In Memoriam
In Memoriam
Garrett Briggs, former professor and department head, died on December 31, 2022. Briggs began his geologic career as a petroleum geologist on the Louisiana gulf coast, and moved to UT in 1968. He spent 13 years at UT, part of that as head of the Department of Geological Sciences, where he helped build the graduate program. He then was appointed associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences. In 1981, he moved to North Carolina to become dean of science at North Carolina State University, and following that president of Peace College.
Jonathan Evenick (PhD ’06) passed away unexpectedly August 5, 2023, at the age of 44 years. Evenick earned his doctorate under Professor Emeritus Robert Hatcher, added on a year post-doc, then went to work for BP in Houston for 13 years. Since 2020, he was employed by the energy company INPEX in Tokyo, Japan, where he lived with his wife and two children.
Evenick’s dissertation subject at UT was on “Potential subsurface structures and hydrocarbon reservoirs in the southern Appalachian basin beneath the Cumberland Plateau and eastern Highland Rim, Tennessee, Kentucky, and southwestern Virginia.” He published several related papers on subsurface stratigraphy in the Cumberland Plateau, answering some big questions on correlations of middle Ordovician units and the extent of the Cumberland overthrust and decollement, providing evidence of its extension on the western side of the Plateau. He also studied the Flynn Creek Impact Structure, publishing a new map through GSA and led several field trips to the site, showing his ability to attack diverse geologic problems.
During his postdoc at UT, he published a book on subsurface well correlations and mapping (Introduction to Well Logs & Subsurface Maps, PennWell), drawing on much of his work at UT. He had an enthusiasm for geology and worked diligently and steadfast. Over the years, Evenick published more than 50 papers, abstracts, book chapters, and field guides, mostly as the principal author.
While at BP, Evenick quickly gained a reputation as a tremendously well-rounded explorationist. Many former colleagues commented on his ability to attack diverse problems with a super-integrated mindset. He taught BP’s structural geology class, and worked on a variety of projects including source rock studies, planning of deep-water appraisal wells, exploration basin analysis and reserves estimation, and eventually earned the position of Structural Geology Community of Practice Leader for BP worldwide. He was admired by many for his intellect, passion for science, timely wit, and kindness.
Evenick received several awards at UT and BP. He most notably received an award from American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) for delivering one of the top 10 oral presentations at the 2018 annual convention. At UT, he received the prestigious George Swingle and Gordon Awards for recognition of his field mapping expertise and professional promise.
At the time of his passing, Evenick held the position of Senior Exploration Advisor—Exploration & New Ventures with INPEX.
He will truly be missed.
Olivia Wilkerson, a junior geology major unexpectedly passed away November 12, 2023. Olivia was deeply engaged in our department. She was an integral member of her cohort at the top of her class and had many close friends among the student body. Olivia’s positive energy, organization, attention to detail, and generosity of providing help to others was widely appreciated. Olivia conducted research with Dr. Nick Dygert and Jesse Scholpp on the chemical evolution of the Earth’s mantle and had submitted an abstract for the American Geophysical Union conference in December. Her contributions will improve our understanding of how the mantle changes over time, how melting occurs within the mantle, and how volcanoes form at hotspots like Hawaii. Olivia also volunteered as a teaching assistant in Geology 102: Earth, Life, and Time and served as a resident assistant with campus housing. She was also a Girl Scout Gold Awardee who promoted reading in her community. She will be greatly missed.
