NewsDrop-Winter-2021

JENNIFER ADKINS-SCHUDROWITZ, PG

“This project is a multi-year partnership between the EAA and USGS [United States Geological Survey] intended to refine data and create new geologic maps of the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers. This advanced mapping works to subdivide both aquifers into more detailed hydrostratigraphic units, to better define and understand the water bearing characteristics of the aquifers. In 2017, Jennifer successfully completed the requirements to become a licensed Professional Geoscientist (PG) in the state of Texas. “I was relieved when I read the letter confirming I had passed both sections of the National Association of State Boards of Geology (ASBOG) exam, it’s no small feat and is definitely an important career milestone.” Recently, in July 2021, Jennifer was asked to present on the NBU-ASR project at the American Groundwater Trust Texas Groundwater Conference in Austin. This conference focuses on legal, policy, management, and scientific and engineering aquifer related issues throughout the state. “Our presence and involvement in events like this are critical in assuring the public and stakeholders of EAA oversight throughout the ASR process and encouraging collaboration and data sharing with other experts in the field.

In general, this presentation sought to highlight how our efforts and the

collaborative approach we have taken with NBU on this project work to establish a path forward, where we as an agency are regulatorily active and protective of the freshwater portion of the Aquifer, which is our main concern, but are also facilitating a process that has potential to benefit the entire system, especially during times of severe drought.”

Jennifer Adkins-Schudrowitz has been employed at the EAA for the past eight years. Through graduate school, Jennifer worked as a Teaching Assistant at the University of Arkansas, instructing students in Introductory Geology and Labs. However, her STEM career really took off when she interned concurrently at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and at the EAA. “I was lucky in that one of my responsibilities through both of my internships was to collect data for my master’s thesis. I was investigating groundwater flow in the Edwards Aquifer through the Knippa Gap in Uvalde County. I was and still am, fascinated with the unique karst system that makes up the Edwards Aquifer. The more I researched the Edwards Aquifer and the EAA, I knew it was the place I wanted to be.” Shortly before graduating from the University of Arkansas with a masters in Geology in 2013, Jennifer was employed at the EAA as an Environmental Coordinator. She was thrilled to start working as a full-time employee at the EAA because its mission statement and CORE values align with her own ideals. “The EAA is a unique entity that

I am passionate about my work at the EAA and a career in public service because what we do matters, ensuring that natural resources, like the Edwards aquifer are shared equitably and used wisely for future generations, like my children.” As an Environmental Coordinator, Jennifer conducted aquifer protection activities related to regulatory programs, groundwater research, well protection, and conservation. Focusing on the Limited Production Well Program and Well Registration and Closure Programs. In 2016, Jennifer was promoted to her current position, where her responsibilities range over a variety of activities related to groundwater research and conservation. “As a Hydrogeologist, I work to promote aquifer sustainability and the development of appropriate groundwater management and conservation strategies through hydrogeologic research. I work on various research projects, including the NBU-ASR [New Braunfels Utilities-Aquifer Storage and Recovery] project — a multi-phase collaborative project establishing an ASR system that stores a blend of

Edwards Aquifer freshwater and treated surface water into the brackish portion of the Edwards Aquifer. As the project manager and a member of the NBU-ASR work group, I represent the EAA in both a scientific and a regulatory compacity. This project sets precedence for future ASR programs and promotes significant and lasting changes regarding groundwater management and conservation practices, while underscoring the EAA’s role as a regional resource working to facilitate different pathways to a more sustainable future. My participation on this project continues to be a career highlight that provides

JENNI FER ’S ADVICE TO FUTURE FEMALE STEM IS TO FOCUS YOUR EFFORTS ON SOMETHING YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. “IF YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT SOMETHING AND LOVE WHAT YOU DO, THEN YOU WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE. JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD, WORK HARD, AND DO NOT BE AFRAID OF BEING AMBITIOUS.”

me with a distinct sense of accomplishment and has afforded me unique

experiences that continually strengthen my leadership and technical abilities.” Jennifer also manages the EAA’s Hydrostratigraphic Mapping project.

works to base regulation on sound science-driven data.

Photo: EAA Hydrogeologist, Jennifer Adkins-Schudrowitz, explains how to mathematically determine three well volumes with high school interns Samuel Franklin and Tyler Rogers at Girl Scout Well, New Braunfels, Texas.

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