INTRODUCTION
One of the key subdisciplines in the environmental sciences is hydrology. This field is concerned with the occurrence, movement, availability, and chemical quality of groundwater resources. My teaching and research program at California State University, Los Angeles is committed to providing students with basic and advanced hydrogeologic tools, as well as a working knowledge of the fundamental principals and theory of hydrogeology.
TEACHING INTERESTS
- Basic and Advanced Hydrogeology
- Vadose Zone Hydrology
- Watershed Analysis
- Hydrochemistry and Isotope Hydrology
- Field Methods in Hydrology
RESEARCH
My present research interests include numerical flow and solute tranport modeling, chemistry of dilute and saline waters, isotope and contaminant hydrology, stream/aquifer interactions, and the application of surface and borehole geophysical techniques to hydrogeologic problems and to problems of contaminant transport. Research areas include arid basins in the southwestern US and Mexico, urban areas in southern California, and coastal wetlands and watersheds along the Pacific Coast.
PUBLICATIONS (Papers): 2024
| Hibbs, B. in press 2024. Hydrogeological, Hydrochemical, and Geophysical Analysis of a Brine-Contaminated Aquifer Addressing Non-Unique Interpretations of Vertical Electrical Sounding Curves. Water 16, 19. | 2024 |
| Hibbs, B., Bautista, C., Alwood, L., and Drummond, M. 2024. Hydrogeologic and Hydrochemical Inputs to Emerging Wetlands on the Shores of the Receding Salton Sea, California. Journal of the American Water Resources Association 60, 3. https://doi.org/10.1111/1752-1688.13220 | 2024 |
| Hibbs, B.J.; Eastoe, C.J.; Merino, M. 2024. Issues of Bias in Groundwater Quality Data Sets in an Irrigated Floodplain Aquifer of Variable Salinity. Geosciences 14, 66. https://doi.org/10.3390/ geosciences14030066 | 2024 |
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
B.S. Geology, 1985
- Arizona State University
M.S. Hydrogeology, 1989
- University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Ph.D. Hydrogeology, 1993
- University of Texas at Austin
HONORS AND SPECIAL SERVICES
2023 Keith E. Anderson Award for exemplary service to the National Ground Water Association
2022 Author of Successful Petition to Have Cal-State University LA Certified as a Non Land-Grant College of Agriculture (NLGCA) by USDA-NIFA
2021 CSULA Provost Fellow
2018 Conference Best Paper Award, 9th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, American Academy of Sciences
2018 Outstanding Graduate Mentor Award, Cal-State University LA Graduate College (one of five recognized annually campus wide)
2016 Invited Plenary Keynote Speaker at 8th International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, American Academy of Sciences
2016 Guest Editor and Organizer of Theme Issue of Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education (Groundwater in Urban Areas Theme Issue)
2015 Phi Kappa Phi, National Collegiate Academic Honor Society, California State University LA
2014 Outstanding Professor Award, California State University LA (one of five annually campus wide)
2012 Elected Fellow, Geological Society of America (one of 60 Nationally, based on outstanding research and mentoring in hydrology)
2011 Guest Editor and Organizer of Theme Issue of Environmental and Engineering Geoscience Journal (Urban Hydrogeology Theme Issue, with John M. Sharp Jr. as Co-Guest Editor)
2008 Guest Editor and Organizer of Theme Issue of Ground Water Journal (Arid Zone Hydrogeology Theme Issue)
2007 Conference Poster Award, 3rd International Conference on Environmental Science and Technology, American Academy of Sciences
2002 Early tenure awarded based on outstanding teaching and research, CSULA
ACTIVE GRANTS
PI on grant "Comparative Analysis of Watershed Transferable Function in East River and Southern California Watersheds" ($680,000): Awarded by Department of Energy (2023-2026).
PI on grant "Training Diverse Students in Experiential Research, the Nexus Between Urban Natural Resources Management and Urban Agriculture" ($750,000): Awarded by US Department of Agriculture - National Institute of Food and Agriculture (2023-2028).
PI on grant “Growing Food in the City – Urban Food Gardens for Research and Education” ($274,924): Awarded by US Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (2020-2024).
PI on grant “Supplement to Changing Dynamics of Hydrological Systems in Urban Areas - Response to Human Disturbance and Climate Change” ($30,000): Awarded by National Science Foundation (2019-2024).
PI on grant “REU SITE: Changing Dynamics of Hydrological Systems in Urban Areas - Response to Human Disturbance and Climate Change” ($360,000): Awarded by National Science Foundation (2019-2024).