Laila Sturgis is Aquifer Mapping Program manager for the New Mexico Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources, a division of New Mexico Tech. The Aquifer Mapping Program works collaboratively with homeowners, private industry, municipalities, and government agencies to monitor the groundwater across New Mexico. One groundbreaking project is the development of three-dimensional aquifer maps in ArcGIS, and the release of these map packages to planners and consultants to increase knowledge in the region. Sturgis assists in the coordination of this research team, and in the securing and managing of grants to fund these activities. Previously, she worked in water resource management and consulting in a variety of roles ranging from field technician to project manager, and also served as the project manager on multiple projects to upgrade the Alamo Navajo Chapter drinking water and wastewater systems as well as promoting planning efforts within that community.