Research
I am working with my students to find ways of using geophysical methods to understand the processes occurring in the top 100 meters of Earth. With geophysical methods we can non-invasively acquire images of this near-surface region, allowing us to monitor systems and extract information that cannot be obtained using more traditional methods of drilling and direct sampling. One of our specific interests is the use of geophysical imaging for the evaluation and management of our groundwater resources. Through lab and field experiments, and computer modeling, we are developing new methods for acquiring, processing, and interpreting geophysical data. We are also conducting the laboratory and field experiments needed to determine the link between our geophysical images and subsurface properties and processes.
Teaching
An interest of mine in teaching is ensuring that all university graduates are "geo-literate." Thus a focus of my teaching has always been the education of those who are not Earth science majors. In 2000 I developed and now teach The Water Course, where students complete projects with web posters (http://pangea.stanford.edu/GP/courses/GP104/waterscape/) that describe the source, quantity, and quality of water in their hometowns. Through this course students gain a perspective on water-related issues around the world. I am now leading an effort at Stanford, referred to as I-Earth (Introduction to Planet Earth), where our objective is to offer a set of courses that explore the intersection between natural and human systems. My ultimate goal is to have one of these courses required for all students, so that an understanding of planet Earth is recognized as essential to education in the 21st century.
Professional Activities
Chair, Stanford Faculty Senate (2011-12); Chair, US Dept of Energy Earth Science Council (2010-); Chair, Organizing Committee AGU-SEG Hydrogeophysics Workshop (2011-12); Senior Fellow, Woods Institute for the Environment (2005-present); Co-founder and Chair, Near-Surface Geophysics Focus Group, American Geophysical Union (2005-2007); Stanford Budget Group (2004-); Stanford Faculty Senate (2002-06); Chair, Stanford Committee on Undergraduate Standards and Policy (2004-06); PI, CUAHSI Hydrologic Measurement Facility-Geophysics (2005-); co-organizer, Society of Exploration Geophysicists (SEG) Research Workshop on Hydrogeophysics (2006); U.S. Dept. of Energy Earth Sciences Council (2001-); associate editor, Water Resources Research (2004); vice-president, SEG (2001-02); Frank Frischknecht Award, SEG (2002); editorial board, The Leading Edge (1996-2000); distinguished lecturer, SEG (1998); National Academy of Sciences Committee on Non-Invasive Characterization of the Shallow Subsurface for Environmental and Engineering Applications (1995-99); distinguished lecturer, Canadian Geophysical Union (1994-95); founding member, Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society (1991)