John McCray, Ph.D.
Current Post-Doctoral Students
Mengistu Geza
Research Topic: Watershed-scale contaminant transport modeling, infiltration of pharmaceuticals, N, and P from wastewater sources.
PhD: Biosystems Engineering, Oklahoma State University, USA
MS: Water Resources Engineering, University of Karlsruhe, Germany
BS: Agricultural Engineering, Alemaya University, Ethiopia
E-mail: mgezanis@mines.edu
Current PhD Students (8)
Peggy Altman, PhD Environmental Science and Engineering (Contaminant Hydrology)
Research Topic: Dissolution and attenuation of organic liquid contaminants in fractured aquifers during bioremediation.
M.S. Education, Western Carolina University; B.A., Geology, Washington and Lee University
E-mail: paltman@mines.edu
Kaneen Christensen, PhD Environmental Science and Engineering (Contaminant Hydrology)
Research Topic: Dissolution of organic liquid contaminants in fractured aquifers during chemical-oxidation remediation.
M.S. Geology, University of New Hampshire;
BS Environ Science and B.S. Geology – SUNY Binghamton University
E-mail: Kaneen.Christensen@usap.gov
Sean Davenport, PhD, Environmental Science and Engineering (Contaminant Hydrology)
Research Topic: Enhanced field-scale remediation of organic chemicals in ground water using polymers and chemical oxidants.
BS Chemistry, East Tennessee State University
E-mail: sdavenpo@mines.edu
Kristin Mikkelson, PhD, Hydrologic Science and Engineering
Research Topic: Nuclear contaminant transport in hydrogeologic systems
B.S. Environmental Engineering, Cornell
E-mail: kmikkels@mines.edu
Sophia Seo, PhD, Geological Engineering (co-Advisor, Eileen Poeter)
Research Topic: NAPL mixture and multiphase flow modeling.
M.S. Geochemistry, Ewha Womens’ University, Korea.
E-mail: hseo@mines.edu
Jeff Silva, PhD Environmental Science and Engineering (Remediation)
Research Topic: Polymer-enhanced ground-water bioremediation
M.S.,B.S, Hydrology, University of Arizona
E-mail: jsilva@mines.edu
Megan Smith, PhD Hydrologic Science and Engineering (Remediation/ Environmental Chemistry)
Research Topic: Polymer-enhanced chemical-oxidation remediation in ground water.
M.S. Geochemistry, University of California Berkeley; B.S. Geology, University of Oregon
E-mail: megsmith@mines.edu
Assaf Wunsch, PhD Hydrologic Science and Engineering (Remediation/ Environmental Chemistry)
Research Topic: Nitrogen fate and transport during wastewater infiltration: model development
B.S. Geology and Environmental Studies, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
E-mail: assafwunsch@yahoo.com
Current MS Students (4)
Sarah Roberts, M.S. Hydrologic Science and Engineering
Research Topic: Transport and transformation of wastewater-derived pharmaceuticals in the unsaturated zone.
B.S. Geology, James Madison University
E-mail: sarobert@mines.edu
Kathleen Bendall Lindstrom, M.S., Hydrologic Science and Engineering
Research Topic: Contaminant transport and hydrologic modeling.
B.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering, Michigan Tech.
E-mail: kbendall@mines.edu
Jared King, M.S. Environmental Science and Engineering (Hydrology & Water Resources)
Research Topic: Contaminant Transport and Storage in Fractured Rock
B.S. Environmental Science, University of New Mexico
E-mail: jaking@mines.edu
Carter, Thurman, M.S., Hydrologic Science and Engineering
Research Topic: Characterization and optimizing remediation of a oil-refinery site.
B.S. Geological Sciences, University of the South
E-mail: cthurman@Mines.edu
Graduated PhD Students (10)
Cüneyt GuLER, PhD Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 2002.
Currently: Assistant Professor, Mersin University (Turkey).
MS, Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines (1998),
B.S., Geological Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey (1994).
Dissertation Title: Hydrogeochemical evaluation of the groundwater resources of Indian Wells-Owens Valley Area, Southeastern California (2002), 262 p.
Website: http://www.mersin.edu.tr/apbs/apbs.php?id=639
Kyle Murray, PhD. Geol. Engr. Colorado School of Mines, 2003.
Currently: Assistant Professor, Dept. Earth & Environ. Science, University of Texas at San Antonio.
