Now a geologist in New Mexico, Hafner shares how her Earth, marine and environmental science classes helped turn a love of the outdoors into a career with real-world impact.
Growing up in Hendersonville, North Carolina, Alison Hafner ’19 knew she loved exploring the natural world around her. At Carolina, she discovered she could turn those passions into a career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree in geological sciences from UNC-Chapel Hill, Hafner now works as a geologist for environmental consulting firm INTERA Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Her work allows her to better understand and protect the environment through meaningful, challenging projects with real-world impact.
What is a “typical” day in your life as a geologist?
I don’t have a typical day at work, which is part of what I love about my job! One week, I could be overseeing a drill rig, logging and sampling soil cores at a former dry-cleaning facility-turned-EPA Superfund site. The next, I might be hiking in rural New Mexico to complete site assessments of abandoned uranium mines. And the following week, I could be at my desk, analyzing data, reviewing historical documentation or developing technical guidance for government agencies.
Did you always know you wanted to be a geologist?
Growing up, I had no idea that having a career in geology was even an option. I went into Carolina undecided and took Geology 101 to fulfill a general education requirement. I really enjoyed the class, and the professor recommended I take “Geology of North America” with Kevin Stewart. The class included a trip to Big Bend National Park where we learned about the processes that shaped the landscape, conducted small group research projects and got a taste of what geologists actually do. I was instantly hooked!
Tell us about a Carolina professor who made an impact on your career.
I am grateful for the many fantastic professors I got to learn from and work with at Carolina. I owe my career in geology to Kevin Stewart and am thankful for continued encouragement and his belief in me as a young scientist. Drew Coleman also had a huge impact on my undergraduate experience. During my junior and senior years at Carolina, I had the opportunity to work in and eventually conduct research in Dr. Coleman’s isotope geochemistry lab. He was a wonderful mentor and taught me so much about the scientific research process.
What are you most proud of in your career so far?
At INTERA, I’m most proud of the projects that I have contributed to that directly help communities here in New Mexico. It’s so rewarding to see the impact of the work we are doing and how it benefits real people’s everyday lives.
Personally, I’m proud of my younger self for taking that initial step outside of my comfort zone to pursue a major — and ultimately a career — that was different than anything I had previously imagined for myself.
If you could time travel back to being a student for just one day, what would you do?
Grab breakfast at Carolina Coffee Shop, enjoy time outside reading in the Wheeler Rock Garden or catching some rays on the Quad with friends and eat ALL of the Linda’s cheese fries!
What advice do you have for current Tar Heel students?
Take classes that sound interesting to you even if they may not seem like the most “practical.”
By Jess Abel (B.A. ’19, M.A. ’25)