Biography and MS Research Topic: Joel is in the Water Resource Science graduate program at the University of Minnesota in the Twin Cities. He was honored for his Masters Thesis research on the sediment load discharging through springs and the importance of storm-event pulses of sediment on water quality in a trout stream of southeastern Minnesota. The project will generate continuous data using turbidity probes in two headwater springs that feed a trout stream. Water samples will be collected by automated samplers and analyzed to understand the chemistry and isotopic composition. Joel’s fascination with karst began as a young boy exploring the caves and streams of Fillmore County, Minnesota. He is excited about the opportunity to provide a greater understanding of the natural system from his thesis to the residents of this area.