UPP Student Profile: Cara Christofferson

Young Caucasian woman with round glasses and long brown hair who is smiling.

What degree are you pursuing? 

Master's in Geography

What is your expected graduation date? 

06/2027

Get to know Cara

Please describe the UPP-funded or affiliated project(s) you are currently working on or have worked on in the past? 

Project title to be determined

Who are your USGS supervisor and PSU advisor? 

My supervisor is Marc Stewart and and advisor is Heejun Chang.

What are your primary responsibilities/roles of your research position? 

I'm currently working as a hydrologic technician for the USGS primarily working on water quality and discrete sediment sampling.

What skills have you gained from your research experience? 

To be determined! I just started working on my degree in Fall 2025.

What aspects of your project have you enjoyed the most?

To be determined! I just started working on my degree in Fall 2025.

What have you learned or hope to learn from this experience?

I hope to gain a better understanding of broadscale hydrologic modeling and geospatial analysis.

What are your academic and/or career aspirations after graduation? 

My career aspirations are to continue working for the USGS and to work as a hydrologist examining water quality issues in Oregon.

What's your favorite way to use or interact with water?

When I'm not working I love to jump into a chilly alpine lake after a long hike.