Assistant Dean for Undergraduate Research, UTSA.
M.S. Hydrogeology, Wright State University, B.S. Geography, Shippensburg State.
Dissertation: Spatial analysis and modeling of water resources in Colorado utilizing Geoscientific Information Systems.
Web page: http://www.utsa.edu/hydroGIS/Kyle_Murray.htm
Raymond H. Johnson, Ph.D., Geological Engineering, Colorado School of Mines, 2003
Currently: Research Geologist and Mendenhall Postdoctoral Fellow with the U.S. Geological Survey, Denver CO.
M.S. Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
B.S. Geology, Allegheny College, Meadville, Pennsylvania
Dissertation: Characterization of subsurface DNAPL movement with ground penetrating radar and inverse multiphase flow simulations
Website: http://geology.usgs.gov/postdoc/profiles/johnson.html
Craig Divine, PhD Geochemistry (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2004
Currently: Senior Hydrogeologist, ARCADIS G&M, Highlands Ranch, CO
MS, Watershed Science, Colorado State University, BS, Biology, Wheaton College
Dissertation Title: Advances in subsurface contaminant characterization.
E-mail: CDivine@arcadis-us.com
Kelly Greaser, PhD Geological Engineering (Hydrochemistry), Colorado School of Mines, 2004.
Currently: Senior Project Hydrogeologist/Geochemist, Golder Associates Inc.
B.S., Geology, Old Dominion University
Dissertation Title: Modeling solid-water interactions in mineralized areas: An example from Red Dog, Alaska
E-mail: KGreaser@golder.com
Richard Statom, PhD Geology (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2004.
Currently: Assistant Professor, Dept. Physics and Earth Science, University of Northern Alabama.
B.S. Geol. University of Southern Alabama, M.S., Geol., Mississippi State University
Dissertation: Temporal Trends and Spatial Variations in Leachate Chemistry at a Municipal Solid Waste Landfill in Florida
E-mail: rastatom@una.edu
Website: http://www2.una.edu/physics/geol.htm
Jason Gurdak, PhD Geochemistry, 2006.
Currently: Research Scientist, U.S. Geological Survey, Water Resources Division, Lakewood CO.
M.S. Environmental Science & Engr., Colorado School of Mines; BS Geology, Bates College
Dissertation Title: Advances in spatial and temporal analysis of ground-water vulnerability to non-point source contamination, High Plains aquifer
E-mail: jjgurdak@usgs.gov
Web site: http://www.mines.edu/students/j/jgurdak/
Magnus Skold, PhD Geological Engineering, (Hydrogeology), 2006.
Currently: Senior Hydrochemist, ARCADIS G&M, Highlands Ranch, CO
Research Topic: Chemical-enhanced remediation of mixed waste
M.S. Environmental Science & Engr., Colorado School of Mines; BS Environmental Engineering, Lulea University of Technology, Sweden
E-mail: magnus.skold@arcadis-us.com
David Lipson, PhD Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2008.
Currently: Senior Hydrogeologist, Arcadis, Lakewood, CO
Dissertation Title: Evaluation of Geologic Controls on Solute Transport in Fractured Rock: Field, Modeling, and Laboratory Investigations
M.S. Earth Sciences, Syracuse University; BS Environ Science-Forestry, SUNY
E-mail: lipsond@msn.com
Schaun Smith, PhD Geology (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2008.
Currently: Staff Scientist, Environmental Remediation, Chevron
Dissertation Title: Paleohydrogeologic Modeling of Groundwater Resources from A.D. 600 to 1300 and the Relationship to Ancestral Pueblo Settlement Population Dynamics, Central Mesa Verde Region, Southwest Colorado M.S. Environmental Science & Engineering, Colorado School of Mines;
M.S. Geology, Louisiana Tech University; B.S. Geological Sciences, University of Texas at Austin.
E-mail: SchaunMSmith@chevron.com
Graduated M.S. Students (19)
Karen Morgan, M.S. Geology, Colorado School of Mines, 2000.
Currently: GIS Specialist, Colorado Geological Survey, Denver CO.
B.S. Geology, New Mexico Tech
Thesis Title: Spatial Analysis and Modeling of Geochemical Distribution to Assess Fracture Flow in Turkey Creek Basin, Jefferson County, Colorado
Webpage: http://geosurvey.state.co.us/
Stephanie Schlosser, M.S. Geochemistry, Colorado School of Mines, 2001.
