Leading innovation in groundwater science
Earth and Environmental Sciences is a pioneer and global leader in groundwater research and training. Through decades of ongoing field, laboratory, and computational experimentation, our researchers and students have advanced both foundational and applied hydrogeology in fundamental ways.
We are continuing to improve the understanding of how groundwater moves and is stored, and how it interacts with the environment. We are developing and using innovative methods for the identification, tracing, and remediation of anthropogenic and geogenic contaminants in the subsurface. Interdisciplinary research teams are formulating advanced numerical modeling tools that can be used to predict the future prognosis for groundwater quality and quantity in support of sustainable water management and environmental stability, especially within the context of a changing climate.
Meet our researchers
David Blowes, Professor
Canada Research Chair in Groundwater Remediation
Dr. David Blowes develops improved techniques for the prediction, remediation and prevention of groundwater contamination, including metals, metalloids, pathogens, nutrients and emerging contaminants. He employs a wide range of tools including field investigations, laboratory experiments and mathematical modeling to understand the complex behaviour of these systems.
Dr. Blowes leads the Groundwater Geochemistry Remediation Group together with Carol Ptacek.
Andrea Brookfield, Associate Professor
Director of Collaborative Water Program
Dr. Andrea Brookfield is an Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences and the director of the Collaborative Water Program. Her interests include the development and use of efficient yet effective numerical tools for water resource management. Primarily, she studies the use of hydrological and statistical models to simulate and understand flow and contaminant transport, for prediction, management, and process investigation.
Walter Illman, Professor
Dr. Walter A. Illman studies hydrogeology and regularly teaches groundwater flow and solute transport in porous and fractured geologic media at the undergraduate and graduate levels. He has over 30 years of academic and consulting experience in a wide range of hydrogeological problems worldwide, particularly in applying advanced computational models and high-resolution subsurface characterization techniques, as well as conducting innovative laboratory and field investigations to solve complex environmental and hydrologic problems.
Carol Ptacek, Professor
University Research Chair in Earth & Environmental Sciences
Dr. Carol Ptacek conducts research in Contaminant Hydrogeology and Environmental Geochemistry. She leads the Groundwater Geochemistry and Remediation Group together with David Blowes. Her research program focuses on acquiring an improved understanding of geochemical processes controlling the transport and fate of inorganic and organic contaminants in the subsurface environment and development of novel remediation approaches for their control.
David Rudolph, PEng, Professor
Dr. David Rudolph carries out research in groundwater management with a focus on innovative ways to monitor water resources in the face of changing land use and climate. Dr. Rudolph was named the 2013 Henry Darcy Distinguished Lecturer in Ground Water Science by the US National Groundwater Association, one of the most prestigious career awards in this field.
Colby Steelman, Assistant Professor
Dr. Colby Steelman focuses on groundwater flow systems, specifically the hydrogeophysical characterization and monitoring of groundwater process dynamics and their importance in regional flow systems. He explores 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; assesses impacts of legacy oil and gas wells; and examines geologic and hydrogeologic controls on permafrost distribution.
Andre Unger, PEng, Associate Professor
Dr. André Unger develops and applies numerical methods and algorithms to solve a wide variety of problems involving Earth Sciences and Geological Engineering. Dr. Unger studies how municipalities can sustainably manage their water resources and infrastructure using a variety of tools, including groundwater and surface water modeling, and water infrastructure asset management tools.
Want to study or partner with us?
Helping to shape and encourage the next generations of scientists is at the core of what we do. Prospective graduate students interested in studying with one of our faculty are welcome to reach out to them directly. You can also check out current student research opportunities in Earth.
Research is made better through strong collaboration. If you’re an industry leader looking to partner with us, we would love to hear from you.