The American Geosciences Institute, or AGI, recently announced that paleontologist Sandra J. Carlson, a Professor Emerita in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the College of Letters and Science at UC Davis, has been named the 2026 recipient of the William B. Heroy Jr. Award for Distinguished Service to AGI. This award is given in recognition of exceptional and beneficial long-term service to the AGI.
Carlson's impact has spanned governance leadership, financial stewardship, program development, and deep commitment to the geoscience community. She served on the AGI Board of Directors from 2023 to 2025, including as chair of the audit committee. In that role, she led the review and coordination of AGI's audited financial statements, ensuring accuracy, transparency and accountability during a period of organizational transition. Her leadership strengthened AGI's financial integrity and institutional resilience.
Beyond governance, Carlson has played a transformative role in advancing AGI programs and partnerships. She helped launch the Paleontological Society-AGI Geoscience Policy Summer Internship, expanding pathways for students to engage directly with science policy. She also contributed to strategic initiatives across AGI, including co-chairing the Task Force on Collaboration Among Geoscience Societies and supporting key programs such as the William L. Fisher Congressional Geoscience Fellowship and AGI's scholarship initiatives.
Her broader career reflects decades of leadership and service, including a six-year presidential cycle with the Paleontological Society and recognition as a Centennial Fellow. Her contributions have also been honored with the Association for Women Geoscientists' Encourage Award and the Gilbert Harris Award from the Paleontological Research Institution.
"It is truly an honor and a privilege to have been chosen as the recipient of the 2026 AGI Heroy Award," Carlson said. "I have greatly enjoyed and learned from my diverse service to the AGI, working with dedicated, talented, and wonderful people who are committed to improving and diversifying the earth sciences in every way. I am extremely grateful for this award."
"Sandy Carlson exemplifies the best of service to the geoscience community," said AGI Executive Director Jonathan Arthur. "Her leadership, integrity, and commitment have strengthened AGI at every level, from governance and financial stewardship to program innovation and community-building. Sandy's impact is lasting, and this recognition is richly deserved."
The Heroy Award is named after William B. Heroy Jr.'s exemplary service to AGI. Heroy's professional accomplishments were exceeded only by his love of geology and his commendable modesty in the face of such achievements.
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