What are your responsibilities with the IGS?

As a hydrogeologist, I work on projects that focus on the quality, availability, and movement of groundwater.

What are your research/project interests?

I am interested in getting more information out of standard groundwater datasets by looking at groundwater responses to barometric and earth tide fluctuations. 

What is your academic and professional background?

I got a BS in environmental science at Iowa State University and an MS in geoscience from the University of Iowa, where my thesis was focused on taking a high-resolution look at the upper bedrock aquifers in eastern Iowa. While completing my BS and MS, I had internships with a geotechnical consulting firm. After finishing my MS, I worked for two years as an environmental specialist for the City of Marion before starting in my current role with IGS

At about what age did you decide to become a geologist/scientist?

As a kid, I liked being outdoors, walking around streams, collecting rocks, and learning more about the world around me. This made a career in science something I wanted for as far back as I can remember. A groundwater course I took at Iowa State is what steered me specifically towards hydrogeology.

What field activity is your favorite?

If I had to pick a favorite, it would be going out and measuring water levels or downloading transducer data from wells. It is interesting to see how water levels have changed since the last site visit and think about what the water levels can say about the system as a whole.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My favorite activities are running, climbing, hiking, and gardening – specifically growing the prairie plants that once covered Iowa.