News Article

Michelle Barnes grew up in the Reno-Tahoe, Nevada area. Her love of the outdoors was influential in pursuing her degrees in Environmental Engineering. Michelle received, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Master’s degree from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. While in Alaska, she investigated groundwater dynamics in degrading, discontinuous permafrost and the impacts on contaminant transport. Michelle is now pursuing a PhD at Utah State University under the direction of Dr. Bethany Neilson. She is eager to diversify her skill set by studying groundwater/surface water interactions as part of RFA1.