Faculty - Directory

Dr. CHRIS GROVES  is the University Distinguished Professor of Hydrogeology at Western Kentucky University, where he directs the Crawford Hydrology Lab. He received a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences at the University of Virginia, and has since developed an active international research program in hydrogeology, geochemistry, and water resources, with karst fieldwork in 25 countries. He has been particularly active in the extensive karst region of rural southwest China, having now made 36 trips. In January 2017, Groves received the China International Science and Technology Cooperation Award, that country’s highest honor for foreign scientists, from China’s President Xi Jinping. Groves has served as co-Leader for several karst-related United Nations scientific programs, including IGCP/SIDA598 “Environmental Change and Sustainability of Karst Systems” from 2011-2016. He also serves on the Governing Board of the International Research Center on Karst under the Auspices of UNESCO. He is an Associate Editor of the Hydrogeology Journal, and has published in the field’s leading journals, including Groundwater, Water Resources Research, Journal of Hydrology, and Geomorphology. For many years, Groves has studied and explored of the caves and surface landscapes of Mammoth Cave National Park and International Biosphere Reserve. This has included service as an expedition leader, Member of the Board of Directors, and President of the Cave Research Foundation. For more information about research opportunities contact Dr Groves at chris.groves@wku.edu.