Meet grad student Savannah Finley: Committed to contaminant-free drinking water for all

Savannah Finley is a PhD civil and environmental engineering student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. She’s a Graduate Engineering Research Scholar (GERS) and is advised by Assistant Professor Athena Nghiem in the Department of Geoscience.

Finley’s research broadly looks at environmental challenges through industrial waste management and water quality, with a focus on understanding the source of—and ultimately reducing—molybdenum concentrations in drinking water in southeastern Wisconsin. She’s also pursuing a minor in environmental policy. Finley earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, with a minor in mathematics, from Michigan State University before coming to UW-Madison.

What factors led you to choose UW-Madison for your graduate education?

I chose UW-Madison because of the welcoming and supportive community I experienced during my visit. The faculty, staff, and students were incredibly friendly and approachable, creating an environment that felt both collaborative and homey. This sense of belonging, combined with the university’s strong academic reputation, made UW-Madison the ideal place to pursue my graduate studies.

How did you get interested in your research area?

I’ve always been fascinated with chemistry and I’m passionate about improving the quality of our environment and the livelihood of others. Growing up in and surrounding a predominately low-income and minority neighborhood, I witnessed environmental challenges and the struggle for access to clean drinking water. Encountering these issues ignited my passion for environmental justice and ensuring that communities have access to clean and safe drinking water. My research on water quality merges my scientific and personal motivation to advocate for a cleaner environment for our communities.

What do you enjoy most about your research?

I enjoy having opportunities to work outdoors while making a positive impact on people’s lives. I love spending time outside so I enjoy how my research allows me to connect with the environment while collecting data.

In what ways do you receive support here as a grad student?

I find personal support through peer-to-peer mentorship. Being part of supportive communities like GERS allows me to connect with fellow students who share similar graduate or personal experiences to me. GERS has a strong network of encouragement and camaraderie that I’m glad to be a part of.

What do you like best about being part of the GERS community?

GERS helps me find a place where I can truly be myself. It’s a space where we can empathize with each other and share our experiences, which makes the challenges of graduate school feel more manageable. Through GERS, I’ve also met people who have become incredibly important in both my personal and professional life.

What do you like to do in your free time?

When I’m not in the lab or the field, I enjoy rock wall climbing, playing volleyball, pickleball, hiking, being in/on the water, and having picnics!

What do you hope to do when you’ve finished your degree, and how did you choose that path?

Beyond my PhD, I would love to continue conducting research that investigates the sources of pollutants to groundwater in the environment and addresses their minimization in drinking water. I aspire to work for a government agency doing environmental remediation work, specifically targeting inorganic drinking water contaminants in industrialized areas that predominantly serve low-income and minority populations. I’m passionate about pursuing this type of work, as community building is very important to me.

What would you say to encourage prospective students to attend grad school here in the College of Engineering?

If you’re looking for a place to grow professionally while being part of a welcoming and innovative community, this is the place to be.

Anything else you’d like to tell us about yourself or about your experiences here?

One of the things I’ve enjoyed most about UW-Madison is how easy it is to find community here, both in and outside of my research. Whether it’s discussing ideas with peers or enjoying the beauty of campus and the city, there are countless ways to feel at home. My experience here has shown me that meaningful research doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s built through collaboration, curiosity and community.

The College of Engineering’s Graduate Engineering Research Scholars (GERS) is celebrating its 25th anniversary in the 2024/2025 academic year. The program was established to recognize excellence in research and/or scholarship and to enhance the experiences and opportunities of graduate students from underrepresented groups in the College of Engineering.

Besides offering financial support, GERS empowers students by facilitating community gatherings for peer support, provides professional development opportunities and connects fellows with resources on and off campus for their advancement as scholars.

Featured image caption: Savannah Finley in the field. Submitted photo.