Dr. Roy K. Dokka, Director of the Center for GeoInformatics (C4G), and Full Professor for Civil and Environmental Engineering here at LSU unexpectedly passed away Monday evening. Dr. Dokka founded the C4G and was responsible for the installation of over 60 permanent CORS sites within the State of Louisiana as well as implementing a state-wide GPS Real Time Network. Prof. Dokka received his Ph.D. from UCLA in Geology; his specialty was Plate Tectonics with recent significant research in the Subsidence of Louisiana and the Northern Rim of the Gulf of Mexico. One special publication of note is NOS NGS 60, available from the National Geodetic Survey.
No details are available yet on arrangements.
Our sympathies and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. :love:
I'm speechless, I just met Dr. Dokka less then a month ago. Life is way too short.
I am saddened to hear the news of Roy's passing. I will miss our conversations about GPS, subsidence, geology,, and those dam stinking benchmarks!...what a contribution you have made to our State with awareness of unique environment, and the professionals like land surveyors, geodesists, geologists, engineers. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. Peace to you!
Ricardo M. Johnson
John Chance Land Surveys, Inc.
Lafayette, La
so sorry to hear this.
I first met Dr. Dokka about 10 years ago when I was on the board of LSPS. He came to a board meeting in B.R on Coursey to meet us and open a discussion with land surveyors in the state. I was impressed by this and my first impression was that he was a no BS knd of guy.
At last month's C4G seminar at the Lakefront, again I was astonished by his no BS approach to survey problems in Louisiana. I was particularly impresed by his statements regarding the quality of the LIDAR work on the FEMA maps and subsequent QC. His unabashed comments and concerns showed his strong character. I thought to myself that here was somebody who as C$G director established a vast network of CORS staions and the GulfNet RTN with FEMA money and now he was using it to contest the work of FEMA. Real cajones in the land of dreams here. It was like FEMA had given him a loaded gun to fire back at them.
At a break, I expressed my thoughts to him about the political milieu of the situation and also appreciation. Ricky, I believe you were there. I was so excited that I was probably a bit delusional. What made that seminar rewarding to me were his bold comments.
My condolences to his family friends and loved ones.
He left us way too soon.
Having attended last months C4G seminar with Dan and Robert, I'm speechless as well. HUGE loss to the profession, my condolences to his immediate family as well as the extended one that would include Prof. Mugnier.