We have so many great students in our department that we wanted to start to bring their awesomeness to light here with a new tradition: the GEOS spotlight, which we hope to share on the first of each month moving forward.
This month, we will get to know Gabrial Goldner, a master's student in water sciences working under the supervision of Dr. Nadine Kabengi. See the Q&A below to learn more about Gabrial and see what she's been up to!
Where are you from originally?
Newnan, Georgia
Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?
I went to GSU for undergrad, but Mountain View High School before that.
How long have you been a student at GSU?
I am a 1st-year year master's student, but I participated in the Department of Geoscience's dual degree program, so I have attended for a total of five years and hope to graduate early.
What’s your major/concentration?
Water Sciences
Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?
GIS is my favorite. I'm a practical person who likes skill-based courses and GIS training opens a lot of doors in our field. Also, I liked the pretty colors on gradient maps.
What are you researching right now?
I am currently researching PFAS sorption and concentration analysis based on methodology (ex. EPA Method 537 vs. 533). PFAS are a group of fluorinated, man-made compounds that are highly persistent in the environment and due to their toxicity and ability to bioaccumulate, they are considered emerging contaminants of concern. Also, I am aiding Dr. Kabengi in the installation of the new ICP-MS in the shared lab. This work includes receiving training, writing up protocols for operations, and maintaining the instrument.
We have heard about your summer internship at the Department of Natural Resources. Could you talk a little bit more about that?
I will be working in the EPD labs to help test for PFAS in water samples. They are currently transitioning over from method 537 to method 533 which will mean I will be able to participate in the implementation of the new practices that will be the standard in PFAS testing going forward. This is wonderful because after I graduate, I plan to work in environmental contamination, and as PFAS is a difficult group of emerging contaminants, the work in that area is extremely interesting.