Research Interests:

    My general research interest is in the field of contaminant hydrology. Examples of common contaminants that can impact groundwater are organics such as TCE and MTBE, nutrients, 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 juniors or 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), groundwater/surface-water interactions, or quantifying recharge in the coastal plain region. If you are interested in pursuing research with a focus on groundwater or vadose zone hydrology send me an email and we can discuss potential research topics.

Examples of student research: Undergraduate DIS: Several undergrad students have worked on directed independent study (DIS) 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 a 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. used soil moisture probes to measure changes in moisture content in the shallow subsurface. Richard C and Brandon F. used the probes to look at tracer transport in groundwater and presented their research at professional meetings. Graduate DIS: Amy G. 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).  

Graduate School at UNCW: UNCW offers students an opportunity to pursue an MS in Geology in two formats: a traditional thesis format and a non-thesis format. For more information regarding the degree options, take a look at the graduate program website

Teaching

    I often teach Environmental Geology  (GLY120) and Natural Disasters (GLY 125). I have also taught Principles of Hydrology (GLY226/GGY235), Geohydrology (GLY 426/526), Engineering Geology (GLY 525), and team-taught Field Methods in Environmental Science (GLY 220). In the future I hope to find time to teach additional courses related to subsurface flow and contaminant transport.

    There are a number of groundwater monitoring wells installed on the UNCW campus for teaching and research purposes. 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) and students in the class during spring 2009 went to Bald Head Island to see a drilling demonstration..

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