SEG foundation through the Geoscientists Without Borders program has a mission of supporting the humanitarian applications of geoscience around the world. The goal is to make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.
Dr. Ali’s project is titled “Geophysical Investigation of Fault Zone Aquifers and Water Quality Assessment in Nkoteng”. This means that participants will investigate the use of similar geophysical techniques that are used to find petroleum in oil fields to find water in these basement rocks. If aquifers are located in the rocks, boreholes will be drilled into the rocks to access the water. Participants will then apply biogeochemical methods to test for water quality and determine whether it is safe for human use. This grant will also support the training of students in practical and humanitarian use of geophysics and geological methods, important skills that students will need after graduation.
In fall 2018, Dr. Ali was also co-awarded a linked project $300,000 National Science Foundation grant to study waters in a tropical estuary and was honored with the Outstanding Educator award by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists in October 2018 at the SEG International Annual meeting in Anaheim (CA).