Robert Merrill

SEG Foundation Sally Zinke Individual Impact Award 2024

Robert (Bob) Merrill received the inaugural SEG Foundation Sally Zinke Individual Impact Award in 2024 in recognition of his remarkable and lasting contributions to the Foundation and its mission. Bob’s unwavering commitment to advancing the humanitarian applications of geosciences has had a profound impact on the SEG Foundation and its initiatives.

Bob has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership through his proactive pursuit of fundraising opportunities, thoughtful guidance on program improvements, and strategic vision for advancing Foundation initiatives. His dedication is especially evident in his meticulous work on complex and time-sensitive grant applications, as well as his deep understanding of philanthropic trends related to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR), and other Geoscientists Without Borders® (GWB) focus areas.

As Chair of Geoscientists Without Borders® during the pandemic, Bob led the program with extraordinary agility and resilience, helping to expand its global reach while fostering locally led initiatives around the world. His leadership, service, and enduring commitment have left — and continue to leave — an indelible mark on the SEG Foundation and the communities it serves.