Currently: Environmental Specialist, JBR Environmental Consultants, Inc., Elko, NV
B.S. Environmental Geology and Technology (Hydrogeology), University of North Dakota
Thesis Title: Vulnerability Assessment of Colorado Aquifers to Pesticide Contamination
Webpage: www.jbrenv.com
Deborah Beach, M.S. Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2001.
Currently: PhD Program, Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences, Michigan Tech
Thesis Title: The use of one-dimensional columns and unsaturated flow modeling to assess the hydraulic processes in soil-based wastewater treatment systems.
Website: http://www.geo.mtu.edu/~dnbeach/
Shiloh Kirkland, M.S. Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2001.
Currently: Environmental Engineer, The Forrester Group Inc., Springfield, MO
B.S. Geological Engineering, University of Missouri-Rolla
Thesis Title: Coupling Site-Scale Fate and Transport with Watershed-Scale Modeling to Assess the Cumulative Effects of Nutrients from Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems
Webpage: http://www.forrestergroup.com/resumes/shiloh_kirkland_resume.asp
Joseph McCarthy, M.S. Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2003.
Currently: University of Washington, School of Law; Washington Water Trust (Project Consultant); Center for Environmental Law and Policy (Project Consultant)
B.A. Geology & Political Science, Whittier College, Whittier, CA
Thesis Title: Evaluation of unsaturated atrazine fate and transport using Hydrus-1D simulations: Central High Plains.
Paula Jo Lemonds, M.S. Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2003 .
Currently: Water Resources Engineer, HDR Inc., Austin TX
B.S. Geology , Texas A&M University , 2000
Thesis Title: Modeling pollution transport and fate to assess the effects of onsite wastewater systems on the Lake Dillon Watershed, Colorado.
Webpage: hdrinc.com
Heather Smith, M.S. Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2004.
Currently: Director of Environmental Remediation, U.S. Antarctic Program, NSF- Raytheon, Denver
B.S. Geological Sciences, University of Washington
Thesis Title: Hydrogeologic and geochemical analysis of the Blue River Watershed, Colorado.
David V. Williams, M.S. Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2004.
Currently: Senior Hydrogeologist/Engineer, URS Corporation, Denver CO
B.S. Agricultural/Environmental Engineering, Texas A&M University
Thesis Title: Hydrogeological and Hydrochemical Framework for Indian Wells Valley, California: Evidence for Interbasin Flow in the Southern Sierra Nevada
E-mail: dwilliams95@mac.com
Kirk Heatwole, M.S. Environmental Science & Engineering (Water Resources), 2005.
Currently: Geomega Inc., Boulder CO.
B.S. Geological Engineering and Geology & Geophysics, University of Wisconsin Madison
Thesis Title: Modeling subsurface fate and transport of nitrogen from onsite wastewater systems
email: kheatwol@mines.edu
website: http://www.mines.edu/academic/envsci/people/student/KirkHeatwole.pdf
Sarah Doyle, MS Environmental Science and Engineering (Contaminant Hydrology), 2005.
Currently: Golder Inc., Golden CO.
BS Chemistry, University of Texas at Austin
Thesis title: Phosphorus transport and fate during onsite wastewater treatment
E-mail: sedoyle@golder.com
Johnathon Bumgarner, M.S., Geological Sciences (Hydrogeology), University of Texas - Austin, 2005.
Currently: Water Resources Engineer, QEA LLC, Austin TX
B.S. Geological Sciences (Hydrogeology), University of Texas
Thesis Title: Estimating biozone hydraulic conductivity in wastewater soil absorption systems using inverse numerical modeling.
E-mail: jbumgarner@qeallc.com
Nate Rothe, M.S. Environmental Science and Engineering (Wastewater Treatment), 2006.
Currently: PhD student with Dr John Spear, Environmental Science and Engineering Division, Colorado School of Mines
B.S Environmental Engineering, Colorado School of Mines
Thesis title: Comparison of raw wastewater and septic tank effluent composition through literature and field investigations,
E-mail: nrothe@mines.edu
Danielle Bailey, M.S., Hydrogeology, (at University of Texas at Austin), 2006.
Currently: Consulting Hydrogeologist, Houston Texas.
