[1] Hua-Wei Zhou, Department Chair of the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, said about Sheriff: “…a giant figure in the world of exploration geophysics… When I think about Bob, a number of key words pop up in my mind: kindness, honesty, hardworking, seeking perfection, generosity and wisdom.” [2][3] Sheriff worked on uranium isotope separation for the World War II Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
[4][2] After receiving his masters and PhD in physics, Sheriff accepted a job at Standard of California (Chevron) to work in their new geophysical research lab.
Serving in a variety of functions, including managing geophysical crews and drilling activity overseas, Sheriff worked at Chevron for 25 years.
[4] In 1969, Sheriff received the SEG Virgil Kauffman Medal for his initial publication of the Encyclopedic Dictionary of Exploration Geophysics.
In 2006, SEG members voted the 1973 dictionary as the top geophysical book ever published for the industry, citing a copy could be found in every working exploration office.