Environmental and engineering geology integrate geologic principles with engineering concepts to meet growing demands in infrastructure development, resource management, and disaster resilience. With the global population projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, mounting environmental pressures and climate variability emphasize the need for innovative, data-driven solutions. The field has traditionally focused on constructing critical facilities, such as dams, tunnels, and other subsurface structures, and mitigating hazards like floods, landslides, and earthquakes. It has now expanded its scope to promote sustainable development and environmental stewardship.

In this new era, high-resolution remote sensing, advanced numerical simulations, and artificial intelligence enable more robust interpretation of vast geoscience datasets, from mapping flood extents using synthetic aperture radar to classifying complex soil textures for engineering geology. These technologies significantly enhance hazard prediction, resilience-building, and resource planning when integrated with open-access data and global repositories. Incidents like the Edenville Dam failure emphasize the critical need for proactive data analysis and decision support systems. By embracing emerging technologies and forging collaborations across academia, government, and industry, environmental and engineering geologists can play a pivotal role in ensuring that critical infrastructure and natural systems remain resilient and sustainable.

Bio:

Thomas Oommen is Professor and Chair of Geology and Geological Engineering at the University of Mississippi. He began his academic career at Michigan Technological University, serving 13 years in geological engineering and progressing from Assistant to Associate to Professor. He has contributed significantly to understanding earth materials, geologic processes, and geohazards, applying those insights to engineering and hazard mitigation. His research leverages remote sensing and machine learning to address critical issues in site characterization, infrastructure monitoring, and geohazards. Recognized for developing collaborations across academia, government, and industry, he has secured over $12 million in research funding from various agencies and industry partners, authored over 100 peer-reviewed journal publications, and advanced transformative approaches to engineering geology. An active leader, he served as Past Chair of the Geological Society of America’s Environmental and Engineering Geology Division. He currently chairs the American Society of Civil Engineers-Geoinstitute’s Engineering Geology and Site Characterization Committee, is the Chair of the awards committee of the American Geophysical Union Natural Hazards section, and is the Co-Editor for the Journal of Environmental and Engineering Geoscience. With a strong commitment to mentorship, he guides students and cultivates a supportive, research-focused environment.