Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Master’s Student Reach Dream of Becoming an Economic Geologist or Environmental Consultant

This January, 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 Mackenzie Moorhead, who thanks to the Alex T. Warmath Endowment for Graduate Assistantships in Petroleum Geology, is one step closer to her dream of being an economic geologist and environmental consultant.

Alex T. Warmath Endowment for Graduate Assistantships in Petroleum Geology Recipient Mackenzie Moorhead

Name: Mackenzie Moorhead
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Graduation: 2024

Major(s)/Minor(s): Master’s of Science in Geology

Activities/Interests: As a geologist would, I love to spend time outdoors. I love riding my road bike, and I have loved riding the multiple bike trails the Fayetteville area has to offer! In addition to biking, I was a competitive equestrian jumper for 7 years. I still love being around horses and volunteering for camps such as the GREAT therapeutic horse-riding camp near my hometown. I love getting outside to stay active, but I also have more relaxing hobbies such as ceramics. I am a member at a local art studio here in Fayetteville where I continue making pieces!

Career Aspirations: I have enjoyed participating in research in the fields of economic geology and geochemistry. The graduate program here at the University of Arkansas has prepared me to take that next step after my academic career. I am seeking a career in industry or in government with the USGS upon graduation. I would love to be employed in an environment where I could continue lab work. I also feel like I would thrive in a team for resource exploration. There are more opportunities becoming available in mining, especially for critical minerals.

In her own words:

Dear Mr. Warmath,

I want to express all of my thanks and gratitude for this generous scholarship. It is the kindness from donors like yourself that helps students tremendously in their academic careers.

I am so grateful to have received this honor during my time as a student at the University of Arkansas. This scholarship will be an enormous help in so many ways. I want to thank you for this great kindness of putting money back into students’ careers, and I strive to follow your example and do the same for students of the future.

I am a recent graduate of Texas Christian University where I completed my undergraduate degree in Geology with a minor in Sustainability. I graduated magna cum laude on the Dean’s List, and I am now pursuing my next chapter at the University of Arkansas for my master’s in geology.

In my previous department, I was president of our student geology society and was in charge of planning meetings, club trips, and weekly tutoring sessions. I have loved getting involved with University of Arkansas geoscience organizations because these clubs are a great way for the whole department to get together.

In my new department, I work in Dr. Potra’s radiogenic isotope lab studying metal source constraining for a type of base metal deposit- Mississippi Valley-Type deposits. Additionally, I work as a teaching assistant for lower and upper-level geoscience courses. Teaching students has been a new and most valuable endeavor during my time here.

Apart from my academic interests, I enjoy road biking, hiking, and camping. Fayetteville is filled with an abundance of outdoor activities such as these that I enjoy exploring. I practice ceramics as more of a creative outlet and have two years of experience throwing pottery pieces on the wheel. Sometimes I find myself more interested in the qualities of the clay rather than the pieces it makes, as a geologist would!

I am ready to see how my graduate career guides me to find my perfect position post-grad in the workforce. With the growth in critical mineral demand and exploration, I can see myself being a valuable team member in an economic geologist career. I can see myself combining my knowledge of geology and passion for a sustainable world to perhaps work with the EPA or as an environmental consultant. My lab work here at school could also guide me toward a geochemistry laboratory position.

Whichever specific job I am meant for, I’m sure my time in graduate school will prepare me well. I again feel very grateful to have received this scholarship for my graduate studies.

Sincerely,

Mackenzie Moorhead

For more information about the Alex T. Warmath Endowment for Graduate Assistantships in Petroleum 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.