Researchers in geology and communication at the University of Kentucky are conducting a research study in the first half of 2020 in the Big Sandy region, which includes 5 counties: Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin, and Pike.

The study’s goal is to find ways to share relevant geological information with community members. To do that, researchers are assembling a 10-person Project Advisory Board for each county made up of people who live or work in that county. The Project Advisory Boards will each meet twice. The first meeting will be in January or February 2020 and the second meeting will be in May or June 2020.

The meetings will last 3-4 hours. Food and drink will be provided. During the meetings, Project Advisory Board members will watch a brief presentation on Kentucky geology and the Kentucky Geological Survey, then will complete a series of guided discussions and activities.

Project Advisory Board members will receive a $60 cash payment for each of the two meetings they attend. We are looking for participants who are 18 years or older and can commit to attending both meetings held in their county (either where they reside or where they work). We will schedule meetings to accommodate participants’ schedules. We will make meetings accessible, including with interpreters, Braille materials, and other accommodations as needed.

If you are interested in joining your county’s Project Advisory Board, please call or email lead researcher Dr. Lauren Cagle. Her phone number is 859.257.1115 and her email is lauren.cagle@uky.edu. If you have questions about participating, please feel free to call or email as well.

This study is being collaboratively conducted by researchers from the University of Kentucky, including the Kentucky Geological Survey and the Department of Writing, Rhetoric, and Digital Studies.