As October brings a chill to the air and paints the leaves in vibrant hues, we are thrilled to highlight an inspiring student making waves in the world of geography: Morgan George!

photo of morgan

Morgan George is currently a graduate student obtaining her Master of Science in Geography. Under the guidance of Dr. Pan, she is focusing her research on how urbanization and climate change impact water quality in Texas. In her thesis, she plans to explore observed climate change over the past century, and how these shifts create compounding effects on stream water quality in urbanizing environments.

Growing up in North Texas, Morgan was surrounded by the realities of urban development. “Even at a young age, I encountered concepts such as displacement of animals and alterations of natural environments,” she shares. Her passion for horses and trail riding further deepened her appreciation for nature and sparked her curiosity about human interactions with the environment.

Morgan completed her undergraduate degree in geography at UNT, drawn to its interdisciplinary nature. “The idea that physical science concepts could be connected to human behaviors, cultures, and interactions with the environment was very interesting to me,” she says. Unlike other geography programs she considered, which felt too narrow in focus, UNT offered the breadth she craved, with its knowledgeable faculty and diverse learning opportunities.

Now nearing the completion of her master’s degree, Morgan has gained invaluable insights throughout her academic journey. One of Morgan's most profound lessons has been about herself: “I’ve learned how I work best, what I’m interested in, how to create a work-life balance, and the types of people I want to surround myself with.”  She believes that the self-awareness she has developed during her time as a student will serve her well in the next stages of her life. “Graduate studies require a lot of discipline, and I think it is so important to recognize my underlying passions and motivations,” she adds.

After earning her master’s degree, Morgan hopes to work in water resource management, particularly in wastewater or a related field. Morgan is eager to see the positive effects of her work within the community, confident that the skills she has developed at UNT will serve her well in her future career.

 Here are some fun facts about Morgan George! Last summer, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by getting her horse, Cody. In addition to her equestrian pursuits, she is teaching herself to play the guitar and enjoys restoring and refinishing guitars she discovers at thrift stores and flea markets.

We are thrilled to celebrate Morgan and cannot wait to see the incredible impact she will make in the field of geography!