GEOS Spotlight December 2023: Michael Blore

For the final GEOS spotlight of 2023, we're highlighting graduating water sciences M.S. student Michael Blore, who is also an undergraduate alum of our program! Michael has been part of the GSU and GEOS family for six years now, and will soon be graduating and heading off into the professional ranks. Learn about Michael's experiences in the Department of Geosciences and what he's planning to do next in our Q&A with him below!

Where are you from originally?

I was born in colonial Williamsburg, Virginia, but I grew up in Orlando, Florida.

Where did you go to school before coming to GSU?

I went to Chattahoochee High School.

What year in school are you? / How long have you been a student at GSU?

I started as an undergraduate in Spring 2018 and I’ve been taking classes here since then. This is my final semester as a graduate student at Georgia State before I move onto a career.

What’s your concentration?

I am currently in the M.S. concentration in Water Sciences, but I previously completed my B.S in Geosciences with a concentration in Environmental Geosciences.

Which class has been your favorite to take in the Department of Geosciences?

Principles of Paleontology and Urban Hydrology, both are too close to choose.

What is your favorite thing about being a GEOS major at GSU?

I’ve always loved our sense of community in the Department of Geosciences, and the special kind of cooperative learning that comes with it.

What are you working on right now?

I’m currently the lead TA for GEOL1121 and am also teaching the Paleontology lab. I also interned at the Hemphill water treatment plant, which is responsible for treating about 60% of the drinking water for Metro Atlanta. Part of my capstone project involves looking at water loss through long term pipe transit from Hemphill and other local plants and quantifying extra energy cost due to water loss in the pipe system. I also saved some baby ducks from the filters during my internship (see picture below). My research is all focused on urban hydrology, specifically urban water infrastructure and water modelling. I believe that understanding and implementing long term solutions to water resources in urban centers can lighten water scarcity issues nationwide.

What are you planning to do after GSU? How do you think your GEOS degree at GSU has prepared you for that?

I plan on working as an environmental consultant, but can see myself working for the EPA, USGS or even the newly created Climate Corps. Anything related to urban hydrology and modelling I'm interested in. I want to go into environmental consulting in order to gain experience about stormwater regulation, policy, and design implementation. I believe that this will help me understand stormwater policy and design as well as grow new skillsets.