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Research

Much of our research spans the boundaries between geology and environmental science. Students majoring in geology, biology, chemistry, engineering, and mathematics have all collaborated in summer research with the GES Department.

FLUID DYNAMICS OF SAND DUNE MOVEMENT

Dr. Hansen and Dr. Yurk of the mathematics department are collaborating with colleagues at Liverpool Hope University to model sand movement on the downwind sides of sand dunes. The research includes computer modeling as well as gathering field data to test model output.

ECOLOGICAL AND GROUNDWATER CHANGES IN DUNES WITH LAKE LEVEL RISE

Changes in Lake Michigan water levels have created standing water in low areas within coastal dunes. This gives Professor DeVries-Zimmerman a great opportunity to describe vegetation changes as well as measure how water levels and water chemistry vary over the short and long term. This research may provide insight into changes we might expect along oceanic coasts with sea level rise.

PRESENCE AND MOVEMENT OF ANTIBIOTICS IN GROUNDWATER

Dr. Peterson is examining how antibiotics that are released into the environment move through soils and groundwater, including chemical mechanisms that may influence surface interactions with oxide nanoparticles.

SOURCES OF MICROPLASTIC WASTE IN LAKE AND STREAM SEDIMENTS

Dr. Bodenbender is studying the distribution of microplastic particles in stream sediments, as well as in Lake Macatawa and the beach sands of Lake Michigan.

PHOTOGRAPHIC MEASUREMENT OF SAND DUNE MOVEMENT

Students have worked with Dr. Bodenbender over several years to measure sand movement from gigapixel-sized panoramas at sites along Lake Michigan and in Ainsdale, England.

GLOBAL DISTRIBUTION OF MICROBES AND CONTAMINANTS IN DRINKING WATER

Dr. Peterson is part of an interdisciplinary team examining the presence of contaminants in untreated drinking water sources.   This involves a characterization of microbes, solid particulate materials, and dissolved metals in water from over 25 countries.