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.
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) 387-8631
garrett.ringle@wmich.edu
Gregory Anderson
GIS Specialist
Surficial Geology Mapping
(269) 387-8625
gregory.anderson@wmich.edu
Linda Harrison
Geoscience Data Specialist
MGRRE
(269) 387-8642
linda.harrison@wmich.edu
Tom Valachovics
Senior Research Associate
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8632
thomas.r.valachovics.edu
Trent Adams
Research Associate
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8606
trent.adams@wmich.edu
Libby Ives, Ph.D.
Research Associate
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8646
elizabeth.ives@wmich.edu
Eric Schuemann
Geoscience Specialist
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8617
eric.schuemann@wmich.edu
Augustine Lodise
Geoscience Specialist
Aggregate Resources
(269) 387-8638
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) 387-8630
nolan.gamet@wmich.edu
Khalid Omar
Hydrogeologist
Groundwater Resources
(269) 387-8633
khalid.omar@wmich.edu