Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– The American Association of Petroleum Geologists, a nonprofit foundation supporting educational and scientific activities in the field of geology, has named Dr. Julie Bloxson, associate professor of earth sciences and geologic resources at Stephen F. Austin State University, as its 2025 Inspirational Geoscience Educator.
The annual award honors college and university professors within 10 years of their initial tenure-track appointment who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in geoscience education. The recipient receives $6,000 and a commemorative plaque.
“I am very proud of Dr. Bloxson for achieving this prestigious national recognition,” said Dr. Wesley Brown, chair of SFA’s Department of Earth Sciences and Geologic Resources. “Dr. Bloxson has been creating waves on both the local and national scenes in her discipline and is an asset to the SFA community.”
Bloxson, who earned her doctorate in earth science from Case Western Reserve University, has focused her research on subsurface systems, applying her expertise to real-world problems. Her work led to a research position at the Ohio Division of Geological Survey, where she concentrated on carbon sequestration and hydrocarbon assessments across the Appalachian Basin.
"Many of us who studied geology in university and pursued geoscience careers did so because of the influence and encouragement of one or more faculty members," said Jim McGhay, chairman of the AAPG Board of Trustees. "Recognizing faculty who have demonstrated this ability early in their careers is the purpose of this award, and Julie is eminently deserving of this recognition."
Bloxson’s passion for applied geoscience has driven her teaching and research since she joined the SFA faculty in 2018. During her tenure at the university, she has advised more than a dozen graduate theses, supervised numerous undergraduate research projects and engaged in collaborative research with both industry and government partners.
Bloxson was also instrumental in bringing the Gulf Coast Association of Geological Societies GeoGulf 2025 conference to Nacogdoches in April. The conference hosted more than 400 industry professionals and afforded students in the College of Sciences and Mathematics and the Arthur Temple College of Forestry and Agriculture opportunities to present their research and learn.
"I am truly honored to be selected as the 2025 recipient of the Inspirational Geoscience Educator Award," said Bloxson. "This award affirms the power of community and collaboration in geoscience education and reinforces my commitment to creating inclusive, innovative learning spaces that bridge academia, industry and public engagement."
To learn more about SFA’s Department of Earth Sciences and Geologic Resources, visit sfasu.edu/earth-sciences.