News Release

Top National Award for Service Honors DNR Geologist

Dr. Madhurendu B. Kumar

Dr. Madhurendu B. Kumar, geologist supervisor at the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources, has recently been awarded the prestigious Martin Van Couvering Award 2002 by the American Institute of Professional Geologists (AIPG) in September.

Dr. Kumar received a long-standing ovation during his acceptance speech at the organization’s annual national meeting in Reno, Nevada.

Both the AIPG and the American Association of Engineering Geologists (AEG) recognized Kumar for his service to the Institute, for his work on state and national committees, and for several special projects as a practicing geologist. In 1998, as General Chairman of AIPG, he organized and hosted the group's annual meeting in Baton Rouge. That year, he also prepared an AIPG booklet titled "Petroleum: Issues and Answers". His career achievements over a span of eighteen years include publishing over forty technical papers.

In 1972, Kumar received his doctoral degree in geology, with a minor in petroleum engineering from Louisiana State University. He was both a researcher and educator while at LSU. He has worked for industry and academia in the states and abroad. He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America and is a Professional Geologist registered in Alabama and Mississippi. He joined the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources' Office of Conservation in 1982.