Research

The faculty, staff, and students of the Department of Geosciences participate in diverse, cross-disciplinary research projects. This research enhances the reputation of our programs, improves the quality of our teaching, and it contributes to progress and understanding of the world around us. Our success in research also aids the university's ability to lead through community outreach, professional service, and civic engagement. Most of our research falls under one of the following spheres of scientific inquiry and social relevance:

Coastal and Marine Processes

Invasive plant species, microbial communities, hurricane impacts, aquatic habitat, sediment transport, and cave formation on carbonate islands are all examples of how the ever-important land-ocean boundary drives diverse research projects.

Associated Faculty: Shrinidi Ambinakudige, Rinat Gabitov, John Rodgers, Adam Skarke, Kim Wood

Earth System Processes & Geospatial Modeling

All Geosciences topics are somehow related to the collective system of our planet's dynamic nature, and we also work towards better understanding and representation of the social interactions and physical dynamics of earth.

Associated Faculty: Shrinidi Ambinakudige, Renee Clary, Bill Cooke, Padmanava Dash, Rinat Gabitov, Brenda Kirkland, Qingmin Meng, John Rodgers, Darrel Schmitz, Adam Skarke

Energy Studies

Petroleum exploration and extraction methods, alternative biofuel feasibility, wind climatology, and more. The Geosciences are ripe with opportunities to identify sustainable energy while increasing efficiency of existing sources.

Associated Faculty: Rinat Gabitov, Brenda Kirkland, Qingmin Meng

Geoscience Education

Global policy is increasingly influenced by potential consequences of growing populations and a changing planet, so citizens must understand the geosciences.

Associated Faculty: Shrinidi Ambinakudige, Mike Brown, Renee Clary, Padmanava Dash, Chris Fuhrmann, John Rodgers, Kathy Sherman-Morris

Hazard

From earthquakes to tornadoes and wildfires to infectious diseases, the Department of Geosciences studies various ways to prepare for, prevent, and mitigate disasters and hazards.

Associated Faculty: Shrinidi Ambinakudige, Mike Brown, Bill Cooke, Jamie Dyer, Chris Fuhrmann, Andrew Mercer, John Rodgers, Darrel Schmitz, Kathy Sherman-Morris, Kim Wood

Human-Environment Interactions

Whether it is impacts of our progress on the landscape or effects of a changing climate upon human health, this clash is inevitable and ubiquitous. Understanding these relationships helps protect ourselves and our planet.

Associated Faculty: Shrinidi Ambinakudige, Bill Cooke, Padmanava Dash, Chris Fuhrmann, Qingmin Meng, John Rodgers, Kathy Sherman-Morris

Water Resources

Household, agricultural, industrial, recreational, and environmental issues are all influenced by the availability and quality of water. Whether it be underground, on the surface, or in the air, our faculty are studying it.

Associated Faculty: Shrinidi Ambinakudige, Padmanava Dash, Jamie Dyer, Chris Fuhrmann, John Rodgers, Darrel Schmitz, Kim Wood