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The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences (GES) is one of the most well-funded and research-active STEM departments on the É«É«À² campus. The GES is home to a number of internationally recognized research programs that are creating new knowledge to address some of the world’s most challenging problems. Our research is advanced by our expert faculty and world-class laboratory facilities. For nearly 60 years, GES faculty have devoted themselves to addressing pressing societal questions through basic and applied research here in Michigan and abroad. 

É«É«À² students are welcomed and encouraged to participate in hands-on, experiential learning with our expert faculty. Though our research programs cover the full extent of the geological and environmental sciences, our experienced faculty are particularly known for addressing basic and applied questions about the processes and conditions occurring at and just below Earth’s surface. Explore below for more information about the research laboratory and faculty you are interested in.

Environmental Geology & Hydrogeology

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences has a distinguished history in environmental geology and hydrogeology. Faculty conduct research across various hydrogeology subdisciplines, including numerical modeling, fracture flow, contaminant transport, water resource management, bioremediation, and wastewater treatment, in collaboration with undergraduate and graduate students and industry experts. Research active faculty also teach our internationally recognized Hydrogeology Field Course and the Certificate Program in Applied Hydrogeology, which provide the fundamental skills and knowledge needed for successful professional careers.

To learn more, visit these faculty webpages: Dr. Matt Reeves, Dr. Daniel Cassidy, Dr. Mine Dogan, Dr. Johnson Haas, Dr. R.V. Krishnamurthy, and Dr. Mohamed Sultan

Remote Sensing & Near Surface Geophysics

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences is widely known for conducting research in remote sensing and near surface geophysics. In the , a learning hub for graduate researchers and visiting scientists worldwide, scientists apply remote sensing tools to conduct interdisciplinary research in a wide range of fields such as hydrology, surface water runoff, groundwater flow modeling, and geomorphology. In the Near-Surface Geophysics Lab, researchers apply ground-based and aerial geophysical instruments to research the geology and hydrogeology of the near surface, as well as aid in anthropological and criminal justice investigations.

To learn more, visit these faculty webpages: Dr. Mohamed Sultan, Dr. Mine Dogan

Petrology & Geochemistry

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences conducts fundamental and applied research in sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic systems. Researchers in the  focuses on sedimentary rock formation through textural, mineralogical, and geochemical analysis. Researchers in the  investigate the geochemical co-evolution of Earth’s crust and hydrosphere with an emphasis on igneous and metamorphic processes. 

To learn more, visit these faculty webpages: Dr. Stephen Kaczmarek, Dr. David Zakharov, Dr. RV Krishnamurthy, Dr. Peter Voice

Earth Science Education

Earth Science Education Research focuses on field-based learning and its role in helping students transition to expert geoscientists. Researchers use qualitative and mixed methods to explore how authentic field experiences contribute to this transition and how Earth science teaching can be improved for all learners.

To learn more, visit these faculty webpages: Dr. Heather Petcovic, Dr. Matt Reeves, Dr. Stephen Kaczmarek, Dr. Peter Voice

GES Affiliated Researchers & Facilities

The department is also home to a diverse community of research faculty and staff at the Michigan Geological Survey and the Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education.