JEFFERSON CITY, MO, SEPT. 21, 2023 – Lauren Mack, a geologist with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Water Resources Center, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for September 2023. Mack was selected for her service to the department and for her efforts while responding to an inquiry about water usage among state agencies.
As part of her usual duties, Mack is a crucial member of the groundwater monitoring unit. She oversees the collection of water-use information, makes sure it is accurate and presented in an understandable manner, mentors new team members and keeps supervisors updated on the status of active projects.
Recently, a water district asked Mack for assistance regarding water usage among state agencies. She quickly began gathering the requested data and making sure a timely and accurate response was returned. The request came during the peak of the Major Water Users reporting season and without her extensive knowledge of the department’s Major Water Users database, the response would have taken an exceptional amount of time, resources and patience to complete.
In addition to this and her usual duties, Mack also continued research projects on spring and stream gauging, devoted time and geophysics expertise to the Geological Survey Program’s mapping efforts, and found time to test a new Major Water Users online reporting application. Outside of the office, she also volunteers with Rolla Mission, which provides shelter, housing assistance, case management and wraparound services to people experiencing homelessness in Phelps County.
“Lauren takes extra tasks with grace and accomplishes what needs to get done without complaint,” said John Corley, a fellow geologist who nominated Mack for the award. “She is an exemplary team member who embodies the department’s values of stewardship, integrity, innovation, collaboration and respect, and should be recognized for all of what she does for the division, the department and the citizens of Missouri.”
Mack joined the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in August 2018 and resides in Rolla.