Our Team
Dr. Kevin M. Yeager
kevin.yeager@uky.edu
Professor
SER2L Director
Ph.D. Geology - Texas A&M University
M.S. Geology - The University of Toledo
B.S. Geosciences - Edinboro University of Pennsylvania
I am a native of the Great Lakes region and grew up in Erie, PA. An early love for the beach and big water drew me to the natural sciences, and finally geology. I am a sedimentary geochemist, with expertise in sedimentology, radiochemistry, and surface processes. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, fishing, and boating, and pretty much anything outside.
Kim Schindler
kimberly.schindler@uky.edu
Research Associate/Lab Manager
M.S. Geological Sciences - University of Kentucky
B.S. Ocean and Coastal Resources - Texas A&M University-Galveston
I was born and raised in the Hill Country of Texas. I received a B.S. in Ocean and Coastal Resources in 2006 and a M.S. in Geological Sciences in 2019. My thesis research focused on the interactions between the Gulf of Mexico seafloor and the BP oil spill. I am currently in charge of running the day-to-day operations at SER2L, as well as training and supervising students in the lab. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my daughter, Ella, traveling, reading, and listening to MFM.
Samuel Whitehead
samuel.jw@uky.edu
Graduate Student - Ph.D. 2025
M.S. Geological Sciences - University of Kentucky
B.S. Earth and Environmental Science - University of Michigan
I am originally from Saint Joseph, MI where I grew up spending my summers on my grandparents’ farm. This pushed me to pursue a career in Earth science where I hoped to explore and understand the world we live in. I obtained a B.S. in Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan with a focus on Geology and Energy Science and Policy. My research in SER2L is focused on Gulf of Mexico coastlines and the interacting processes of active growth faults, vertical motion of wetlands, and sea-level rise. Outside of the lab I'll be outdoors spending my time mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, or fishing. You'll still find me rooting for the Michigan Wolverines on football Saturdays, or supporting Liverpool FC from across the pond.
Reagan Reed
reagan.reed@uky.edu
Undergraduate - B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - Spring 2025
Being from a small rural town in Kentucky where the only thing that existed was my family's farm, I've spent a lot of time outdoors exploring the land throughout my childhood and teenage years. That's what drove me to pursue a degree in NRES at UK, and what pushed me even further to want to pursue research. The SER2L job appeared as an opportunity for me, and it couldn't have been luckier that I ended up finding it. This lab is full of interesting projects and even more interesting people. When I'm not busy with work or school I tend to be reading, with friends, or finding new movies to watch.
John Dilworth
john.dilworth@uky.edu
Graduate Student - Ph.D. 2023
M.S. Geology - Univerisity of Toledo
B.S. Geology - University of Toledo
I'm currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology at the University of Kentucky. My dissertation research currently involves evaluating lake archival records and geophysical surveys to determine the environmental changes within extant lakes from the last glacial maximum. My research interests include paleolimnological studies evaluating the developmental history of lake basins and evaluating the anthropogenic drivers on lake change. Additionally, I pursue projects related to surficial and geomorphic studies of paleolakes, glacial systems and geophysical applications to surficial and geomorphic questions. I received my undergraduate and master’s degree from the University of Toledo, OH.
SyD schweitzer
ssc272@uky.edu
Post Baccalaureate- B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - 2023
I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a B.S. in Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences. I have always had an interest in pursuing climate and environmental change as a career and I have found that through SER2L and other labs! I have been involved in several research projects in areas including Grand Teton National Park, the Pantanal, Lake Tanganyika, and the southeastern floodplains of Kentucky. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family, petting street cats, photography, and growing plants!
Former Students
Andrew Woloszyn
B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - 2025
William Taylor
B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - 2024
Danielle Cottrell
B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - 2023
Resource Assistant GIS Specialist - U.S. Forest Service
Christina Mammen
B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - 2023
Scientist 1 - Pace Analytical
Lindsey Moffitt
B.S. Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences - 2023
Scientist 1 - RESPEC
Caroline Koontz
B.S. - Environmental and Sustainability Studies - 2024
Justin Smith
B.S. - Natural Resource and Environmental Science - 2023
Sabrina Kosharek
B.S. - Natural Resource and Environmental Science - 2022
Environmental Planner - First Tennessee Development District
Jacob Simanek
B.S. - Natural Resource and Environmental Science - 2021
Spencer Dixon
B.S. - Geological Sciences - 2020
Geologist - Ethos Geological, Inc.
BethAnn Winebarger
B.S. - Natural Resource and Environmental Science - 2020
B.S. - Geological Sciences - 2020
GIS Technician for Mount Holly, North Carolina
Danielle Doering
B.S. - Natural Resource and Environmental Science - 2020
Graduate Student - University of Kentucky
Becky Smiley
B.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2019
Will Bond
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2019
Edward Lo
B.S. - Geology, Louisiana State University - 2014
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2017
Ph.D. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2024
Jeremy Eddy
B.S. - Geology, State University of New York at Fredonia - 2014
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2017
Geologist II - South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control
Wei Ji
B.S. - Geological Sciences, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - 2011
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2016
Software Engineer - Oscar Health
Stephen Prosser
B.S. - Geology, University of Wyoming - 2011
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2015
Owner - Hazard Coffee Company
Phillip Wolfe
B.S. - Geology, University of Kentucky - 2011
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2014
Exploration Geologist - Tip Top Oil and Gas Company
Gopal Bera
B.S. - Chemistry, University of Calcutta, India
M.S. - Marine Science, University of Calcutta, India
Ph.D. - Marine Science, University of Southern Mississippi - 2014
Staff Scientist - Thermofisher
Olivia Woodruff
B.S. - Geology, University of Colorado at Boulder - 2010
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2014
Senior Geoscientist - Kimmeridge Energy
Rachel Hatch
B.S. - Geology, University of Kentucky - 2010
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2013
Environmental and Sustainability Manager - Heaven Hill Brands
Zachary Moore
B.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2013
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2016
Senior Geologist - Pioneer Natural Resources
Alyssa Aspiotis (nee Eliopoulos)
B.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2014
Jeremy Prouhet
M.S. - Marine Science, University of Southern Mississippi - 2011
Operations Geologist - Chevron
Nathan Couey
B.S. - Geography and Geology, University of Southern Mississippi - 2010
Geologist- Columbine Corporation
Carlo Fortner
B.S. - Geography and Geology, University of Southern Mississippi - 2010
Alyssa Jung
B.S. - Biological Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi - 2010
UX Research and Designer
Mike Andres
B.S. - Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston - 2007
Ph.D. - Coastal Sciences, University of Southern Mississippi - 2014
Research Scientist, University of Southern Mississippi
Erin Piper (nee Weaver)
B.S. - Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston - 2007
M.S. - Oceanography, Texas A&M University - 2010
Environmental Specialist at Freeport LNG
Kim Schindler
B.S. - Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston - 2006
M.S. - Geological Sciences, University of Kentucky - 2019
Research Associate - SER2L, University of Kentucky
Michelle Spinelli
B.S. - Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston - 2006
Project Geophysicist - Schlumberger WesternGeco
JoDana Swanson (nee Jones)
B.S. - Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston - 2004
M. Michaele Cerf
B.S. - Marine Science, Texas A&M University at Galveston - 2004
Consultant - PROS Software Company
Chris Courtney
B.S. - Marine Biology, Texas A&M University at Galveston - 2003