Geoscience Students Research with the National Forest Service

Written By: Rachel Putman

Four University of Arkansas - Fort Smith geoscience students traveled to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan this spring for groundwater tracing and LiDAR research with the Hiawatha National Forest Service.

The ongoing research project maps groundwater conduits between sinks and springs to help scientists track contaminants during lumber harvesting and fire suppressants following forest fires.

UAFS students Ross Bieker, a junior; Mason Galarza, a sophomore; Tucker Kelly, a senior; and Matt Van Hook, a junior, participated in the fieldwork. Abby Webb, a junior, also contributed to the project from Fort Smith, processing the groundwater samples collected in the field. Webb was preparing to travel to Stanford for a summer Research Experience for Undergraduates in wetland work and was unable to attend the Michigan trip.

“These students are committed to research and learning as much as they can,” said Dr. Maurice Testa, associate professor of geoscience.

Through the project, students gain hands-on experience working with a federal agency while using the same skills and equipment they will use in the workforce. Testa said the research is adaptable, allowing students to contribute through fieldwork, lab work, or both.

Over the past few years, the project has produced three student-led scientific publications, presentations at national conferences, grants, and internships with the National Forest Service. Six past research students have been accepted into fully funded graduate programs, and Abby is currently completing a summer REU at Stanford University.

“They are pretty incredible,” Testa said. “They miss work, submit assignments and take exams early, and just really move mountains to get this research experience. I’ve got the best students in the world.”