Cathy Ryan
Positions
Contact information
Background
Credentials
P Eng, P Geo, APEGA ,
Educational Background
PhD Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, 1994
MSc Earth Sciences, University of Waterloo, 1987
BASc Geological Engineering, Queen's University, 1984
Research
Areas of Research
Our team is seeking undergraduate students in earth science, geoscience, environmental science, or engineering candidates that are interested in a summer 2024 PURE or NSERC USRA research experience. Students interested in field- and lab-based research experience are encouraged to send an email with their resume and academic record to cryan@ucalgary.ca
- Measuring and monitoring free phase and dissolved gases in groundwater
- Mountain watershed hydrology and hydrogeology
- Geogenic sources of radon
- Groundwater - surface water interaction
- Fugitive methane around oil and gas-related activities
- Hydrogeology capacity building
Almost all of the students I work with conduct relatively applied community and field-focused groundwater and surface water research. We use all manner of tools, including physical hydro(geo)logy measurements, geochemical and isotopic characterization, environmental monitoring, and drilling and completion of groundwater monitoring wells. The weather isn't always as good as in the photos(!) but the interactions with community and industry stakeholders usually is.
Recent sources of research funding include the National Science and Engineering Research Council, Petroleum Technology Alliance of Canada, and the Alberta Innovates Water Innovation Program.
I mainly conduct my research with graduate students and PostDocs. The topics we co-research are in the space between their interests and the topics that I have research funding to support.
Most students choose to participate in internships with industry or community partners, which I encourage.
Participation in university strategic initiatives
Awards
- Peak Scholar Award, Office of the Vice-President (Research). 2018
- Faculty Service Excellence , Geoscience Department. 2019
Publications
In the News
- Heavy rainfall main driver of floods – not snowpack. Rocky Mountain Outlook. (2022)
- Live television interview with NZK TV Nazca on groundwater field work conducted in the context of the Nasca Lines. NZK Television. (2019)
- Research helps identify source of old water in the Elbow River. Elbow River Watershed Partnership Newsletter. Elbow River Water Partnership Newsletter. (2017)
- . Can carbon dioxide trigger geyser eruptions?. EOS. (2016)
More Information
With a bias towards my aesthetic
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