Ball State University Dept of Environment, Geology & Natural Resources

03/23/2025

Congratulations to Dr. Matt Simpson

Dr. Mathew Simpson, Assistant Lecturer of Natural Resources and Environmental Management, has won the Ball State University Foundation Distinguished Dissertation Award for 2024-2025!

Dr. Simpson earned his Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences. His dissertation focused on the environmental effects of microplastics, examining how they interact with ecosystems and where they accumulate. His work will help us better understand the growing problem of microplastic pollution and provide evidentiary support for the necessary solutions to protect ecosystems.

His favorite part of his doctoral journey was the opportunity to always be learning something new!

When asked what else he wanted to share about winning this award, he said "It is an honor to receive this award. I want to thank Dr. Bangshuai Hahn for the nomination. I also owe a great deal of thanks to my mentor, Dr. John Pichtel, and my dissertation committee for their guidance throughout this journey. Most importantly, I want to thank my wife, Katherine, and my two children, Gwenevere and Sebastian. My return to academia began in 2014 when I decided to complete my bachelor's degree. They have been by my side throughout my time at Ball State, and without their love and encouragement, none of this would have been possible."

12/06/2024

https://www.thexylom.com/post/finding-clean-water-near-mount-everest-might-be-harder-than-summiting-it

As tourism and regional pollution contaminate Nepal’s Khumbu Valley, researchers are zapping the ground to find new potable water sources.

12/17/2023

Congratulations to the outstanding student Abdul Elnajdi on his achievement of a PhD in Environmental Science. Wishing him the best in his future endeavors. A heartfelt thank you to Dr. Adam Berland for his invaluable guidance and support...

12/16/2023

Today marks a significant milestone at Ball State University as we celebrate the graduation of our brilliant students from the Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources department. 🌱🪨💧Their journey has been filled with challenges, discoveries, and invaluable learning. These dedicated scholars have delved deep into the secrets of our Earth, explored the complexities of our environment, and unlocked sustainable solutions for our planet's future. 🌳🔬🌏As they step into the next phase of their lives, we're confident that they are not just graduates, but guardians of our planet. They're equipped with the knowledge, skills, and passion to make a real difference in the world. 🌟💼To our graduates: You've shown resilience, dedication, and a commitment to bettering our world. You are the change-makers, the innovators, and the leaders of tomorrow. We are incredibly proud of each one of you and can't wait to see the impact you will make. 🚀🌿🎓Congratulations, Class of [Year]! Go forth and shape a sustainable, healthier world for us all! 🎉🌐❤️ [Year]

! Go forth and shape a sustainable, healthier world for us all! 🎉🌐❤️

12/05/2023

Sam Davis, a distinguished student at the Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources department, has been honored with the prestigious Medal of Honor from BSU. This accolade, presented tonight, recognizes Sam's remarkable achievements and contributions in his field. As he prepares to graduate this semester, Sam's brilliance and dedication have not only earned him this high distinction but also the admiration and respect of his peers and faculty. Congratulations to Sam Davis on this well-deserved recognition, and best wishes for a future filled with continued success and innovation ._.davis8 .

11/02/2023

🌄🌏 Exciting Announcement! 🌄🌏

Attention adventurers and nature enthusiasts! The summer field trip to Nepal is now open! 🎉 Immerse yourself in the breathtaking Himalayan environment and geology, and enlighten yourself about the compelling issues in Sagarmatha National Park. 🏔️

From the endangered flora and fauna to the challenges of sustainable tourism, this field trip promises to be a riveting experience for all who join. 🌱🦅

Are you up for an extraordinary journey? Scan the provided code in the post to access more information about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! 📲

Don't miss this chance to explore the wonders of Nepal and broaden your understanding of Himalayan conservation efforts. Limited spots available, so act fast! ✈️🎒

10/16/2023

Hey, Facebook fam! We couldn't be prouder of our brilliant students, Jo, Sam, and Gabe! 🎉 They are currently attending the GSA (Geological Society of America) meeting in Pittsburgh this year, representing our school and our commitment to the environment, geology, and natural resources. And guess what? They even got the chance to share their groundbreaking work at the conference!

Under the guidance of their amazing supervisor, Matt Simpson, they've been working hard on researching microplastic pollution. 📚 Plastic waste is a global concern, and their research aims to shed light on its impact on our fragile ecosystems. 🌊🐠

Microplastics, those tiny particles that come from the breakdown of larger plastic debris, have become a pervasive issue in our environment. Jo, Sam, and Gabe's investigation has taken them on an eye-opening journey. Their dedication and passion for preserving our planet have truly impressed us all. They've been diligently analyzing samples, conducting experiments, and collaborating with experts in the field to better understand the effects of microplastics on our ecosystems and potential solutions to combat this growing problem.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to Matt Simpson for his exceptional guidance and support throughout the research process. 🙌 His expertise and mentorship have played a crucial role in helping shape these young minds into the passionate environmental advocates they are today.

