Dr. Kristine Pankow of the University of Utah has been named the GSA 2025–2026 Distinguished Lecturer. Her lecture, “Utah FORGE: A Field-Scale Geothermal Laboratory,” highlights groundbreaking advances in geothermal drilling, monitoring, and seismic research at the world’s only dedicated EGS field lab.
The Geological Society of America’s Continental Scientific Drilling Division Distinguished Lecturer Award recognizes outstanding scientists whose work highlights discoveries made through continental drilling. Each year, awardees present lectures at universities, GSA events, and public forums to share groundbreaking science with a broad audience.
Utah FORGE is funded by the U.S. Department of Energy and is the world’s only dedicated laboratory for testing and refining the technologies that will make Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) commercially viable. Unlike a commercial plant, Utah FORGE is focused entirely on innovation and scientific discovery.
The Utah FORGE site includes:
These facilities have already produced advances in drilling efficiency, fracture creation, fluid–rock interaction, and real-time seismic monitoring. New technologies such as fiber-optic sensing (DAS, DSS) and adaptive traffic light systems are helping researchers better understand reservoir development while addressing seismic safety.
Dr. Pankow’s lecture will highlight these findings and demonstrate how Utah FORGE is de-risking the technologies needed to unlock the full potential of geothermal energy.
Dr. Pankow will be available to present her Distinguished Lecture in person or remotely during Fall 2025 and Spring 2026.
The Utah FORGE site near Milford, Utah. Map data © Google.
The heat beneath our feet flows through the earth in a complex pattern. Utah FORGE is situated in a heat reservoir that has been studied since the 1970s. In this webinar, Dr. Stuart Simmons delves into the unique geologic and geothermal resources found at Utah FORGE and the surrounding area.
What exactly are the rock types that make up the underground laboratory of Utah FORGE? In this webinar, Dr. Clay Jones describes the geology of the site and surrounding area and the findings from core and cutting analyses of deep wells!
Geothermal energy is gaining global momentum, with countries like the U.S., Indonesia, and the Philippines leading the way.
