Minnesota Ground Water Association

MGWA Gil Gabanski Scholarship Recipient – Savannah Finley

Photograph of Savannah Finley, 2024 MGWA Gil Gabanski Scholarship Recipient.

I’m deeply passionate about understanding and protecting our environment, especially when it comes to groundwater remediation. My journey into this field started with a fascination for how chemistry intertwines with our surroundings, leading me to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics. Currently, I’m pursuing my Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry and Technology with a minor in Environmental Policy at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. In my doctoral studies, my focus is on aqueous geochemistry, where I work towards identifying common contaminants in groundwater systems, their evolution over time, pathways of contamination, and strategies to minimize their environmental impact.

Specifically, I characterize spatiotemporal distributions and variation of groundwater quality parameters in Wisconsin municipal wells. Utilizing data mining, geographic information systems (GIS), and metadata analysis, coupled with field and wet chemistry laboratory studies, I aim to identify trends in groundwater quality and understand the influence of geological patterns, land management practices, and well construction on water quality. Throughout my research, I’ve gained knowledge in hydrogeology, computational modeling, GIS, coding languages, and a variety of analytical chemistry techniques.

Looking ahead, I aspire to leverage my expertise to contribute to policy development and groundwater remediation efforts. I’m incredibly excited about the opportunities that lie ahead and am fully committed to continuing my journey in environmental conservation. Together, let’s work towards a sustainable future!


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