Pictured Left to Right: Glenn Thackray (GSA President), Dr. Brett Carpenter (Award Winner), and Ester Sztein (GSA Director of International Programs)
Dr. Brett Carpenter, Associate Professor in the School of Geosciences at OU’s Mewbourne College of Earth and Energy (MCEE), was recently selected as a 2026 recipient of the Fifty Under Fifty Award. This prestigious honor is jointly awarded on behalf of the Geological Society of America (GSA), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC), and the Sociedad Geológica Mexicana (SGM). This joint initiative of the GSA, GAC, and SGM recognizes the next generation of leadership shaping the future of geosciences across North America. The award honors mid-career geoscientists whose leadership, scientific excellence, impactful research, service to the global geoscience community, and mentorship of students, colleagues, and peers, are making a lasting impact on the geoscience community across North America.
“I was thrilled to be among the inaugural set of awardees, said Carpenter. There aren't many awards available to mid-career scientists at the national level. MCEE and my colleagues in the School of Geosciences helped me execute my research program by assisting with small building upgrades required for new equipment, and scientific collaborations respectively. I was given the space and encouragement to continue developing my teaching skills and take on some highly visible professional service roles. I would not have been a strong candidate without the support I received in all facets of my job.”
Congratulations, Dr, Carpenter, your accomplishments and commitment to advancing geoscience have distinguished you among an exceptional group of awardees!
About the University of Oklahoma
Founded in 1890, the University of Oklahoma is a public research university located in Norman, Oklahoma. As the state’s flagship university, OU serves the educational, cultural, economic and healthcare needs of the state, region and nation. For more information about the university, visit www.ou.edu.
