For Immediate Release
North Platte, Neb. –– The Conservation and Survey Division at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s School of Natural Resources has welcomed Valentina Ita as the new survey hydrogeologist for the west central service area.
Based at the West Central Research, Extension and Education Center in North Platte, Nebraska, Ita began her role on Aug. 20. As a survey hydrogeologist, she will study and characterize the High Plains Aquifer to enhance the division’s mission of providing information on groundwater and other natural resources across the state.
Ita, a native of Nigeria, earned a master’s degree in geology from the University of Toledo in Ohio, where she worked in the Hydro- and Environmental Geophysics Lab studying northwestern Ohio’s aquifer system.
“As a hydrogeologist, I was fascinated by the thought of working with one of the most groundwater-rich regions in North America through this new position,” Ita said.
Years of research and data collection have been dedicated to the study of the High Plains Aquifer. Ita will contribute to this information by working on test holes, examining water level data, tracking changes over time, and capturing data relevant to agriculture, industry, and communities.
“My hope is that the data and information I gather are found valuable and that I’m able to reach people who understand the importance of the water resources available to them,” Ita said.
For more information about the Conservation and Survey Division and the Ogallala Aquifer, visit snr.unl.edu/csd or contact Ita at [email protected].