Charles T. Driscoll, Professor of Environmental Systems and Distinguished Professor
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Environmental Engineering, Smart Management of Water Systems for Sustainability, and Sustainability Science
Syracuse University, NY, USA
Ph.D., Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, 1980
Prof. Driscoll research interests are in environmental chemistry and biogeochemistry. He Investigate the response of forest, wetland, freshwater and marine ecosystems to disturbances, such air pollution, land-disturbance, domestic and industrial waters, climate change and invasive species. His research largely involves field research, but also includes the application of environmental models. This work mostly involves environmental issues in the northeastern U.S. and is oriented toward providing information that is relevant to the effective management of natural resources. Research funding is provided by the National Science Foundation, the Environmental Protection Agency, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, and the USDA Forest Service and the U.S. Park Service. Much of his work has focused on forest and associated aquatic resources, including studies at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, NH and the Huntington Forest in the Adirondacks, NY.
Prof. Driscoll also examines effects on wetlands, the Great Lakes, urban ecosystems, coastal waters and the open ocean. Over the past thirty years, he have advanced new analytical techniques, established and maintained long-term measurements and experiments, and developed a series of research and predictive models that simulate transformations of major chemical elements in forest vegetation, soil and surface waters in response to air pollution, climate and land disturbance.
To advance the “broader impacts” of research, Prof. Driscoll provides service to society through participation in various national and international committees and panels; advising federal and state agencies; working with natural resource managers and policy makers; briefing Congress and state officials; serving as an associate editor for the journal Biogeochemistry; and informing the media and the public on the results of research. Prof. Driscoll is particularly interested in multidisciplinary activities, and synthesis and translation of scientific and engineering research. He is interested in improving and advancing science communication and wants science and engineering information to be accessible to the public and policy-makers to help guide cost-effective decisions on natural resource management.
