The WVSWCS would like to take this opportunity to share information with you about our members.  Our first interview was done with Mr. Jon Hempel, Director of the National Soil Survey Center, in Lincoln, Nebraska.  He is from Wisconsin and came to West Virginia in 2004 as the Co-Director of the National Geospatial Development Center (NGDC) in Morgantown.  The NGDC is a collaboration between the USDA- Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and West Virginia University Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design.  We hope you enjoy reading more about our spotlighted member.

Q:      What led you to pursue your current career?

A:         I have been interested in conservation since I can remember.  My dad had a big influence on that as he was very outdoor minded and we spent a lot of time hunting, fishing and exploring.

Q:      Did you have a mentor that led you in that
         direction?

A:         My biology teacher in high school and I had a good relationship, he encouraged me to look into a natural science field.

Q:      When did you become a member of SWCS
         and why did you join?

A:         I have been a member of SWCS since 1991.  I joined with the Ohio chapter. The membership person explained in great detail the benefits of being a member (He was right, too.)

Q:      What benefits do you receive from being a
         member?

A:         As a soil scientist, I typically have not had much time to interface with the conservation side of our agency.  SWCS is an excellent outlet to network and learn about issues facing conservation.

Q:      What interested you to apply for your current
         position?

A:         I am interested in seeing technological advancements in how we predict soil information being more widely applied to soil survey work.  We now have capabilities in GIS, Remote Sensing and statistical approaches that can define soil properties and soil classes in more detail and precision than ever before.  I also believe that there is a dramatic lack of understanding in our society of the importance soil and how we best care for this resource.  The National Soil Survey Center allows me to work on both of these personal priorities.

Q:      What advice would you give to our younger 
          professionals?

A:         Be passionate about your work and tell people about what you do.  This small partnership is responsible for the conservation of most of the land in the US.  It is incredibly important and is something we should never loose sight of.

Q:      Anything else you would like to share with us?

A:         If I can ever do anything to help anyone in NRCS or our partnership, just let me know.

You may also be interested in reading an interview done with Mr. Hempel in April 2009 when he was still the Co-Director of NGDC.  http://www.vector1media.com/dialogue/interviews/6884-soil-data-goes-global

Please contact LaRae Baker at larae.baker@wv.usda.gov if you would like more information about our spotlighted member or contact information for him.