by MGWA Foundation
The MGWA Foundation has the pleasure of announcing two 2020 Gil Gabanski Scholarship recipients: Brayden Kuester (undergraduate) and John McDaris (graduate).
Nine scholarships were reviewed by the members of the scholarship committee, including Stephanie Souter, Jim Lundy, Joy Loughry, Mike MacDonald, Lanya Ross, and John Woodside. It was heartening to learn about the many students doing wonderful work to advance our groundwater professions. Our future is in good hands.
These notable students each receive a year-long student membership to MGWA and $1,500 to help them with educational costs – with the goal of increasing their interest in the professions of hydrogeology, groundwater, geology and related programs.
Graduate Scholarship ($1,500)
John McDaris is a second year PhD candidate in the Geophysics program at the University of Minnesota. His PhD project at the University of Minnesota aims to use automated electrical conductivity measurements of groundwater to refine our understanding of water quality in the region’s aquifers, to improve our water monitoring processes, and to prepare the next generation of geoscientists with the skills they need to be successful. He is also working with his advisor, Dr. Joshua Feinberg, to design a new Urban Field Geology Course for the Department, where groundwater investigations will comprise a significant component. The course is being developed as an alternative to the traditional introductory field-camp experience for undergraduates in an effort to attract students from underrepresented groups, first generation college students, and those not able to spend 4 weeks away from family or employment responsibilities over the summer. John plans to utilize the scholarship funds to purchase materials needed for pilot testing of his project. John holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics from North Carolina State University, and an MS in Geophysics from the University of Minnesota.
Undergraduate Scholarship Recommendation ($1,500)
Brayden Kuester is a junior at the University of Minnesota, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences. Brayden has developed a passion for groundwater through his coursework, and lab experiences, and his experience at the 2019 hydrogeology field camp. During this semester, he is working on a project to understand the relationship between hydrogeology, nutrient availability, and the health of Wild Rice ecosystems. During this semester, he will be measuring approximately 100 sediment and water samples, analyzing and producing plots of iron and phosphate concentrations, and analyzing surface water and groundwater level data collected through field work. During the summer, Brayden worked for AECOM as a Remediation Geologist intern.
If you have the opportunity, please reach out to Brayden and John to learn more about their work.
Thanks to all of YOU who support this scholarship program through your donations and by promoting it to the students you know.
MGWA is committed to developing a just, equitable, and inclusive groundwater community. Click on the button below to read MGWA’s full diversity statement.
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