Laila Sturgis

Laila Sturgis is a hydrogeologist with more than 15 years experience in water resource management and consulting, primarily serving the Native American populations in New Mexico. Key projects included managing water and wastewater infrastructure development for the Alamo Chapter of the Navajo Nation, providing Navajo Nation litigation support in the adjudication of the Little Colorado River, creating regional water plans for the Navajo Nation, and creating water resource inventories for the Santa Clara Pueblo.

Ms. Sturgis joined the Bureau of Geology in 2019 as manager of the Aquifer Mapping Program. Laila manages grant funding and coordinates staff research for the aquifer mapping team. Key projects including managing the development of 3D aquifer maps in southeastern New Mexico; and working collaboratively with home owners, muncipalities, and the USGS to monitor groundwater across the State.

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM: Master of Science, Hydrology, 2003

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Socorro, NM: Bachelor of Science, Geology with Environmental Geology Option, 2000

New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources - Sept. 2019 to present. Aquifer Mapping Program Manager/Hydrogeologist

Wood Environment and Infrastructure (formerly Amec) - 2013-2019. Senior I Hydrogeologist

InterAct PMTI - 2012-2013. Regulatory Specialist

Amec Environment and Infrastructure (formerly Hydrosphere)- 2010-2012. Staff Hydrogeologist

Hydrosphere - 2003-2009. Staff Hydrogeologist

New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology - 1998-2003. Soils Lab Assistant and Graduate Research Assistant

United States Geological Survey - 1996-1997. Field Technician

Water Resource Management

Regional Water Planning

Project Management

Meeting Facilitation

Water Rights Development, Transfer and Litigation

Regulatory Permitting