Sydney S. Ruhala
Graduate Student
Department of Geological Sciences
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
(517) 614-0199  ruhalasy@msu.edu
EDUCATION
B.S. Environmental Geoscience
Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
2014
Okemos High School, Okemos, MI
Valedictorian, GPA 4.0
National Honor Society President
2009-2010
RESEARCH EXPERIENCE
Independent Study
Regional Analysis of the Spatial and Temporal Patterns of
Mercury Loadings in the Great Lakes
Advisor: Dave Long
2013-2014
Independent Study
A Preliminary Study of Early Diagenetic Patterns of
Metals in Lakes
Co-PI: Kelsey Prochazka
Advisor: Dave Long
2013-2014
PRESENTATIONS
Long, D.T., Ruhala, S., Prochazka, K., and Vannier, R.G. Patterns of early diagenesis of
metals in lakes. Oral Presentation, Geological Society of America Annual Meeting 2014.
Ruhala, S. Regional analysis of the spatial and temporal patterns of mercury loadings in
the Great Lakes. Oral Presentation, University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum,
Michigan State University, April 2014.
* First Place Award
Prochazka, K., Ruhala, S. A preliminary study of early diagenetic patterns of metals in
lakes. Oral Presentation, University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum, Michigan
State University, April 2014.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
Graduate Teaching Assistant
Michigan State University
ISP 203L Geology of the Human Environment Laboratory
2014-Present
Chemistry Laboratory Learning Assistant
Lyman Briggs College, Michigan State University
LB 171L & LB 172L Introductory Chemistry Laboratory
2012- 2013
Sexton High School Academic Path Academy Tutor
Sexton High School, Lansing, MI
Fall 2011
AWARDS AND HONORS
College of Natural Science Early Start Fellowship, MSU
2014
Estwing Award, Dept. of Geological Science, MSU
- In recognition of outstanding contributions to the department
2014
First Place Award, Univ. Undergraduate Research & Arts Forum
- Environmental Science and Natural Resources Session 1.
Oral Presentation, Analysis of the spatial and temporal
patterns of mercury loadings in the Great Lakes
2014
Pringle Endowed Fellowship, Dept. of Geological Science, MSU
- In recognition of academic excellence
2013
Best of Class Award at the 2011 Lyman Briggs Research Symposium
- For project on Algae Fuel
2011
69th District Citizenship Award, State of Michigan
2010
Comcast Leaders and Achievers Scholarship, Comcast Foundation
2010
National Honor Society Scholarship, Okemos High School
2010
AFFILIATIONS AND ACTIVITIES
Geological Society of America Student Member
Graduate Employee Union
Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society
Michigan State Geology Club
- Officer (Secretary)
National Society of Collegiate Scholars
Lyman Briggs Ambassadors
2012-Present
2014-Present
2013
2012-Present
2013-2014
2011-Present
2011-2012