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TEACHING AND RESEARCH INTERESTS:
• Hydrogeology
• Watershed Processes
• Groundwater-surface water interactions
• Water resources and climate change
DEGREES:
Ph.D. (2006) Geology, Oregon State University
M.S. (2002) Water Resources Science, University of Minnesota
B.A. (2001) Earth and Planetary Science, The Johns Hopkins University
PROFILE:
My process-based research lies at the intersection of hydrogeology,
surface water hydrology, and geomorphology. My work includes contributions
from field projects, GIS, time series analyses, stable isotopes,
laboratory experiments, and modeling. I like to ask scientific questions
that explore how watersheds work.
The interplay between geology, topography, and the resultant partitioning
of water between different flowpaths can have a major influence
on hydrograph characteristics and groundwater resources. My Ph.D.
research focused on how high permeability basaltic lava flows in
the Oregon Cascades control groundwater flowpaths, streamflow patterns,
and drainage network evolution. I am currently studying how the
drainage density of watersheds may affect hydrologic response and
peak flow magnitudes. Drainage density is inversely related to permeability
of a catchment, and so should give a useful map-based metric for
predicting drought tolerance and flood risk in ungaged watersheds.
I am also interested in how the permeability heterogeneity structure
of a watershed influences hydrologic response to precipitation events
and drought periods, and I plan to do field and modeling investigations
of this problem.
In light of climate change and increasing demands on water resources,
it is important to understand how changes in the magnitude and timing
of regional water fluxes and severe storms will impact groundwater
resources and streamflow patterns. In Oregon, I examined how groundwater
mediated seasonal and inter-annual climate variability in a seasonally
snow-covered watershed. Interestingly, groundwater actually heightened
the sensitivity to long-term climate change. I am currently involved
in a project looking at current and future glacier contributions
to streamflow near Mt. Hood, Oregon. I am interested in how changing
storm intensities in the southeastern United States will affect
groundwater recharge, and how increased evapotranspiration from
hotter summers will change aquifer levels. I will also continue
to develop scientific questions that make use of the wealth of historical
data on streamflows, precipitation, and groundwater.
If you have an interest in watersheds and groundwater and are looking
for an enthusiastic advisor, I encourage you to contact me to discuss
possibilities for graduate work.
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