Taylor Steinhilber

Name: Taylor Steinhilber 

Hometown: Chandler, AZ 

Anticipated graduation: Winter 2026 

Major(s): Environmental Geology

Minor: Mathematics and Spanish

Internships/Research/Projects:

I am currently working on my undergraduate thesis, "Tracing Groundwater Flow in Karst Aquifiers: The Hydrogeology of Sinking Valley, PA." I will present my research at the Northeast Geological Society of America Conference in March 2026.  

Inspirations:

I decided to major in environmental geology because of my passion for the outdoors and interest in many different sciences. Growing up in Arizona made me aware of the challenges associated with managing water resources and sparked my interest in hydrogeology. After taking Dr. Earman's Groundwater Resources class, I realized that pursuing hyydrogeology would allow me to combine my interests to address environmental issues. Tutoring students in a group home within the Gila River Indian Community has also helped me discover my passion for mentoring and teaching. 

Highlights:

Conducting undergraduate research has been an exciting and valuable experience. It has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, strengthened my scientific communication skills, and allowed me to build meaningful relationships with my peers and professors.

One of my favorite courses so far was Historical Geology with Dr. Marquez. Throughout the course we examined the evolution of the Earth from a geological perspective. Dr. Marquez also hosted a "book club" outside of class, where we read and discussed a book related to the course material. Towards the end of the semester, we took a field trip to several locations in Lancaster County and wrote a report on the region's historical geology. 

Takeaways:

One of the most valuable takeaways I gained throughout my courses is how deeply interdependent all the scientific disciplines are. This has shown me the value of incorporating diverse backgrounds and perspectives into a team.  

Advice:

Recognize your opportunities - When opportunities arise, make the most of them. Engaging with your professors, connecting with your peers, and exploring new fields are all great opportunities to take advantage of at Millersville.

Progress isn't linear - When you are pursuing your goals, setbacks are inevitable. Persistence and resilience are key to continued improvement.

Aspirations:

After graduation, I plan to pursue a graduate degree in hydrogeology. In the long term I aspire to become a college professor and contribute to advances in groundwater science while encouraging students to pursue their own passions. 

What has been the most significant/exciting aspect of your work?  

Conducting fieldwork for my undergraduate research, attending field trips for geology classes, and tutoring students have all been exciting parts of my experience. I am eager to expand upon my undergraduate research and hopefully contribute to protecting water quality in Central PA.

Scholarships awarded while attending Millersville University

James and Judith Hower Scholarship in the Earth Sciences
MU Presidential Scholarship.