Meet the Team
Sara Pearson, CPG
Director of MGS
Sara Pearson has worked in the environmental field in Michigan for more than 30 years. She is the Director of the Michigan Geological Survey at Western Michigan University. She has worked as a consultant managing contaminated sites for major petroleum companies and industry and as a regular for EGLE's remediation and redevelopment and source water programs. Sara's expertise spans the spectrum of activities related to remediation and redevelopment including extensive hydrogeological investigative, risk evaluation and corrective action experience. She has considerable experience in policy development, IT and data management, and routinely develops and organizes training for staff and environmental practitioners in the private sector.
Office: 269-387-8611
sara.pearson@wmich.edu
Dr. Autumn Haagsma
Director of MGRRE
Autumn Haagsma, the Director of the Michigan Repository for Research and Education and Assistant Director of the Michigan Geological Survey, is a researcher focused on geosciences, sustainability, and climate-related issues. Her work, supported by the U.S. Departments of Energy and Defense, involves geologic mapping, risk assessments, data analytics, and community outreach for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) projects. With prior experience at Battelle Memorial Institute, Autumn led geologic research initiatives and mentored students, contributing to projects such as the Midwest Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnership (MRCSP) and enhanced oil recovery using captured carbon dioxide. An active member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), Autumn holds leadership roles, contributes to committees, and chairs the CCUS conference.
Office: 269-387-8696
autumn.haagsma@wmich.edu
Staff
Beyond the permanent staff listed below, the survey also employs a number of supplementary personnel comprising of contracted professionals and part-time contributors who provide valuable support across a range of projects, including dedicated student staff members.
Linda Harrison
Geoscience Data Specialist
MGRRE
(269) 387-5513
linda.k.harrison@wmich.edu
Nate Erber, Ph.D.
Glacial Geologist
Surficial Geology Mapping
(269) 387-8604
nathan.r.erber@wmich.edu
Garrett Ringle
Geoscience Specialist
Surficial Geology Mapping
(269) 387-8649
garrett.ringle@wmich.edu
Gregory Anderson
GIS Specialist
Surficial Geology Mapping
(269) 387-8649
gregory.anderson@wmich.edu
Lauren Clippinger
Office Coordinator
Administration
(269) 387-8328
lauren.r.clippinger@wmich.edu
Tom Valachovics
Senior Research Associate
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8649
thomas.r.valachovics.edu
Trent Adams
Research Associate
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8633
trent.adams@wmich.edu
Libby Ives, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Aggregate Resources
elizabeth.ives@wmich.edu
Matt Bell
Geoscience Specialist
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8633
matthew.e.bell@wmich.edu
Eric Schuemann
Geoscience Specialist
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8633
augustine.lodise@wmich.edu
Augustine Lodise
Geoscience Specialist
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8633
augustine.lodise@wmich.edu
Ashley Quigley
Precambrian Geologist
Bedrock Geology Mapping
(269) 387-8634
ashley.quigley@wmich.edu
Robert (Bob) Mahin
Critical Minerals Geologist
Bedrock Geology Mapping
(269) 387-8649
robert.r.mahin@wmich.edu
Nolan Gamet
Geoscience Specialist
Bedrock Geology Mapping
(269) 387-8649
nolan.gamet@wmich.edu
Emeritus Staff
John Yellich, CPG
Emeritus Director of MGS
John Yellich served as the Director of the Michigan Geological survey from 2013-2024. With a bachelor's and master's degree from Western Michigan University and professional geologist certification, John has worked in multiple geoscience sectors including mineral exploration, environmental consulting, and business operations. Some of John's notable contributions include successful validation of mineral targets, surface water and groundwater investigations, and environmental liability assessments for Fortune 500 companies. During his time at MGS, John worked to secure funding, facilitate numerous Michigan natural resource investigations, and foster both staff and facility growth.
Contact Information
geos-mgsmaps@wmich.edu
PHYSICAL ADDRESS
Michigan Geological Survey
5272 W. Michigan Ave.
Kalamazoo, MI 49009
Phone
Phone: (269) 387-8633
