Past Projects
(these are currently being updated)
2025 Projects
KGS hired six interns to join a research team to investigate several aspects of Mundy’s Landing in Woodford County. The team studied and collected information on the area's karst, geomorphological, geophysical, and other features, including terrain characteristics, hydrological patterns, and historical significance.
Individual project details for this year are being added.
2024 Projects
KGS hired six interns to join a karst related research team that investigated a drainage area of the Red River Gorge Geological Area. The team collected information on the area's karst, geomorphology, and related other features, including terrain characteristics, hydrological patterns, and historical changes. To ensure a valuable learning experience, each intern was paired with a mentor who guided them through the 10-week program, which included a final presentation and poster session. The results of each project contributed to a better understanding of geological processes in the Red River Gorge.
Impact of Red River Gorge's Structural Geology on Cave Passage Orientation
Research Question:
How does the structural geology of Red River Gorge impact the formation of caves in Cave Hollow?
Summary:
Geomorphology & water structural relationships: Develop an understanding of the relationship between structural geology and geomorphology
Final Project:
Madison High
Eastern Kentucky University Physics, Geosciences & Astronomy
Using Geochemical Analysis to Compare Cave Hollow Spring and Big Sinking Creek
Research Question:
Do we see differences in dissolved organic fluorescence of Big Sinking Creek and Cave Hollow Spring?
Summary:
Groundwater contamination issues: Develop an understanding of some potential contaminants
Final Project:
Sierra Ison
Northern Kentucky University Physics, Geology, and Engineering Technology
The Influence of Environmental Factors on Cave Biota Locality within the cave
Research Question:
Are there any environmental factors that correlate to where species are located within the cave? (Zoning, Water Quality, Nutrients, Temperature, Humidity, and/or Turbidity)
Summary:
Cave Habitat: Develop an understanding of the relationship between biota and geomorphology/hydrology
Final Project:
John Thomas Gribbins
University of Kentucky Earth & Environmental Sciences
Factors That Drive Salamander Habitat Use Within the Twilight Zone
Research Question:
What are the ideal environmental conditions for salamanders in the cave?
Summary:
Cave Habitat: Develop an understanding of the relationship between biota and geomorphology/hydrology
Final Project:
Abbie Grzynkowicz
University of Kentucky Earth & Environmental Sciences
Understanding Distribution of Nutrients in Karst Systems Using Biogeochemical Methods
Research Question:
What factors may affect the nutrient distribution within the cave?
Summary:
Groundwater vulnerability modeling: Develop an understanding of where on the surface is the highest risk of contaminating the groundwater
Final Project:
Emelia Harris
Morehead State University Engineering Sciences
Using Quantitative Dye Trace and Discharge Measurements to Locate Groundwater Storage
Research Question:
Are there more amounts of water stored in a Karst or Alluvium setting in Big Sinking Creek?
Summary:
Water storage in karst: Develop an understanding of how water moves underground
Final Project:
Darryl Woods Jr
Northern Kentucky University Physics, Geology, and Engineering Technology
2023 Projects
Interns undertook diverse geological and environmental research projects across Kentucky working with a variety of KGS researchers. One intern investigated the dolomitization and mineralization processes at the mysterious Jeptha Knob structure to help determine its origins, while another combined fieldwork and creative science communication to develop a story map documenting flooding hazards and housing issues in Louisville's West End. A third intern applied machine learning techniques to identify sinkholes from high-resolution LiDAR elevation data, addressing this significant geological hazard in Kentucky's carbonate terrain. Additionally, an intern used specialized software to map the hydrostratigraphy of western Kentucky's northern Mississippi Embayment region, and another worked in the Daniel Boone National Forest to document previously unstudied karst groundwater systems through spring surveys, cave exploration, and dye tracing to track underground water flow paths.
A Petrographic and Geochemical Investigation into the Dolomitization of the Jeptha Knob Structure, Kentucky
Summary:
The enigmatic Jeptha Knob has intrigued researchers for a long time with various origins proposed including cryotovolcanic, cryptoexplosive, and meteorite impact origins, as well as origins related to explosive release of gases, and hydrothermal alteration associated with tectonic processes. Interestingly, dolomitization of some carbonate units is restricted exclusively to the area of Jeptha Knob. The goal of this project is to characterize these dolomites, which, in turn, will help decipher the origin of Jeptha Knob.
Final Project:
Ethan Davis
University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences
Advancing Sinkhole Identification and Mapping in Kentucky using Lidar and Machine Learning
Summary:
Sinkholes are a well-known hazard in Kentucky where more than half of the land surface is underlain by carbonate rocks susceptible for sinkhole development. We propose to identify sinkholes from LiDAR-derived high-resolution elevation data with assist from a machine learning model.
