Hydrogeology Program
University of Massachusetts

 

The following is a brief summary of the hydrogeology program at the University of Massachusetts. This summary highlights the goals of the program, research interests, current research projects including funding availability for students, equipment and facilities, course offerings, and publications, among other items. If you have additional questions after reading this document, please do not hesitate to contact Steve Mabee:

Phone- (413) 545-4814
Email- sbmabee@geo.umass.edu


Course Offerings
Publications
Equipment and Facilities
Hydrogeology/Geophysical Field Site

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Program Statement

The goal of the hydrogeology program is to provide graduate students with solid practical training in hydrogeology that combines a strong field-based approach to problem solving with rigorous quantitative analysis. In addition, it is also recognized that multidisciplinary skills are an integral part of hydrologic analysis and are an extremely important aspect of hydrogeological training. These objectives are accomplished by giving students: a) practical instruction in both the classroom and field; b) access to field and lab equipment necessary to perform basic research; c) exposure to computer and quantitative analysis so that graduates from the program have the requisite quantitative skills for the environmental field; and, d) freedom to explore other academic interests that will augment hydrogeological training.

Research Interests

My research interests are fairly diverse, usually entail a multidisciplinary approach and cover a broad spectrum of geological, engineering, and environmental issues. This diversity has developed primarily as a result of my 10 years of experience in the consulting industry working with engineers, architects, planners, designers, lawyers and other scientists on a variety of projects. Accordingly, I enjoy working on projects that bring the various disciplines of geology as well as engineering and planning to bear on hydrogeological problems. In addition, my work also tends to have an applied slant to it. Current research interests include flow and transport in bedrock, subsurface hydraulics, environmental geophysics, hydrogeological education and the application of geostatistics and modeling to the study and management of groundwater resources.

Current Research and Funding Opportunities

I am currently looking for two students to help with my research projects. One project involves mapping fractures and faults in the new MWRA tunnel being constructed in eastern Massachusetts. The other project examines a new hypothesis to explain the function of the Lines of Nasca in southwest Peru. I have submitted two proposals, one for each project and have requested funds for Research Assistants. These RA's are for two years and funding includes a tuition waiver. At this time, I can not guarantee that the funding request will be fulfilled. However, if you are interested in either of these projects please contact me.

MWRA tunnel - I am currently looking for one student on this project. The approximate rate is $12,000 per year for two years and includes the graduate health fee and tuition waiver. Notification of funding availability will not be known until April 2000.

Peru Project - I am currently looking for one student interested in working on this project over the next two years. The approximate rate is $12,000 per year for two years and includes the graduate health fee and tuition waiver. Notification of funding availability will not be known until April 2000.

Modeling Study - Although I have no funding and am likely not to secure any further funding, I have an opportunity for someone to address a complex modeling study if interested.

Salt Project - Funding is not available for this project at the present time. However, there is a wealth of data that has been collected to date offering several opportunities for Master's level research projects.

Advising Style and Expectations

I enjoy working with students who show initiative and independence. I am always available for direction or guidance and certainly expect to meet with students on a regular basis to discuss research progress. Students are expected to make tangible progress each semester toward the completion of their degree. Master's students are expected to have glacial geology, hydrogeology, geophysics, and aqueous environmental geochemistry, and OSHA training as their core courses.

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