2 0 2 5   S T E E R I N G   C O M M I T T E E

President 
Dr. Gina Lukoczki, KGS

Gina Lukoczki is research geologist at the Kentucky Geological Survey. Her recent research activities focus on the critical mineral potential of carbonate hosted and other types of mineral deposits of Kentucky and the role of dolomitization on cave and karst development. Gina has been busy with organizing many of the AWG SE Bluegrass Chapter’s Teatime Talk events and is excited to further the chapter's mission in the coming years. As the president of the chapter, Gina has also focused on fund-raising efforts to help fund the AWG SEB Kentucky Geoscience Student Research Scholarship partially funded by the AWG Foundation. ​
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Secretary 
Dr. Giliane Rasbold, WKU

Giliane Rasbold is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth, Environmental, and Atmospheric Sciences at Western Kentucky University. Originally from Brazil and a proud first-generation college student, she is an environmental engineer specializing in ecology, limnology, and paleoecology. Her research focuses on reconstructing past environments using microfossils preserved in lake sediments. Dedicated to mentoring students, she is working to establish a Paleoecology and Paleolimnology Laboratory (Paleo2) to study how climate change affects aquatic ecosystems. As part of the AWG, she is committed to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and encouraging them to explore careers in geosciences.
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Treasurer
Donna Robinson, KGS, UK

Donna is an environmental research geologist, GIS spatial analyst, and 3D modeler at the Kentucky Geological Survey and a state-licensed Geologist-In-Training. Donna has a dual degree in Geology and Geographic Information Science from Eastern Kentucky University, with 9 years of experience in Esri ArcGIS suites, and she has a strong interest in environmental science, health, and policy. Donna authored the radon section of the 2023 State Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan for FEMA and is trained in alpha radiation monitoring using Durridge and AirThings equipment. Donna is currently collaborating with the UK College of Nursing as a chief geologist for the continuing Radon on the RADAR project through the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. She is also a PhD student in the UK Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences studying geologic pathways and environmental factors for radon in Kentucky. In addition to AWG, Donna is also an active member of the Kentucky Climate Consortium, Kentucky Academy of Science, and Kentucky Association of Mitigation Managers.
Communications Officer 
Mackenzie Choffel, UK

Mackenzie is a Master's student working in the Spatial Processing and Modelling Lab (SP&M) under Dr. Jason Dortch. Her research focuses on geomorphology and geologic hazards, with a special interest in hurricane-associated flooding. ​Mackenzie received her Bachelor's of Science from the University of Kentucky in 2024 and is overjoyed for the opportunity to stay in the great state of Kentucky, not only to continue her education, but also be able to continue supporting the Southeastern Bluegrass chapter.
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Field Trip Coordinator 
Abby Portwood, UK

Abby is a Master's student working in Dr. McGlue's paleolimnology lab at the University of Kentucky. Her thesis research focuses on Snake River paleohydrology, particularly in Idaho and Wyoming. She graduated from Washington and Lee University, where she of course was a geology major, in addition to being a member of the swim and equestrian teams. She is so excited to begin planning field trips for AWG!