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Student Spotlight: Lindsay Rasnake

Lindsay Rasnake is from Kingsport, TN, and is a second-year Master's student at the O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs pursuing degrees in Public Affairs and Environmental Science.

Lindsay works with the Indiana Geological and Water Survey and a team led by geologist Tracy Branam on a project to locate, sample, and analyze 100 groundwater springs throughout the Indiana Uplands region.

The project provides much-needed data about the quality and character of the springs which have historical value and modern utility.

"My broad goals, which are to use all the skills in my arsenal to help conserve and encourage the sustainable use of natural resources, closely align with the purposes of this project. This increased engagement with the public—and with rural communities in particular—has only strengthened my goals."

In her work with the project, Lindsay encountered an undocumented spring.

"One of the main reasons I entered the natural resources field is because I love the outdoors. Getting to discover Indiana in new ways through this work has been really fun. I even found a spring at McCormick's Creek State Park which we had not previously identified, and we've now unofficially dubbed it Rasnake Spring."

Lindsay says her work on the project has given her valuable insight on working with the public and completing projects of this scale, and she will be able to take this knowledge into her future careers.

"It's been great to get to leave my mark on this region even in a small way, and I'm honored to have been able to contribute to the project."