Montana Western Alumna Rachel Howard Returns to Dillon for “On the Rocks” Geology Lecture October 28
DILLON, Mont. — The University of Montana Western will welcome back one of its own later this month as alumna Rachel Howard returns to campus to share her experience working in geology, hydrology and water rights.
Howard will present “Applications of Geology, Hydrology, and Law: Utah Water Rights in an Evolving Landscape” on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, as part of Montana Western’s Environmental Science Department's On the Rocks lecture series.
The event will take place in the Lucy Carson Library on the University of Montana Western campus, with a social gathering beginning at 3:30 p.m.
From Montana Western Graduate to Hydrologic Scientist
Howard graduated from the University of Montana Western in 2025 with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, emphasizing Geology.
Since graduating, she has continued building her experience in earth sciences through research, public education and professional work.
Howard presented her senior thesis research on sedimentary injectites at the Geological Society of America's Rocky Mountain Section Meeting. She has also served as a guest speaker at Bryce Canyon National Park's Geology Festival for three consecutive years.
Her professional experience includes working as an interpretive park ranger for Utah State Parks.
Howard currently works as a Hydrologic Scientist with the Utah Division of Water Rights in Cedar City, where her work connects scientific understanding of water resources with water rights administration.
Exploring the Connection Between Water, Geology and Law
Howard's presentation will focus on how geology, hydrology and legal considerations intersect in Utah's changing water rights landscape.
Water management involves understanding both the physical movement and availability of water and the legal systems governing its use.
The lecture will give attendees an opportunity to learn about the relationship between earth sciences and water rights through the perspective of a Montana Western graduate now working in the field.
On the Rocks Lecture Series Open to the Community
Montana Western's On the Rocks lecture series provides opportunities for students, faculty and community members to engage with professionals and researchers in the earth sciences.
The presentations explore subjects related to geology, hydrology, geomorphology and other environmental science disciplines.
A social gathering featuring light refreshments and snacks will begin at 3:30 p.m. before the presentation.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 28, 2026
Time: 3:30 p.m. social gathering, followed by the lecture
Location: Lucy Carson Library, University of Montana Western, Dillon
Guest Speaker: Rachel Howard, UMW Class of 2025
Presentation: Applications of Geology, Hydrology, and Law: Utah Water Rights in an Evolving Landscape
For additional information, contact UMW Associate Professor of Geophysics Neil Foley at neil.foley@umwestern.edu.
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