Published December 10, 2022
By Christine Reed
The School of Energy Resources is excited to celebrate and acknowledge the monumental occasion of success for our fall 2022 graduate, Austin Moon.
An accomplished individual, Moon is graduating with a degree in Energy Resources Management and Development (ERMD) with a concentration in Energy and Environmental Systems (EES), as well as a minor in Reclamation and Restoration Ecology, and an undergraduate certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
A native of Cheyenne, Wyo., Moon has excelled in his education and been afforded exceptional opportunities during his time at SER. In addition to working on innovative energy research as a GIS and Geology Generalist for the Center of Economic and Geology Research (CEGR), Moon has gained valuable experience working with rangeland research scientists as a Biological Science Technician for the Agricultural Research Service under the US Department of Agriculture, along with other opportunities.
Early in his educational career at SER, Moon conducted water sample testing for a private land owner near Dubois, Wyo. with CEGR in an attempt to determine the thermal water sources feeding a warm spring on the property. The opportunity allowed Moon to examine geothermal energy interests, as well as utilize his education in a real-world setting.
“We had talked about different water measurements in my course work, and going into the field gave me the chance to see the actual application of what we learned in the class,” says Moon. “All of the classes in the ERMD degree are interdisciplinary so it was a really wonderful experience to see how all of the topics come together and paint a complete picture in real world applications.”
After collecting samples in the field, Moon also learned how to analyze the samples in the lab and determine results to provide the land owner.
“I am so grateful for the opportunity to get out into the field to enhance my education,” says Moon. “The opportunity really allowed me not only the chance to learn in a real, hands-on environment, but also to provide a service to citizens of Wyoming. That is really what all of this is about – knowing that what I’m learning can make a real difference.”
In addition to his work in CEGR, Moon was heavily involved in the SER-funded Center for Air Quality. He was invited in May of 2022 to speak at the Air Sensors International Conference in Pasadena, Cali., where he presented a paper co-authored with Dr. Robert Field in the department of atmospheric sciences. The conference featured various stakeholders to promote and advance air pollution sensors, and to foster community involvement in monitoring air quality.
“Austin has truly been a remarkable student and we are so proud of all that he has accomplished,” says SER Academic Director, Kami Danaei. “He has demonstrated his ability to work collaboratively, conduct valuable and thoughtful research, and excel in interdisciplinary fields of study. We are pleased that he will be representing the School of Energy Resources well into the future, and we are confident that he will continue to accomplish great things in his career.”
Following graduation, Moon will join Absaroka Energy and Environmental Solutions, LLC in Buffalo, Wyo. as an Environmental Consultant working with energy companies on environmental compliance in the mountain west.
The Winter 2022 Commencement ceremony will take place on Dec. 10, 2022 in the Arena Auditorium. Details on the event can be found here.