Jay Zarnetske
- Professor
- Freshwater resource issues Catchment Hydrology Hydrogeology Cryosphere Aquatic Ecosystems
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- 517-353-3249
- jpz@msu.edu
WEBSITE
BIOGRAPHY
Jay Zarnetske is a professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Michigan State University, where he studies watershed science and helps train the next generation of environmental scientists. His research group focuses on how hydrologic processes can control complex freshwater ecosystem patterns and processes. Most of their research deals with groundwater - surface water interactions in river corridors and networks, emergent biogeochemical processes in ecosystems, nitrogen and carbon export and retention in stream networks, and Arctic and permafrost-influenced catchment hydrology and biogeochemistry. Their methods involve a range of characterization techniques (e.g., tracers, isotopes, geophysics, experiments and machine learning) and coupled hydraulic and ecosystem process modeling (e.g., reactive nutrient transport). Working with scientists and policy makers around the world, Jay has been part of research projects done on every continent, generating more than 70 publications, hundreds of presentations, and dozens of educational and outreach products. He is also a passionate geoscience educator and recipient of multiple teaching and mentoring awards from student organizations. Additionally, he helped lead an international team that changed the way the global water cycle is depicted and taught around the world, led science outreach exhibits in multiple countries, and served on the board of directors for the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Sciences Inc (CUAHSI) for six years, including serving as chair of the board of directors in 2023.
AREA OF EXPERTISE
- Freshwater resource issues
- Catchment Hydrology
- Hydrogeology
- Cryosphere
- Aquatic Ecosystems