Soil and Water Assessment Team

Students and Faculty

Dr. Claire Hruby

Dr. Hruby came to Drake with 20 years of experience doing geological and hydrological assessment, water monitoring, and policy work with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Her research includes assessment of risks from recreational exposures to pathogens and toxins, and focuses on finding sources and solutions. She also works on issues related to drinking water, especially understanding the presence of PFAS, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals in groundwater. Recently, she has added an emphasis on the usage of genetic techniques for better understanding the diversity of aquatic life.

Assistant Professor of Environmental Science

Alex Colby

Alexandria “Alex” Colby is an Environmental Science major (Aquatic & One Earth track) with a minor in Biology at Drake University, graduating in December 2026. She serves as the Hydrology Lab & Field Manager, where she leads water-quality monitoring and field research projects across central Iowa, collaborating with partners such as Polk County Conservation, the Iowa DNR, and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.

Alex’s research interests include freshwater ecology, wetlands, fens, stream restoration, estuaries, and aquatic biodiversity, with a strong focus on field- and lab-based interdisciplinary science. She is passionate about understanding how hydrology and water quality influence ecosystem health and is preparing for graduate study in aquatic and environmental sciences.

Lab Manager

Harrison Ziegler

Graduating in 2026 from Bentonville Arkansas.

current projects

  • SW Iowa

  • Fourmile Creek

  • Brenton Slough

Field Technician

Lucas Jackson

Graduating in 2026 from Bentonville Arkansas.

current projects

  • SW Iowa

  • Fourmile Creek

  • Brenton Slough

Field Technician

Paige Robertson

Paige comes to Drake from eastern Iowa, where she grew up hunting and fishing with her family. Paige received a scholarship from the Jay N Darling Institute, which requires students to contribute to work that supports rural communities. Her research focuses on evaluating the soures of fecal contamination in Catfish Creek near Dubuque, Iowa.

Field Technician

Sam Spiker

Focused, approachable, and driven by results, our sales manager is all about building strong relationships. They help connect people to the right solutions—with clarity and care.

Field Technician

Lindsey Siebert

Lindsey is a senior working on an analysis of groundwater data in partnership with the USGS. Lindsey also has experience doing science education with the Boys and Girls Club of Iowa. 

Data Analysis

Current Projects

The Soil and Water assessment team works on many projects across Iowa with a diverse range of focuses and disciplines.

Project Name