B.S. Geol., Texas A&M University
Thesis Title: Methods comparison and spatial analysis of field parameter quantification of unsaturated flow at an existing wastewater infiltration system: Mines Park, Golden Colorado.
email: bailey_danny@hotmail.com
Neal Jordan Dimick, M.S. Hydrologic Science and Engineering, 2007.
Currently: Water Resources Engineer for Cam Dresser and McKee (ground water modeling, remediation, geophysics)
B.S. Geophysical Engineering, Colorado School of Mines.
Thesis Title: The ability to predict groundwater flow in a structurally faulted river basin valley with naturally occurring hot springs using multivariate geochemical analyses (co-advisor, Mike Baetzle, Geophysics).
E-mail: ndimick@mines.edu
Mia Tucholke, M.S. Hydrologic Science and Engineering, 2007
Currently: Research Associate, Colorado School of Mines (Environmental Science and Engineering).
B.S. Environmental Science, Metropolitan State College of Denver
Thesis title: Statistical assessment of relationships between denitrification and easily measurable soil properties: a simple predictive tool for watershed-scale modeling
E-mail: mtucholk@mines.edu
Raleigh Schmidt, M.S. Environmental Science and Engineering, 2007
Currently: Independent Environmental Microbiologist
B.A. Biology, Concordia College (Minnesota)
Thesis Title: Characterization of the bacterial and archaeal communities in coalbed methane aquifers in the Wyodakanderson coal zone of the Powder River Basin, WY using polar lipid analysis techniques
E-mail: raleighas@yahoo.com
Tamee Albrecht, M.S., Hydrologic Science and Engineering, 2007
Currently: Independent Hydrochemist
B.S. Geology, University of Massachusetts
Thesis Title: Characterization of the hydrochemical variability of water resources in the southeast Piceance Basin, Colorado.
Co-advisor Prof. Geoffrey Thyne.
E-mail: talbrech@mines.edu
Gretchen Oldham, M.S., Environmental Science & Engineering (Hydrology & Water Resources), 2008.
Currently: Environmental Engineer, Arcadis, Portland, Or
Thesis Topic: Contaminant transport of emerging organic chemicals in riverbank filtration systems: experiments and modleing.
Co-advisor: Prof. Joerg Drewes.
BS Geology, Western Washington University.
Thesis Title:
E-mail: buscemifan@hotmail.com
Jason Deardorff, M.S., Environmental Science and Engineering
Research Topic: Carbon dioxide sequestration in geologic media
B.S. Geology, Appalachian State University
E-mail: jdeardor@mines.edu
Graduated M.S. Non-thesis Students (3)
Sonya Cadle, M.E., Geological Engineering (Hydrogeology), Colorado School of Mines, 2002.
Currently: Project Hydrologist, Arcadis, Lakewood, CO
B.S. Geology, Northern Illinois University
Report Title: Ground-water Model for a Fractured Bedrock Aquifer in Aspen Park, CO.
Sonya.Cadle@arcadis-us.com
Kyle Richards, M.S. HSE, 2006.
Currently: Arcadis, Denver CO
B.S. Forestry, Colorado State University
Kyle.Richards@arcadis-us.com
Ronald Salomonson, M.S. ESE (Remediation and Characterization), 2006.
Currently: Arcadis, Denver CO
Current Graduate Student Thesis Committees (13)
Katie Benko, PhD ESE, Wastewater treatment of water produced during oil/gas extraction.
Sarah Christopherson, PhD, Univ. Minnesota, Phosphorus reactive transport in the vadose zone.
Diana Cook, PhD GE, Slope stability and drainage
Nathan Hancock, PhD ESE, Water reclamation during natural gas production.
Sophie Hancock, PhD, Geol, Geohydrology of a uranium deposit at Lost Creek, WY.
Christiana Hoppe, PhD ESE, Riverbank filtration of pharmaceuticals
Emily Lescher, PhD. ESE, Transport of radionuclides in soil.
Andy Miller, PhD ESE, Transport of uranium in ground water
Judith Schenk, PhD, GE, Ground-water modeling and optimization
Jennifer (JT) Teerlink, PhD, ESE, Riverbank filtration of pharmaceuticals
Elizabeth Conover, M.S., HSE/Geol, Plume characterization with statistical and inverse methods
Amber Patrick M.S., Environmental Science, University of Texas at San Antonio
Nate Walker, M.S., ESE, water reclamation & desalination for a geothermal power plant
Committee Students who have previously graduated (36)
Sarah Stetson, PhD Chemistry (2008), Using Stable isotopes to evaluate mercury and mine pollution.
