Michael J. Stephens
About Michael J. Stephens
Michael J. Stephens is a hydrologist with a background in geology, holding a Bachelor of Science from the University of Southern Indiana and a Master of Science from California State University-Sacramento. He has worked at the U.S. Geological Survey since 2017, focusing on groundwater resources and the impacts of oil and gas development on water quality.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Michael J. Stephens has been employed at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) as a Hydrologist since 2017. His work is based at the California Water Science Center, where he focuses on groundwater resources. He is involved in the California Oil, Gas, and Groundwater (COGG) program, which assesses the impacts of oil and gas development on water resources. His role includes utilizing geophysical and geochemical data to map groundwater salinity in and around oil fields.
Education and Expertise
Michael J. Stephens holds a Bachelor of Science in Geology from the University of Southern Indiana. He furthered his education by obtaining a Master of Science in Geology from California State University-Sacramento. His academic background provides a strong foundation for his expertise in hydrology, particularly in the analysis of groundwater resources and the effects of oil and gas activities on these resources.
Background
Before transitioning to a career in hydrology, Michael J. Stephens worked as an Automotive Technician at Expressway Chevrolet in Evansville, Indiana, from 2002 to 2015. This role spanned 13 years and provided him with practical skills that may contribute to his analytical approach in hydrology. He also gained experience in academia as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and a Research Assistant at California State University-Sacramento from 2015 to 2017.
Research and Projects
In his current role at the USGS, Michael J. Stephens contributes to significant research initiatives, particularly the California Oil, Gas, and Groundwater (COGG) program. His work involves mapping groundwater salinity using geophysical and geochemical data, which is crucial for understanding the environmental impacts of oil and gas development on water resources.