CSULA geological sciences professor elected as a GSA Fellow
Barry Hibbs recognized for his research in environmental, hydrological issues
Los Angeles, CA – An expert on hydrology and environmental geochemistry, Cal State L.A.’s Professor Barry Hibbs (Thousand Oaks resident) was recently elected as a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (GSA).
The GSA recognized Professor Hibbs for his applied research of arid aquifers along the U.S./Mexico border, which includes outstanding contributions to groundwater flow analysis, water quality studies, documentation of surface/groundwater interactions, and management implications of his studies along the border. He is also credited with mentoring graduate students and sponsoring publications of their research.
Hibbs is one of 60 GSA members selected this year for distinguished contributions to the geosciences. GSA describes the Fellowship as “an honor bestowed on the best of our profession.” He will be honored at the 2012 GSA Annual Meeting awards ceremony on Monday, Nov. 5, at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina.
According to John M. Sharp of University of Texas at Austin, Hibbs is nominated for “his studies on the hydrogeology of arid basins and the effects of urbanization on water quality, his applied research on water and environmental issues, the training of geologists, and his service to the GSA.”
Recently, Hibbs headed a multi-agency, multi-university investigation of the availability, salinization and numerical modeling of groundwater resources of the El Paso/Juarez Valley. The work resulted in numerous journal publications and technical reports. He was also selected by the National Water Research Institute to serve on the Independent Advisory Panel to provide expert peer review of the technical, scientific, regulatory and policy aspects of a proposed groundwater replenishment project for the City of Los Angeles. Hibbs was instrumental in launching the Hydrology and Water Policy Program at Cal State L.A., funded through a $250,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Education.
A CSULA faculty member since 1997, Hibbs teaches courses in groundwater hydrology, water quality, watershed analysis, field methods, and groundwater management and modeling. From 1999 to 2009, Hibbs was a component director of the National Science Foundation-funded Center for Environmental Analysis: Centers for Research Excellence in Science and Technology (CEA-CREST) at Cal State L.A. The CEA-CREST research and educational program exposed CSULA students to research experiences and career opportunities in the environmental sciences. Hibbs also previously served as graduate adviser for both the M.S. in geology (hydrogeology option) and for the M.S. in environmental science (hydrology option).
During his tenure at CSULA, Hibbs has published more than 200 papers and abstracts, and has received more than $6 million in external funding as a principal investigator and co-principal investigator. Hibbs earned his B.S. in geology at Arizona State University, M.S. in hydrogeology at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and a Ph.D. in hydrogeology at the University of Texas at Austin.
“Certainly it came as a very pleasant surprise to be elected a Fellow of GSA,” said Hibbs. “Any success I may have had in hydrological research is owed a great deal to Cal State L.A.’s CEA-CREST Program.”
Founded in 1888, GSA is dedicated to the advancement of the geosciences and has a global membership of more than 24,000 scientists, students and teachers. The nature of the contributions to the science made by Fellowship members may take many forms, including publication of the results of geological research, applied research, training of geologists, administration of geological programs, and other criteria deemed appropriate for the award.
For more information about GSA, visit http://www.geosociety.org/. For a list of GSA Fellows, go to http://www.geosociety.org/members/newFellows.htm.
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