Cassie Becker, GIT

Experience

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  University of North Carolina Asheville

  Aug 2019 - Apr 2021

  • Conducted a literature review of previous research on geologic contacts in western North Carolina.• Collected eight water samples from hot springs, rivers, and private wells in Hot Springs, NC to map the geologic contact between the Shady Dolomite and Rome Formations by interpreting various parameters, including temperature, pH, specific conductivity, and composition.• Utilized ion chromatography to determine the major-ion concentrations of samples collected from Hot Springs Resort, private wells, springs, and major rivers. Show less

  • Undergraduate Student Researcher

    Oct 2019 - Apr 2021

  • Bookstore Sales Associate

    Jan 2018 - Aug 2020

  • Laboratory Teaching Assistant

    Aug 2019 - Dec 2019
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  Virginia Tech

  Aug 2021 - May 2023

  • Responsible for three courses (Introduction to Earth Sciences Lab, Field Observations, and Structural Geology Lab), educating both in- and non-major students about introductory and upper-level geosciences concepts.• Conducted fieldwork exercises and facilitated laboratory sessions to enhance students' understanding of geological principles.• Organized and led review sessions to reinforce key concepts and prepare students for exams. Field Observations (Spring 2022 and 2023):• Introductory course for in-major students.• Assisted the instructor of record with lecturing and grading for one section. • Core concepts: geologic fieldwork, mapping, rock descriptions, field notebook upkeep, Appalachian geology.Introduction to Earth Sciences Lab (Fall 2022):• Introductory course for non-major students.• Responsible for two sections, composed of approximately 24 students each.• Core concepts: hydrologic and geochemical cycles, rock and mineral identification, rock cycle and formation, interpreting geologic maps and cross-sections.Elements of Structural Geology Lab (Fall 2021):• Upper-level course for in-major students.• Responsible for two sections, composed of approximately ten students each.• Core concepts: Appalachian geology, Mohr circles, stereographic analyses, constructing geologic maps and cross-sections, geologic fieldwork, field notebook upkeep, and three-point problems. Show less • Reviewed previous literature to determine knowledge gaps in the kinematic and deformation history of the Great Glen Fault in the Scottish Highlands.• Utilized petrography to determine recrystallization regimes in mineral grains, primarily quartz, to estimate likely temperatures of deformation.• Plotted sample coordinates on a stereonet to determine how deformation conditions vary across the field site.• Conducted two weeks of fieldwork to collect 25 oriented rock samples from the Scottish Highlands. Show less

  • Graduate Teaching Assistant

    Aug 2021 - May 2023

  • Graduate Student Researcher

    Aug 2021 - May 2023
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  Virginia Department of Transportation

  Sept 2023 - now

  District Geologist

  • Establish an effective line of communication between VDOT and contractors about major projects, including culverts, bridges, and roadway widening.• Perform geologic literature reviews and site reconnaissance before planning subsurface investigations, including permeability and moisture content testing, and locating boreholes for soil surveys and foundation investigations.• Investigate pavement structure failures and make remedial recommendations. • Created 30+ budgets for preliminary geotechnical field investigations.• Assisted in writing a pavement memo for an intersection improvement. • Provide technical and construction engineering support to field, state, county, and consultant staff. Show less