Research Interests:

    My general research interest is in the field of contaminant hydrology. Examples of common contaminants are organics such as TCE and MTBE, nutrients (e.g., nitrate and phosphorous), metals, and even salt water. I am interested in the processes that influence the fate and transport of contaminants, as well as the methods used for the remediation of contaminated regions. Though I am interested in a wide range of subsurface flow and transport issues, vadose zone research is one area I am especially interested in. 

Student Research:

    I am always interested in talking to students about potential undergraduate (generally seniors) or graduate level research projects. Research topics that students might wish to pursue are: contaminant transport processes in the vadose zone, the behavior of contaminant plumes resulting from leaking underground storage tanks (LUSTS), saltwater intrusion in coastal regions, groundwater/surfacewater interactions, quantifying recharge on the coastal plain, or the impact of hog farms on groundwater quality. If you are interested in pursuing research with a focus on groundwater hydrology, send me an email and we can discuss research ideas and funding opportunities.

Examples of student research: Undergraduate DIS: Several undergrad students have worked on directed independent study projects in hydrology. Amanda K. and Julie D. collected water level data and water quality parameters for several wells on the UNCW campus. Chris P. used the water level data to estimate recharge rates to the shallow aquifer and presented a poster of the results at the Spring 2005 WRRI meeting. Tim P. set up a Campbell Scientific TDR system which he used to look at the unsaturated flow characteristics of local soils. Liz M. is currently using soil moisture probes to measure changes in moisture content in the shallow subsurface and will be comparing the changes to precipitation data to assess groundwater recharge behavior. Graduate DIS: Amy G. spent did a directed independent study project related to groundwater modeling. Brian S. applied several different experimental techniques to measure the hydrogeologic properties at sites that were being evaluated for on-site wastewater disposal (septic tanks).  

Teaching

    I teach Environmental Geology  (GLY 120), Principles of Hydrology (GLY226/GGY235), Geohydrology (GLY 426/526), and Engineering Geology (GLY 525). I am also the coordinator for the Environmental Geology Laboratory (GLYL/EVSL 120). I recently team-taught Field Methods in Environmental Science (GLY 220) and Natural Disasters (GLY 125) for the first time. Fun stuff! In the future I may teach additional courses related to subsurface flow and contaminant transport.

    There are a number of groundwater monitoring wells installed on the UNCW campus. These wells are used by students to practice aquifer testing and groundwater sampling. CATLIN Engineers and Scientists installed a pair of wells in 2003. The wells are screened in the surficial (~15' deep) and Castle Hayne (~70' deep) aquifers. A webpage documenting the deep well installation can be found here (thanks to Dr. Jim Dockal for putting the drilling page together!). Arm's Water Works also put on a drilling demonstration for students in GLY 426/526 (spring 2006).

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