Summary: Some recent projects forced me to face the challenge of communicating and advancing complex scientific ideas in a charged political and public environment.  We all want answers – but are we willing to do the hard mental work to understand the complexities before jumping to conclusions or advocating for solutions?  One project partner asked me, “Will the horse (science) ever be in front of the cart (solutions) on this project?”  Probably not.  Whether it is opinions about groundwater and surface water interaction, climate change, or if eggs are good or bad for us, scientists find themselves facing sometimes bizarre and unfounded opinions. Sometimes those crazy opinions are our own! Why is this, and what should our personal response be? Are we willing to challenge our long-held opinions, or are we more comfortable putting our heads in the sand?  Well, let’s have some fun and talk about those questions, and maybe we will come up with a few new opinions.

Biography: Paul, a Minnesota Professional Geologist and AIPG Certified Professional Geologist, is the Supervisor for the DNR’s County Geologic Atlas team.  The team is responsible for completing detailed mapping of aquifers at the county scale. Prior to taking the supervisor position, Paul was a Lead Hydrogeologist at DNR developing the agency’s new Groundwater Management Area program and as the Project Manager for the North & East Metro Groundwater Management Area and had extensive involvement determining why water levels got so low in White Bear Lake (Ask about his trial appearance).  Before joining DNR, Paul held positions as Operations Manager, Project Manager and Senior Hydrogeologist over the last 25 years for several national consulting firms.  Paul held the offices of Secretary-Treasurer for MGWA, President, Vice President, Director and Secretary Treasurer for the AIPG Minnesota Section.  He earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology/Geophysics from University of Wisconsin, Madison (Go Bucky!) and a Master of Science in Geology from the University of South Florida, Tampa (Go Bulls!). Paul is looking for new ‘age appropriate’ hobbies (sadly, no more hockey) and welcomes your suggestions.