My lab’s research converges on a central theme: understanding and improving the interactions of soil, water, and environmental systems. We study how natural processes—such as runoff generation in watersheds and colloid transport in porous media—combine with human interventions like irrigation or green infrastructure to shape water availability, soil health, and pollutant fate. Our investigations extend across scales: from microscopic assessments of nanoparticle movement and soil thermal properties, to field-scale evaluations of bioretention cells and porous pavements, to landscape-scale wetland and watershed connectivity analyses. By combining hydrological monitoring, soil physics experiments, and advanced modeling, we strive to reveal the mechanisms that govern water quality and resource sustainability.
Within this broad scope, we explore seven key research areas. Hydrology & Watershed Processes focuses on ephemeral stream behavior and aquifer recharge on small islands. Soil Physics & Transport Processes centers on shrink-swell effects in clays and the nuances of colloid/nanoparticle movement. Stormwater Management & Green Infrastructure examines how bioretention, porous pavements, and low-impact development enhance urban runoff remediation. Environmental Contaminant Fate & Water Quality delves into pollutant transport and mitigation, with particular attention to PFOS and phosphorus-rich colloids. Agricultural Water Management & Irrigation evaluates strategies like sensor-based scheduling and mulching for yield optimization, and investigates drought indices for aflatoxin risk. Precision Agriculture & UAS Remote Sensing highlights drone-based mapping, seeding depth control, and specialized software for site-specific management. Finally, Wetland Hydrology & Restoration compares constructed and natural wetlands via redox monitoring to guide restoration success. Links to each research topic’s dedicated page are provided below to facilitate deeper exploration.