COMPLEMENTING PRACTICAL APPLICATION WITH RECENT TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCES IN THE WMU FIELD HYDROGEOLOGY COURSE

The Hydrogeology Field Course (HFC) offered by the Department of Geosciences at Western Michigan University is one of the very few and longest running hydro-technical programs in the United States. This intensive 6-week course imparts professional-level skill sets through a series of one week modules: aquifer testing, environmental surface geophysics, groundwater sampling and monitoring, 40-hour HAZWOPER training, remediation and contaminant transport, and well drilling and installation. Best professional practices and hands-on student training on state-of-the-art, professional-level equipment are emphasized throughout each of these modules. Examples of newer technologies include professional-level geochemical, geophysical, and aquifer test postprocessing and visualization software, Bluetooth-enabled, cell phone apps used to support low-flow and traditional water sampling, real-time water level observations of up to 14 monitoring wells during pumping tests, advances in personal protective equipment, the latest technology in drilling and contaminant plume characterization, and the use of unmanned aerial vehicles during site assessment. The incorporation of this technology, some of which is in the beta-testing stage, is balanced with traditional measurements and data collection. Advances in industry and regulatory practices are conveyed to students through guest lectures and field exercises from industry experts and regulatory agency personnel.