Kathy DeJong, PhD ESE, (2008), Pharmaceutical fate /transport in onsite wastewater systems.
Jordan Revielle, M.S., HSE/GE, (2008) Fractal analysis of dispersion
Jose Gago, PhD ESE, (2007) Contaminant hydrology , NAPL transport
Teresa Nealon, M.S., HSE/ESE, (2008) Watershed modeling of Upper Colorado River Basin
Ruth Tinnacher, PhD ESE (2008), Radioactive metal transport
Kimberly McDugal, MS HSE, (2008) Contaminant transport modeling optimization.
Jim McKinley, PhD ESE, (2007) Biozone formation in onsite wastewater systems
Marla Knebl, PhD, Univ. Texas at Austin (2006), weather/ flood modeling for San Antonio River basis
Derrick Rodriquez, PhD ESE (2006), NAPL migration in the subsurface
Barbara Harvey Butler, PhD, ESE (2005), Metals transport in aqueous, mine-impacted systems.
Kaylene Ritter, PhD, Chem (2005), dissolved organic matter in natural waters.
Anthony Ranelli, PhD, Chem (2005), mountain watershed hydrology.
Tonja Rauch, PhD, ESE (2005), treatment of emerging organics in riverbank filtration systems.
Sheila van Cuyk, PhD, ESE (2003), wastewater microbial transformation during transport in soils.
Lee Landkamer, PhD, ESE, (2003), radioactive metal transport and sorption.
Satawat “Pom” Saenton, PhD ESE, (2003), metal transport in natural aqueous systems.
Cetin Kantar, PhD, ESE (2002), radioactive metal transport and sorption.
Tristan Wellman, PhD, GE (2005), optimized ground-water modeling in mountain aquifers.
Ryan Oesterreich, MS ESE, Volatilization of organic contaminants during sampling
Fritz Krembs, MS ESE, Chemical-oxidation remediation design
Craig Harran, M.S., GE, Unsaturated zone modeling at mine sites
Rebecca Parzen, M.S. ESE (2007), Onsite wastewater infiltration and isotopic analysis
Amanda Dolezal, MS, ESE (2007), Mine site remediation in Colorado
Melissa Northcutt, MS, GE (2007), Unsaturated zone modeling at Antarctic Lakes
Ryan Walsh, M.S., ESE (2006), soil-based wastewater treatment.
Ben Petri, M.S. ESE (2006), chemical-oxidation remediation of NAPLs.
Charlotte Zarter Dimick, M.S., ESE (2005), wastewater nitrogen treatment at the field scale
Jason Sahl, M.S., ESE (2005), microbial attenuation of organics after chemical oxidation.
Sarah Seitz, M.S., ESE (2004), chemical-oxidation remediation of organic pollutants.
Liane Storer, M.S. GE (2004), surface-water ground-water interactions for a mountain stream.
Greg VanderBeek, M.S. GE (2004), Ground-water modeling in a mountain watershed.
Kathy Dano, M.S., GC (2004), impact of septic systems on watershed-scale water quality.
Kelly Keese, M.S. Geos, University of Texas, (2004). Modeling climate change and recharge
Katy Kier, M.S. Geos, University of Texas, (2004). Modeling ground-water quality at regional scales.
Samantha Tokash, M.S. GE (2003). Hydrochemical analysis of mine pollution, Snake River, Co
Margaret Dodds Osburne, M.S., Geol. (2003), transport of organic contaminants in a landfill.
Zachary Ceplecha, M.S. Colorado State University (2002). Aquifer vulnerability to nitrate pollution.
Eric Vestal, M.S., ESE (2002), Modeling NAPL dissolution and transport.
Tom Peebles, M.S., GE (2002), vadose-zone modeling.
Quintin Moore, MS ESE (2001), modeling NAPL transport in the subsurface.
Elizabeth Fischer, M.S., ESE (1999), nitrogen transformation in soil based wastewater treatment.
Amanda Struse, M.S., ESE (1999), chemical oxidation remediation of organic pollutants.
Sharon Day Yacob, M.S., Geol. (2003), aquifer-scale water quality and hydrochemical analysis.