Darby VanAntwerp

Darby  VanAntwerp
  • BS Geological Engineering 2003

Darby VanAntwerp earned a BS in Geological Engineering at Michigan Tech in 2003, and an MS in Hydrogeology at Clemson University in 2006.

“Through my courses at Michigan Tech, I learned ‘how to learn’,” says VanAntwerp. “It is one thing to memorize theories and equations, but my coursework taught me to assess a problem and gather the necessary information to formulate a solution.”

In particular, she adds, “the summer Field Geology and Field Geophysics courses were intense (long days, black flies) but the hands-on experience was invaluable.”

At Clemson, VanAntwerp studied numerical simulation of mass transfer during air sparging. “The goal of the research was to develop predictive models to aid in evaluation of potential remediation technologies at a contaminated site.”

Now that she has graduated, VanAntwerp works as a hydrogeologist/engineer at TRC, an environmental consulting firm in Ann Arbor, Michigan. “I primarily work on developing soil and groundwater investigations to assess potential contamination at industrial sites, and then evaluate the data gathered to determine the best approach for clean-up.”

Time spent in the GMES department at Michigan Tech shaped her life. “Without the opportunity to be involved in research projects as an undergraduate through the GMES department, I am pretty sure I never would have pursued an MS degree and wouldn’t be where I am  today. I also felt very well-prepared for entering the workforce. The friends, colleagues, and professors I met at Michigan Tech both in and out of the department enriched my life and still do!”

“If you like math, science, and the outdoors, you should check out Michigan Tech’s geological engineering program. I felt the staff and faculty I encountered genuinely wanted me to succeed.”

—Darby VanAntwerp

This profile appeared in the Spring 2013 issue of On the Faultline, Volume 2, Number 5