39-6 Building the Next Generation Geoscience Workforce Through Applied Research, Mentorship, and Experiential Learning at the Michigan Geological Survey

Session: Learning to be a Geoscientist: Professional Exposure, Agency, and Transferable Skills in Undergraduate Education. (Posters)

Poster Booth No.: 170

Presenting Author:

Autumn Haagsma

Authors:

Haagsma, Autumn ¹, Pearson, Sara², Scott, Ashley³, Ives, Libby R.W.⁴, Quigley, Ashley⁵, Erber, Nathan Ray⁶, Conner, Amber⁷

(1) Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA, (2) Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA, (3) Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA, (4) Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA, (5) Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA, (6) Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, , (7) Michigan Geological Survey, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, USA,

Abstract:

The United States faces an increasing need for a highly skilled geoscience workforce capable of addressing complex societal challenges related to energy security, critical mineral supply chains, groundwater resources, climate resilience, geologic hazards, environmental contamination, and sustainable land-use planning. Federal initiatives have similarly emphasized workforce development to support emerging priorities such as carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), geologic hydrogen, critical minerals, water resources, contaminant hydrogeology, and advanced geologic mapping. The Michigan Geological Survey (MGS) has developed a multifaceted student training model designed to prepare the next generation of geoscientists through mentored research, hands-on technical training, and applied scientific investigations.

MGS supports workforce development through three integrated pathways: a mentor-based summer internship program, summer field assistant positions, and year-round student research opportunities funded through state and federal projects. Students work alongside professional geologists, faculty, and research staff on multidisciplinary teams addressing real-world scientific and societal needs. Research areas include CCUS, geologic hydrogen, geologic mapping, groundwater resources, karst characterization, critical minerals, aggregate resources, subsurface data modernization, and contaminant occurrence, transport, and remediation, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Student-led PFAS research contributes to understanding contaminant sources and behavior while supporting improved investigation and remediation strategies.

Students gain experience with GIS, digital mapping, core description, geologic field methods, geophysical surveys, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), petrography, sediment analysis, laboratory instrumentation, database development, and scientific communication. Participants also build professional networks through collaboration with state and federal agencies, industry, regulators, research institutions, and academic partners. Many projects intentionally foster interdisciplinary collaboration among geologists, engineers, environmental scientists, data scientists, and other specialists, helping students understand how diverse expertise is integrated to address challenges related to energy, natural resources, environmental stewardship, contamination, and infrastructure planning.

Workforce development extends beyond internships and research assistantships through partnerships with faculty that integrate active Survey projects into university coursework. Students apply advanced analytical techniques to Survey-provided samples and datasets to address real research questions, allowing them to connect classroom learning with applied scientific problem-solving.

This presentation highlights the structure, outcomes, and lessons learned from MGS’s workforce development model, demonstrating how mentor-driven research experiences can advance scientific objectives while developing a skilled and adaptable geoscience workforce prepared to address national priorities in energy, resource security, environmental protection, and resilient communities.

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