Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Geology Grad Student Achieve Dream of Solving Water-Related Sustainability Problems
This November, members of our Fulbright College Family are sharing expressions of gratitude, letters of thanks and their appreciation for those who have helped make their educational journey possible.
Meet Korei Teer, who thanks to the James D. and Dona K. Morrison Scholarship in Geology, is one step closer to her dream of solving water-related problems for the future sustainability of municipalities, society, and the people within it.
James D. and Dona K. Morrison Scholarship in Geology Recipient Korei Teer
Name: Korei Teer
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Graduation: 2025
Major(s)/Minor(s): Master of Science degree in Geology
Activities/Interests: My name is Korei Teer and I am a student at the University of Arkansas. I am in my first year of completing my Master of Science degree in Geology. I have a passion for expanding my education in the study of natural processes, how they are formed, and identifying the geological evolution of our planet. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my community of friends and husband, hiking, rock climbing, traveling, and swimming in the river. I also volunteer during my free time on Sundays to be of service at the Alano Club in Fayetteville.
Career Aspirations: My short-term career goal is to start exploring a profession that allows me to conduct field investigations, data sampling, and quality control inspections. Ideally, I would like to move into two options of positions: Hydrology or Geochemistry. This would allow me the opportunity to learn and understand how to solve water-related problems in our society such as water quality and water quantity and/or examine chemical elements in soil and water systems for the future sustainability of municipalities, society, and the people within it. I believe that these options would afford me the opportunity to work in either consulting or a government agency that I look at fondly like the United States Geological Survey (USGS).
In her own words:
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Morrison,
My name is Korei Patterson Teer and I am writing you this letter to express my sincere and profound gratitude for being selected to receive the James D. and Dona K. Morrison Scholarship in Geology award. I am so moved and honored to have been selected.
One of the reasons this is so special to me is that I come from a low-income family and have been fully self-supporting throughout my education. I am in my first year of completing my Master of Science in Geology degree, researching for my thesis the sustainability of natural resources as we are transitioning into a “green” economy. This is to ensure the supply of material that is used for renewable energy is accessible by assessing critical minerals in fly ash.
When I first decided to go to the University of Arkansas to further my education and begin research, finances were the obstacle that I had been working to overcome. Although this encumbrance has been difficult, it has never deterred me from striving for excellence. In fact, this extra hurdle has shown me how to persevere and make an effort to accomplish my degree with distinction.
Being selected for this scholarship, I see it has assisted me in breaking down mental barriers in fear of scarcity as well as allowed me to advance in research to contribute further to science. This opportunity not only helps alleviate the financial stress but allows me to build a sustainable career in our society and within my community. I see this as an unbelievable and unique award and I am deeply grateful for your generosity and assistance. It is with deep gratitude from my heart to accept this award. Thank you so much.
Respectfully,
Korei Patterson Teer
For more information about the James D. and Dona K. Morrison Scholarship in Geology or to make a year-end gift to support the college’s students, faculty, or staff, please contact Fulbright College’s Office of Development and External Relations at 479-575-3712 or fulbright@uark.edu.