The Penn MSAG program has allowed me to better development my education while remaining in my career as a hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The flexible class schedule and course options were great for me because as my career developed and new projects came along, I was able to tailor my coursework to meet these needs. I was very appreciative that my professors had experience in applied fields, which was invaluable to me as a working student. My professors were also able to blend application and theory so that I could use what I learned for research at work but still expand my horizons and learn how to better question, interpret, and analyze geoscientific data for any new project. I also enjoyed getting to know fellow students in the program, many with a similar career/education scenario like mine.

Midway through the year I was transferred to the USGS office in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For many students, this change would have caused a major disruption. However, my advisor and professors were able to accommodate me and I was able to finish Penn from a remote location without sacrificing the quality of my education. I was also able to incorporate research at work into my capstone project which allowed me greater flexibility and helped advance my knowledge of geoscientific features unique to Oklahoma. This has greatly helped me advance in my career.