Final Project:
Olivine Painter
Berea College Geology and General Chemistry
A Preliminary Hydrogeologic Assessment of the McNairy Aquifer in Marshall and Calloway Counties, Kentucky
Summary:
Intern will use Arc Hydro Groundwater software to delineate the hydrostratigraphy of the northern Mississippi Embayment in western Kentucky.
Final Project:
Maxwell Mickelson
University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences
Groundwater Vulnerability Assessment of War Fork Watershed in Daniel Boone National Forest
Summary:
The Daniel Boone National Forest has extensive karst resources along the Cumberland Escarpment. The groundwater systems have not previously been documented. The intern will work with KGS researchers to document springs, caves, and conduct dye traces to determine groundwater flow paths in the National Forest.
Final Project:
Will Hemenover
Western Kentucky University Biology and Environmental, Sustainability, and Geographic Studies
2022 Projects
Interns conducted a wide range of geological research projects addressing hazards, resources, and environmental issues across Kentucky. Projects included using machine learning to identify sinkholes from LiDAR data, analyzing seismic wave behavior in the New Madrid zone using new instrumentation, studying fluid inclusions to understand ore mineralization in the Western Kentucky Fluorspar District, and conducting comprehensive landslide mapping in eastern Kentucky using UAV technology. Additional work focused on exploring the intersection of geology and social justice by mapping relationships between natural hazards, resource exploitation, and demographics, while another intern used drone-based gamma spectrometry to map soil uranium levels and assess radon potential for public health research.
Machine Learning Aided LiDAR Sinkhole Mapping
Summary:
Sinkholes are a well-known hazard in Kentucky where more than half of the land surface is underlain by carbonate rocks susceptible for sinkhole development. We propose to identify sinkholes from lidar-derived high-resolution elevation data with assistance from a machine learning model.
Final Project:
Ellie Stevens
University of Kentucky Geography
H/V Spectral Ratios of the Jackson Purchase Region, Kentucky Using 5Hz Nodal Geophones
Summary:
This internship with the Kentucky Seismic and Strong-Motion network will focus on using new seismic instrumentation to investigate the effects of near-surface sediments on seismic waves in the New Madrid seismic zone. The intern will assist with operating the instruments and will process, analyze, and make an initial interpretation of their recordings. This project will require two nights of overnight travel.
Final Project:
Russell Rogers
University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences
Paleo-fluid evolution in Western Kentucky Fluorspar District
Summary:
Fluid inclusion analysis can provide an insight into the evolution of the mineralizing fluids and provide a better understanding of the controls of ore mineralization. The intern will work in the KGS fluid inclusion lab to collect fluid inclusion microthermometry data from rock core samples created during an ongoing critical mineral research project.
Final Project:
Zachary Walton
University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences
Landslide Inventory Mapping in Eastern Kentucky
Summary:
This project proposes a comprehensive evaluation of landslide activity in the Hindman 7.5-minute quadrangle, eastern Kentucky. The primary tasks will include landslide inventory mapping, lidar-based elevation differencing, and landslide characterization using the KGS unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
Final Project:
Alexandra Arimes
University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences
From Perished Peaks to Sliding Slopes: Mapping Landslides and Environmental Justice on Select Mountaintop Removal Sites in Eastern Kentucky
Summary:
This project will use a variety of data sources and geographic information system (GIS) software to explore the nexus between topography, geology, natural hazards such as flooding and landslides, natural resource exploitation, economics, and demographics to better understand the spatial relationship between Kentucky's geologic legacy and environmental justice issues.
Final Project:
Dilni Abeyrathne
University of Kentucky Department of Geography
Field Tests Of A UAV-Compatible Spectrometer To Evaluate Its Suitability For Detailed Soil Radon Potential Mapping
Summary:
Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that is a public health concern because it is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. KGS researchers have previously shown there is a relationship between bedrock type and indoor radon levels. The intern will work with KGS researchers to expand upon that research by mapping levels of naturally occurring uranium, the parent material of radon, in soil using a drone-based gamma spectrometer and comparing the results to soil radon measurements.
Final Project:
Alexandria Thomas
University of Kentucky Earth and Environmental Sciences
Interested in Applying?
The Paul Edwin Potter Internship Program offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in geological research. If you're ready to take the next step in your career, consider applying for our internship program.
Questions? Contact us:
kgspotterinternship@uky.edu