Remember, no effort is too small when it comes to protecting our planet. We must all do our part to reduce plastic waste and raise awareness about its impact. 🌱 🌏💚

09/28/2023

What a fantastic day at the Department of the Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources picnic! 🥳🍔🥗

Today, we brought together our incredible faculties and students for a day filled with fun, laughter, and delicious food. 🎉🍽️ There's truly nothing like food to unite people and create memorable moments!

Throughout the day, we engaged in friendly competitions and games, showcasing our talents and fostering a true sense of camaraderie. From lively conversations about geology and natural resources to playful debates about environmental issues, the picnic served as a platform for meaningful discussions and the exchange of ideas. 🗣️💡

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who pitched in to make this event a resounding success. Special thanks to our faculty members for their guidance and support, and to our enthusiastic students who bring so much energy to our department. 💚👨‍🏫👩‍🎓

Today, we were not only nourished by the delicious food, but also by the bonds we forged and the shared passion we have for our planet. 🌍❤️ This picnic has reminded us of the incredible community we have here at the Department of the Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources, where we inspire and learn from one another every day.

Here's to many more gatherings that strengthen our connections and deepen our appreciation for the world we live in. Let's continue working together to make a positive impact on our environment! 🌿💪

09/08/2023

🌍🌱 Farewell to our incredible Administrative Coordinator, Thanh! 🌳🍃

Thanh, as you move on to the biology department, we'd like to express our deepest gratitude for all you've contributed to the Environment, Geol, & Nat Resources department. Your dedication, hard work, and passion have greatly benefited our faculty, staff, and, most importantly, our students.

While we will miss your daily presence immensely, we are comforted that it's not a goodbye. We look forward to seeing your familiar face around campus and cheering on your new adventures in the biology department! 🌼🔬

Thank you for everything, Thanh. The impact you've made here will always be remembered. Here's to new beginnings, and we'll see you around! 🏢📚

Warm wishes,

08/17/2023

Colleagues and friends,

Congratulations to  Abdul Elnajdi who was honored at an Indiana Academy of Science reception in Indianapolis this weekend. Abdul was one of only three students selected to be an inaugural INSPECT (Indiana Science and Policy: Education Career Training) fellow. He worked with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (Division of Fish and Wildlife) to develop a sampling method to test for avian influenza. Abdul will continue volunteering for DNR (they were highly pleased with his work). The photo shows Abdul with his DNR mentors.

The Indiana Science Policy: Education & Career Training (INSPECT) Fellowship, hosted by the Indiana Academy of Science (IAS), is an exciting new initiative. This fellowship aspires to bridge the gap between the scientific community and state government, providing a unique training ground for future scientific advisors in public policy. The fellowship is open to Masters or Doctoral graduate students from partner Universities across Indiana. Each student is carefully selected based on their career interests, an eagerness to learn, and proven scientific integrity. However, the opportunity is fiercely competitive, with only one student selected from each University partner.

 

Best,

Petra A. Zimmermann, Ph.D. (she/her/hers)
Chairperson of the Department of Geography and Meteorology
Chairperson of the Department of Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources
Associate Professor of Geography and Meteorology

07/26/2023

🎓🌟 Congratulations to Tusher Mohanta and Tyler McGeorge! 🌟🎓

It is with immense pride and joy that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Tusher and Tyler on their remarkable achievement – graduating with their master's degrees from the esteemed Department of Environment, Geology, and Natural Resources at Ball State University!

📚🌿🌎 Throughout their academic journey, Tusher and Tyler have shown exceptional dedication and passion for understanding and preserving our precious natural resources. Their commitment to environmental stewardship is truly inspiring, and we can't wait to see the positive impact they will make in the field!

👏🏽🎉 Let's raise a virtual toast to Tusher Mohanta and Tyler McGeorge! May their successes continue to grow, and may they continue to make a difference in the world through their research, advocacy, and practical application in environmental sciences.

06/08/2023

Happy

Here are 10 amazing facts about oceans to celebrate World Ocean Day:

The oceans cover approximately 71% of the Earth's surface, making them the largest ecosystems on the planet.

The Pacific Ocean is the deepest ocean in the world, with the Mariana Trench reaching a depth of about 36,070 feet (10,972 meters).

The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world, spanning over 1,400 miles (2,300 kilometers).

The oceans are home to the majority of Earth's biodiversity. It's estimated that over 80% of all life on Earth is found in the oceans.

The blue whale, the largest animal to have ever existed, can be found in various oceans and can reach lengths of up to 100 feet (30 meters).

The oceans play a vital role in regulating the Earth's climate. They absorb a significant amount of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change.

The Atlantic Ocean is responsible for generating hurricanes, cyclones, and typhoons, which are powerful tropical storms that can cause significant damage.

The ocean's ecosystems provide valuable resources, including fish and seafood, which are essential sources of protein for millions of people around the world.

The ocean floor contains vast mineral resources, including valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper. Deep-sea mining has the potential to impact these ecosystems.

The oceans have a fascinating history, with evidence of early human civilizations found in underwater archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Pavlopetri in Greece.

These are just a few of the many incredible facts about our oceans. World Ocean Day is a great opportunity to appreciate and raise awareness about the importance of these remarkable ecosystems and the need to protect and preserve them for future generations.