Valley City State University Science Department

08/11/2026

07/22/2026

Busy summer day in the Lab - VCSU students Anna Palmer, Collin Peck, and Brooklyn Botz were spotted by Fluffy working hard- along with VCSU Faculty Dr. Hilde van Gijssel and Dr. Nick Galt-

07/10/2026

🌟 Meet the Team 🌟

👋 Hi! I’m Michaela. I manage the Water Permit Administration section in DWR’s Appropriation Division, where I oversee water permit applications, annual water use reporting, inspections, administrative actions, and the Water Depot Program. I also review surface and groundwater permit applications from across North Dakota.

I grew up on a farm near DeLamere, North Dakota, and have always loved the outdoors and solving problems. After a professor recommended I take a hydrology course in college, I found a career that combines both, while giving me a legitimate excuse to talk about water all day!

Outside of work, you’ll find me spending time with friends and family, working on the farm, gardening, crafting, cooking, traveling, or enjoying the water. I’ve also been unofficially crowned the queen of “granny hobbies.” 👑 My hobbies include sewing, canning, crocheting, playing accordion, making lefse, gardening, and keeping my sourdough starter alive. I may not know what’s trendy, but I can probably make you a fabric craft and a jar of salsa.

My perfect North Dakota day comes in October, with crisp air, colorful trees, pheasant season, garden produce to preserve, rec volleyball, and farmers in the fields for harvest. 🍁

North Dakota is home, and helping manage one of our state’s most valuable resources while serving its communities makes the work especially meaningful.

And if anyone knows how to become an expert at predicting North Dakota weather, let me know. I’m still looking for that class! 😄

06/22/2026

05/16/2026

☺️ All smiles for these Vikings and many more at the senior awards!

📷 Find all the photos at https://vcsu.news/4uJPcYG

05/13/2026

The Science Department has some new tents for our exciting field trips next year!