William Simpkins

  • Professor Emeritus

Bio

Research

My research focused primarily on groundwater flow and geochemistry in aquitards (confining units) of glacial origin (primarily till and loess). Within that broad framework, I investigated physical groundwater flow and chemical properties of groundwater in the till; using radioactive and stable isotopes to elucidate groundwater source and age; describe and quantify groundwater transport of agricultural chemicals in till, including the interaction of groundwater with lakes and streams and tile drainage; and examined the vertical integrity of the aquitards using anthropogenic tracers and aquifer tests.

Awards

  • Early Achievement in Departmental Leadership Award, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (2017)
  • George Burke Maxey Distinguished Service Award, Hydrogeology Division, Geological Society of America (2015)
  • Outstanding Faculty Member, selected by the Phi Kappa Theta fraternity (2014)
  • Outstanding Teaching Award, ISU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (2008)
  • College of Liberal Arts and Sciences 150 Most Fascinating People (2007)
  • College of Agriculture Team Award, Agroecology Issue Team (2003)
  • Master Teacher Award, ISU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (2002)
  • Fellow, Geological Society of America (2002)

Education

B.A., Geology, Augustana College (Illinois)

M.S., Geology and Geophysics; M.S., Water Resources Management, University of Wisconsin-Madison

Ph.D., Geology and Geophysics, University of Wisconsin-Madison