UMW’s “On the Rocks” Series to Host Alumna Rachel Howard

October 13, 2026

The University of Montana Western’s Environmental Science Department is excited to welcome UMW alumna Rachel Howard as part of its “On the Rocks” lecture series. Howard will present “Applications of Geology, Hydrology, and Law: Utah Water Rights in an Evolving Landscape” on Wednesday, October 28, at 3:30 p.m. in UMW’s Lucy Carson Library.

Howard graduated from Montana Western in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, emphasizing Geology. Since graduating, she has presented her senior thesis research on sedimentary injectites at the Geological Society of America (GSA) Rocky Mountain Section Meeting, served as a guest speaker at Bryce Canyon National Park’s Geology Festival for three consecutive years, and worked as an interpretive park ranger for Utah State Parks. She currently works as a Hydrologic Scientist with the Division of Water Rights in Cedar City, Utah.

The “On the Rocks” series is an excellent opportunity for students, faculty, and the public to engage with experts in the earth sciences and learn more about developments in hydrology and geomorphology. Each presentation will be preceded by a social gathering at 3:30 p.m., offering light refreshments and snacks. We look forward to seeing you!

For more information, please contact UMW Associate Professor of Geophysics Neil Foley at [email protected].