more information about the Virginia Museum of Natural History, visit www.vmnh.net.  For more information about the Geological Society of America, visit www.geosociety.org.