Research & Facilities

Geological and Environmental Sciences is one of the most well-funded and research-active STEM departments on the WMU campus. The department is home to internationally recognized research programs aimed at creating new knowledge and addressing society’s most challenging problems. 

Our research is advanced by our expert faculty and world-class laboratory facilities. For nearly 60 years, GES faculty have been devoted to addressing pressing societal questions through basic and applied research here in Michigan and abroad in five key research areas:  hydrogeology & environmental science, remote sensing & geophysics, sedimentology & stratigraphy, petrology & geochemistry, and earth science education.

Our students participate in hands-on, experiential learning with our expert faculty. Explore the information below to learn more about our amazing research programs and facilities.

Hydrogeology & Environmental Science

The department has a long history of research and teaching in environmental science and hydrogeology. Working with undergraduate and graduate students, our expert faculty concentrate their research in various subdisciplines, including numerical modeling, fracture flow, contaminant transport, water resource prediction and management, bioremediation, and wastewater treatment. Research active faculty also teach our internationally recognized Hydrogeology Field Course and the Certificate Program in Applied Hydrogeology.

Associated Faculty: 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 Earth Science Remote Sensing Facility, 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.

Associated Faculty: 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 Stable Isotope Geochemistry Lab investigate the geochemical co-evolution of Earth’s crust and hydrosphere with an emphasis on igneous and metamorphic processes. 

Associated Faculty:  Dr. David Zakharov, Dr. Stephen Kaczmarek, Dr. RV Krishnamurthy

Sedimentology & Stratigraphy

Researchers work toward better understanding of ancient sedimentary systems, and their impact on rock properties and the natural resources they contain. In the Carbonate Petrology & Characterization Laboratory, textural, mineralogical, and geochemical data are integrated to investigate the timing, processes, and conditions responsible for sedimentary rock formation. This work has applications to the energy industry, carbon sequestration, and groundwater resources.

Associated Faculty: Dr. Stephen Kaczmarek, Dr. Peter Voice

Earth Science Education

Earth Science Education Research broadly focuses on field-based (outdoor) education and practice. Researchers use qualitative and mixed methods to understand the role of authentic field experiences in the transition from student to expert as well as how teaching Earth science can be improved for everyone. 

Associated Faculty: Dr. Heather Petcovic, Dr. Matt Reeves, Dr. Stephen Kaczmarek, Dr. Peter Voice

Key Research Facilities 

The Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences also maintains the following laboratory facilities to support research and education.

The Carbonate Petrology and Characterization Laboratory researchers tackle fundamental scientific questions and large societal problems by integrating chemistry, physics, materials science, laboratory experiments, and geology. CPCL researchers use state-of-the-art analytical instruments aim to better understand (i) the timing, processes, and conditions responsible for sedimentary rock formation, and (ii) how various fluids will behave in the subsurface. 

Scientists in the Earth Science Remote Sensing Laboratory Scientists apply an interdisciplinary research approach that integrates remote sensing, GIS, geochemistry, geochronology, hydrology, surface runoff, and groundwater flow modeling, and field geology to address a wide range of complex geological and environmental problems.

The Isotope Geochemistry Laboratory, equipped with a state-of-the-art triple isotope ratio mass spectrometer, tackles geological research questions related to the formation of Earth's crust. 

The Near-surface Geophysics Laboratory, equipped with high-end research equipment needed for conducting geophysical research on land or by air. researchers apply their findings to resource exploration, ground water supply and contamination problems, lakeshore and glacial sediment mapping, and archaeological research.

The Michigan Geological Repository for Research and Education is the most comprehensive archive of geological samples and data in Michigan. The facility and its collections enable scientists to carry out research and educate the next generation of earth scientists about natural resources and their sustainable use.

The Michigan Geological Survey, with its long history of geologic research in Michigan, is housed in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences. The survey facilitates research to promote the wise use of natural resources while serving the general public through quality research, invaluable expertise and a historic data repository.

Additional Facilities

The Asylum Lake Research and Training Site was developed by the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences at the Asylum Lake property for course work and research. Most of the geophysical tests, field work and training for the Hydrogeology Field Course is conducted at this site.

The Rood Hall Rock Garden has become a fixture for orientation tours and for good reason. The Rood Hall rock garden is not just a great place to sit at a picnic table in the shade to relax, catch up on reading or prepare for an exam; the rock garden also features a wide variety of rocks for amateurs and experts alike to explore.

The Lloyd J. Schmaltz Geology and Mineral Museum showcases a world-class collection of rocks, minerals and fossils from Michigan and beyond. The museum is located on the first floor of Rood Hall on WMU's main campus. 

Dinosaur Park, which is located on the lawn between Rood Hall and the Lee Honors College, houses six scale dinosaur replicas and educational materials. Both the museum and the park are free and open to the public.