His career as a United State Geological Survey volcanologist spans more than 50 years, across six states and four countries.
HAWAII NATIONAL PARK, HI, April 03, 2018 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Marquis Who's Who, the world's premier publisher of biographical profiles, is proud to present Donald A. Swanson, Ph.D., with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award. An accomplished listee, Dr. Swanson celebrates many years' experience in his professional network, and has been noted for achievements, leadership qualities, and the credentials and successes he has accrued in his field. As in all Marquis Who's Who biographical volumes, individuals profiled are selected on the basis of current reference value. Factors such as position, noteworthy accomplishments, visibility, and prominence in a field are all taken into account during the selection process.
Dr. Swanson is recognized for his outstanding career as a geologist and volcanologist. His career as a United State Geological Survey volcanologist spans more than 50 years, across six states and four countries. Since 2004, he has served as a research geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, where he previously served as scientist-in-charge from 1997 to 2004 and as associate director of the Volcano Systems Center at the University of Washington from 1993 to 1996. Dr. Swanson also served with the United States Geological Survey as senior geologist from 1990 to 1996, as research scientist-in-charge from 1986 to 1989, and as senior geologist with the Cascades Volcano Observatory from 1980 to 1990. Additionally, Dr. Swanson acted as a geologist with the United States Geological Survey at Hawaii National Park from 1968 to 1971 and at Menlo Park from 1971 to 1980 and from 1965 to 1968.
Over the course of his professional career, Dr. Swanson shared his expertise as an affiliate professor at the University of Washington from 1992 to 2015, as a consultant with the United States Department of Energy from 1979 to 1983, as a volcanologist with the New Zealand Geological Survey in 1984, and as an advisor with the Colombian Volcano Observatory in 1986. Since 2002, Dr. Swanson has also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Hawaii. He is a fellow of the Geological Society of America, the American Geophysical Union, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and he is a member of Sigma Xi.
Dr. Swanson developed an interest in the earth while he was an undergraduate. His professors during this time inspired him to continue his studies in geology at the graduate level. He received a Bachelor of Science in geology from the Washington State University in 1960 and graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Doctor of Philosophy in geology in 1964. He found himself studying active volcanoes with his friends and colleagues, and his career stemmed from there. After graduating, he was honored as a postdoctorate fellow with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization from 1964 to 1965. He has authored numerous articles published in professional journals and acted as the associate editor of the Journal of Volcanology and Geothermal Research from 1976 to 2005 and the Journal of Geophysical Research from 1992 to 1994. He was also the editor of Bulletin of Volcanology from 1985 to 1990 and executive editor from 1995 to 1999.
A highlight of Dr. Swanson's career was the eruption of Mt. St. Helen in 1980. He was present before, during, and after the big eruption. Although a great tragedy, the experience allowed Dr. Swanson the opportunity to better understand and study volcanoes. He has received numerous awards and commendations for his outstanding contributions to his field. The United States Geological Survey honored him with the Shoemaker Communications Award in 2016 and the Superior Service Award in 1980. He was also awarded by the United States Department of the Interior with the Meritorious Service Award in 1985 and the Distinguished Service Award in 2005. Additionally, Dr. Swanson was the recipient of the Woodford-Eckris Lecturer Award by Pomona College in 2015 and the Distinguished Geological Career Award by the Geological Society of America in 2016.
Dr. Swanson attributes his success to a professor he had in the graduate program at Johns Hopkins University, Professor Aaron Waters, who served as an inspiration throughout his academic career. He is also grateful to his continuing professional colleagues, Richard Fiske and Thomas Wright; they were colleagues of Dr. Swanson in graduate school, and their friendship and professional relationships have contributed to his success. Dr. Swanson was born in Tacoma, WA, to Leonard Walter and Edith Christine (Bowers) Swanson. Alongside his professional success, he celebrated 40-plus years of marriage with the late Barbara Joan White. In his spare time, he enjoys studying ancient history, reading contemporary novelists, and listening to and admiring classical music daily.
In recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and the Marquis Who's Who community, Dr. Swanson has been featured on the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement website. Please visit www.ltachievers.com for more information about this honor.
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