OUR VISION

The Indiana Geological and Water Survey's vision is to be the principal source of geological information about and for Indiana to address local, regional, and global challenges

OUR VALUES

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

• GOAL 1: Advance geoscience research beneficial to Indiana.

  Collaborate with federal and state agencies, state geological surveys, Indiana University, other institutes of higher learning, and private industry on at least one grant proposal and one research project per year.

  Encourage professional and academic staff to publish as senior authors at least one paper per year in a peer-reviewed journal.

  Engage in projects of evolving state and national importance, including but not limited to:

  1. Characterizing and evaluating surface water and groundwater resources, including environmental monitoring and gathering water-quality data within streams, wells, and springs; and detailed mapping of aquifer systems.
  2. Investigating energy systems and resources from the cradle to the grave, including studying and evaluating conventional and unconventional sources of oil, gas, and coal; investigating renewable and low-carbon energy technologies and models of carbon capture and storage; and characterizing energy byproducts.
  3. Investigating industrial minerals critical to national infrastructure and technology, including evaluating noncoal sources for aggregate and construction and characterizing sources of critical minerals and rare earth elements of high national demand.
  4. Mapping the sedimentary sequence and structure of the state and region, and the locations and scale of natural hazards.

  Produce geological maps of evolving state importance, including but not limited to:

  1. Seamless geological maps of Indiana (GeMS compliant database) at the 1:250,000 and 1:500,000 scales.
  2. 1:100,000-scale bedrock maps for Indiana south of the 40th parallel to meet the strategic plan of the National Cooperative Geologic Mapping Program.
  3. Targeted unconsolidated maps to address key relationships among Quaternary sediments.
  4. Subsidence or landslide susceptibility maps south of the Wisconsin glacial boundary.
  5. Maps of bedrock aquifers based on collected hydrogeologic data.
• GOAL 2: Collect, archive, and facilitate access to geologic samples and data that are representative of the geology of Indiana.

  Develop and implement a unified collections management policy that refines the overarching Indiana University Collections policy for IGWS physical and digital archives.

  Evaluate and rehouse all physical samples and analysis and testing equipment in a permanent storage facility or facilities.

  Develop an enterprise database using an open-source format that supports easy updating and querying of all IGWS physical and digital data collections.

  Develop and maintain an unbiased, publicly facing geologic data portal for statewide hazards and energy, mineral, and water resources.

• GOAL 3: Increase accurate and accessible geoscience information through publications, service, and educational outreach.

  Update IGWS webpages and the Indiana Journal of Earth Science (IJES) publications to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

  Complete the scanning for open-access availability of legacy publications.

  Increase internal and external author and reviewer contributions for IJES.

  Increase event and service promotion via social media, newsletters, and other platforms.

  Have at least four public exhibitions per year that meet or exceed ADA standards.

  Use data and analytics to evaluate and report how frequently IGWS resources are accessed and used at least four times per year.

  Actively engage with underrepresented, underserved, and nontraditional communities through targeted programming such as outreach events, showcased fieldwork, internship and volunteer opportunities, and community forums.

• GOAL 4: Foster a workplace environment for employees that promotes mutual respect, productivity, and professional development.

  Require all IGWS staff to take professional development training on racial and cultural sensitivity and workplace mindfulness.

  Develop a fully revised policy and procedure manual with fair and equitable workplace standards, onboarding and offboarding guidelines, training and mentorship requirements, inclusive authorship guidelines, and improved business practices.

  Implement an annual review process for IGWS staff that incorporates goal-setting, professional advancement, and individualized metrics for workplace performance and work-life balance.

  Develop a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Action Plan that identifies gaps in the IGWS and creates its commitment to antiracism.

  Establish a scholarship fund and/or summer internship with a preference for racial and ethnic minority students to support the next generation of geoscientists.

• GOAL 5: Pursue new and established venues for revenue generation and external funding.

  Budget for specimen and data upkeep for all projects that generate new physical and digital collections.

  Increase auxiliary revenue and salary savings through grant or contract services from the use of lab and field equipment, services, gift shop sales, and charges for data.

  Engage with the IU Foundation to raise funds to support IGWS activities and to determine other funding opportunities.