LSU Geology Professor Barbara Dutrow Receives Notable Collins Medal

Professor Barbara L. Dutrow, Gerald Cire and Lena Grand Williams Alumni Professor in the LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics, has been awarded the 2026 Collins Medal by the Mineralogical Society of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Awarded annually, the Collins Medal recognizes a scientist who, over a long and distinguished career, has made outstanding contributions to pure or applied mineral sciences and associated fields. As one of the highest international honors in mineralogy, the award places Dutrow among the world's leading mineral scientists and further elevates LSU's reputation as a global leader in geoscience research and education.  

"I am deeply honored to receive the Collins Medal from the Mineralogical Society of the UK and Ireland," said Dutrow. "Scientific discovery is a collective endeavor. This recognition reflects the contributions of my collaborators, students and mentors with whom I have had the privilege to work throughout my career. I am grateful to be part of a community whose shared curiosity and commitment continue to advance our understanding of Earth and its materials." 

The medal was presented at the Mineralogical Society's 150th Anniversary Meeting in Manchester, United Kingdom. "Receiving the medal on their 150th anniversary is truly special," Dutrow said. She is the first woman from the United States to receive the award.

For over three decades at LSU, Dutrow has built an international reputation for scientific excellence, innovation, and leadership. Her research spans scales from continental tectonic processes to micrometer-scale mineral interactions and has helped scientists better understand the conditions that shape Earth's crust and influence geothermal, metamorphic, and fluid-rock systems. She is particularly known for her influential work on the crystal chemistry and stability of geologically important minerals and their use as indicators of past and present geological environments.  

Her contributions have been recognized through numerous honors, including the 2021 Carnegie Mineralogical Award for outstanding contributions to mineralogical research, teaching, and service. In 2019, a newly discovered mineral species in the tourmaline group was named dutrowite in recognition of her impact on the field. A magnesium-rich counterpart, magnesio-dutrowite, was later identified and named in her honor as well. 

In addition to her scientific accomplishments, Dutrow is widely respected for her commitment to education and mentorship. In 2016, the Association of Women Geoscientists honored Dutrow with their Outstanding Educator award. She has developed innovative multidisciplinary courses focused on Earth materials, sustainability, and the energy transition, while mentoring generations of undergraduate and graduate students who have gone on to careers in academia, industry, and government.

Dutrow is also co-author of the Manual of Mineral Science, one of the world's most widely used mineralogy textbooks, now in its 23rd edition and used by universities around the globe. She is currently developing the 24th edition.

Her leadership extends well beyond LSU. She is a Fellow and past president of the Mineralogical Society of America and served as president of the Geological Society of America, one of the world's largest geoscience organizations. She has also served as chair of the Executive Committee for Elements magazine and associate editor for several leading scientific journals and special issues. She served for nine years on the Board of Governors of the Gemological Institute of America and has contributed her expertise to numerous national and international scientific committees. 

"Dr. Dutrow's impact on mineralogy and the geosciences has been extraordinary. Through her research, teaching, and dedicated mentorship, she has advanced our understanding of Earth materials while inspiring generations of scientists," said Samuel Bentley, professor and chair of the LSU Department of Geology & Geophysics. "Her selection for the Collins Medal is a well-deserved recognition of a remarkable career and reflects the global influence of LSU's geoscience community." 

For more information about the Collins Medal and the Mineralogical Society, visit the Society's Collins Medal webpage.