Steve Fitzpatrick
Sr. Lecturer Life & Earth Sciences- Education
Ph.D.: Chemistry with a concentration in Geology, Georgia State University, 2018
M.S. Geology, University of Georgia, 2011
A.B. Geology, University of Georgia, 2008
- Specializations
a. Differential time-dependent deposition of marine sediments on barrier island backshores and in barrier island tidal streams
b. Shallow field geophysics including hydrogeophysics, utilizing shallow field methods such as ground- penetrating radar (GPR) and electrical resistivity to image and quantify soil moisture and flowpaths within shallow Earth layers
c. Groundwater contaminant transport characterization and modeling
d. Aqueous geochemistry in freshwater and groundwater environments: fate and transport of metals, organic/inorganic chemical species in aqueous and sedimentary environments, the transport of adsorbed materials
e. Soil physics utilizing field measurements as interpreted analytically and through modeling techniques
f. Pedology, soil classification and characterization in the field and laboratory
g. Hydrogeology and hydrology including modeling and field mapping
h. Environmental geoscience and ecology, including environmental remediation
i. Wildfire science and modeling
j. Planetary geology: hydrology of exoplanets
k. Standard and GIS-based geological mapping in both plan and cross-section
l. Data-gathering methods in the field and field research
- Biography
My main research background is in hydrogeology, shallow-field geophysics, and soil science. My graduate research was in characterizing near-surface hydrological processes through ground-penetrating radar exploration and soil analyses, as well as ongoing investigations in fluvial hydrology and limnology. I holds an MS degree in geology from UGA with work towards a doctorate. I also helped develop an innovative technique for soil monolith construction which became a published paper. I have collaborated with researchers at Georgia Tech on methods for teaching the acoustics of seismic waves. I am currently writing an environmental science textbook. My teaching career began in 2010 at Georgia Perimeter College, later GSU Perimeter College. I teach geology, environmental science and integrated science. I do outdoor activities like boating, camping, hiking and fishing, which is part of what drew me to geology. I also enjoy travelling.
- Recognitions and Awards
a. Who's Who Among Students in American Universities & Colleges, Georgia State University, 2016
b. Bernadette and Gilles Allard Award, Department of Geology, University of Georgia, 2010
c. Joseph W. Berg Scholarship in Geophysics, Department of Geology, University of Georgia, 2010
d. Miriam Watts-Wheeler Graduate Studies Student Fund, Department of Geology, University of Georgia, 2010
e. Joseph W. Berg Scholarship in Geophysics, Department of Geology, University of Georgia, 2009
- Committees and Organizations
- Geology group within LES
- NTT Promotions Committee
- Publications
Publications
- Fitzpatrick, S.D., Schroeder, P.A., and Endale, D., 2014, “Creating Deep Soil Cores: Beyond the Solum”. Southeastern Geology, v. 51, n. 2, 2015
- Master’s Thesis, Department of Geology, University of Georgia, 2011
- Senior Thesis, Department of Geology, University of Georgia, 2008: “Geological Controls on Fractured Bedrock Wells in the Piedmont: A Case Study in Franklin County, Georgia” Advisor: Dr. John Dowd
Meeting Abstracts
- Fitzpatrick, S.D. March 2015, A STEM Based Approach to Teaching Geophysics Utilizing Sound Files. Oral presentation: 2015 Southeastern Section Geological Society of America Annual Meeting.
Chattanooga, Tennessee - Fitzpatrick, S.D., November 2012, A Method for Creating Soil Core Monoliths Using a Solution of Acetone and Polyvinylidene Chloride. Poster presentation: 2012 Southeastern Section Geological Society of America Annual Meeting. Asheville, North Carolina