Jeremy R Patterson

I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences at University of North Carolina-Wilmington and the principal investigator for the Physical Hydrogeology Research Group. Water is a thread that weaves it's way through the entirety of my life, from fishing small mountain streams as a kid to whitewater rafting and kayaking as an adult. I was first exposed to groundwater during a deployment with the U.S. Army. My deployment experience combined with an innate curiosity, and a strong motivation to conserve the natural environment inspired me to pursue degrees in geoscience with a focus on hydrogeology. Outside of work I spend my time playing guitar, running, reading, cooking, and eating.

Education

Ph.D. in Geoscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison
M.S. in Geoscience, University of Wisconsin-Madison
B.S. in Geoscience, Colorado State University

Research Interests

My research addresses water resource challenges through improved understanding of subsurface aquifer systems across a range of scales. I combine hydrologic and geophysical measurements with modeling techniques to better characterize aquifers and support sustainable water management decisions. Current projects examine how aquifer properties respond to stress and explore innovative monitoring approaches for tracking changes in groundwater systems. I am now expanding this framework to coastal hydrogeology problems, including saltwater intrusion and the impacts of sea-level rise on freshwater resources.