Colby Steelman

Colby Steelman’s research focuses on the dynamic processes of groundwater flow systems. Specific interests include hydrogeophysical characterization and monitoring of groundwater process dynamics and their importance in regional flow systems. Recently, he is exploring surface and airborne geophysical techniques that support regional-scale groundwater resource characterizations, and how these styles of data can be integrated into conventional groundwater monitoring strategies; assessing impacts of legacy oil and gas wells on groundwater and ecosystems; and understanding geologic and hydrogeologic controls on permafrost distribution using ground and airborne geophysical methods.

• Hydrogeophysics, hydrogeology, vadose zone, applied geophysics

• Multi-scale geophysical characterization of groundwater flow systems

• Geophysical imaging of hydrodynamics, landform architecture, and geologic structures

• Source water protection and management

• Water resource assessment and monitoring

Dr. Steelman has made significant advancements in geophysical imaging techniques using ground-penetrating radar, electrical resistivity, electromagnetic induction, and seismic, in combination with direct hydrogeologic observations to better understand the parameters and processes that define complex groundwater flow systems.

His research utilizes a combination of field-based geophysical, hydrogeological, and geological information in the context of local to regional-scale groundwater flow systems to better understand the complex relationship between anthropogenic and natural groundwater processes.

• 2012 Ph.D. Earth Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada

• 2007 B.Sc. Earth Science, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada

• 2014-2016: Banting Postdoctoral Fellowship (NSERC), University of Guelph.

• 2012-2014: NSERC Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Guelph.

• 2012: W.B. Pearson Medal in Science, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Waterloo.

• Associate Editor, Geophysics Journal (near-surface and urban geophysics section), Society of Exploration Geophysicists

• Association of Professional Geoscientists of Ontario (APGO)

• American Geophysical Union (AGU)

• Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG)

• European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers

• International Association of Hydrogeologists​​

• Principal Investigator, G360 Institute for Groundwater Research, University of Guelph

• Adjunct Professor, School of Engineering, University of Guelph

• Member, Water Institute

• EARTH 223 - Field Methods in Hydrology
  • Taught in 2020
• EARTH 260 - Introductory Applied Geophysics
  • Taught in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• EARTH 458L - Field Methods in Hydrogeology
  • Taught in 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• EARTH 461 - Near-Surface Geophysics
  • Taught in 2023, 2024, 2025
• EARTH 668 - Advanced Applied Geophysics
  • Taught in 2023, 2024, 2025
• EARTH 671 - Field Methods in Hydrogeology
  • Taught in 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• SCI 250 - Environmental Geology
  • Taught in 2020, 2021

* Only courses taught in the past 5 years are displayed.

• For a current list of Colby Steelman's peer-reviewed articles, please see his Google Scholar profile: https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&view_op=list_works&gmla=AOv-ny97djakt5icY7Lh8Gbb5yEbMZnaD98ffqU_gVbtbiPhQHugndnr4iCROAiW_ZAsnucPTkeQwtwdQ4d_gA&user=IxfMjkgAAAAJ