Today we are featuring Rebekah Sowders, a graduate student in the department of geosciences! She is also an intern at the Southern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District.
What interested you to pursue a career in STEM?
I have always been interested in being outdoors and learning how the Earth works. My fourth-grade science teacher was previously a geologist, and I knew that I wanted to learn more after a particular lesson about the Ogallala Aquifer. I grew up in Midland, Texas, where it did not rain for nine months during my fifth-grade year. While many people were thinking about surface water, I wanted to know more about other water sources such as groundwater. Eventually, I went to college and began my studies in Hydrogeology.
How would you describe your work to the public?
I am currently working on an assessment for the Southern Trinity Groundwater Conservation District. I am using hourly water level data from monitor wells in the Trinity Aquifer to assess different stressors that could impact a deep confined aquifer. I use this data to identify different water level responses and compare them with different stressors and aquifer characteristics in order to find causes for repeating trends.
Outside of the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy hiking, sewing, baking anything with sugar, and tap dancing.
Is there something during your research career that you have really enjoyed or want to share?
I have really enjoyed all of the opportunities that I have had to move forward with an interest that I've had since elementary school.
If you can give a piece of advice to the younger generation, what would it be?
Don't be afraid to be yourself. It sounds cliché, but I have learned that when you have confidence in yourself and are passionate about your interests, you're free to be the best version of yourself.
Is there a female scientist that particularly inspires you?
My favorite female scientists are Marcia Neimeyer and Leslie Harman. These two women were my sophomore and fourth-grade science teachers, respectively. I am still in contact with these ladies, and I am very thankful for all of there support that they have given me in my pursuit of hydrogeology.
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