A Word from the Board

Wilson Ibanez, 1st Vice President - April 2025

The Geophysical Society of Houston (GSH) thrives on the collective engagement of its members and the broader geophysical community. As my term as First Vice President comes to a close, I reflect on the incredible journey of guiding the society’s technical efforts and the invaluable role we all play in sustaining and advancing our field.

This year, my focus has been on bringing high-quality technical content to our community, ensuring that our events and programs provide real value. Whether through the Fall Forum, the Spring Symposium, Tech Lunches, or panel discussions, we have strived to deliver cutting-edge insights that drive innovation, foster collaboration, and keep geophysics at the forefront of scientific and industrial progress. The engagement from our members, speakers, sponsors, and attendees has been a testament to the passion and dedication that define the GSH.

However, our responsibility extends beyond hosting successful events—it is about sustaining the energy and enthusiasm of our community for generations to come. The future of geophysics depends on our ability to engage younger professionals, students, and emerging leaders. We must actively transfer knowledge, mentor the next wave of geophysicists, and create an environment where they feel empowered to contribute and lead. Science, economic impact, and humanitarian efforts all intersect within geophysics, making it a field rich with opportunities to make a meaningful difference.

Keeping the excitement for geophysics alive is not just about preserving tradition; it is about continuously evolving to meet new challenges and leveraging geophysical knowledge for the greater good. From resource exploration to environmental applications, the scope of our profession is vast, and its importance cannot be overstated. By sharing our expertise, encouraging collaboration, and embracing technological advancements, we ensure that geophysics remains a dynamic and impactful discipline.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served as First Vice President, contributing to the technical growth of our society. This role has been both a privilege and a learning experience, and I sincerely appreciate the trust and support from the GSH community. While my term in this position is concluding, my commitment to GSH and its mission remains strong, and I look forward to continuing to contribute in the future.

To all members of the geophysical community: I encourage you to stay engaged, support one another, and inspire the next generation of geophysicists. Together, we can ensure that the GSH continues to be a hub of knowledge, collaboration, and innovation. Thank you for making this year an incredible journey, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to shape the future of geophysics.