W. Richard Laton, PhD

Professor of Hydrogeology
Department of Geological Sciences
California State University, Fullerton

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Professional Summary

Dr. Laton is an expert in the field of geology/hydrology/hydrogeology.  He is currently a Professor of Hydrogeology in the Department of Geological Sciences, California State University, Fullerton and the prestigious 2014 Ross Oliver award winner.  This is a continuation of a career that includes years of teaching, consulting, litigation support and management experience.  Dr. Laton possesses extensive knowledge in the areas of hydrogeology, soil and water contamination, hydrology and surface water, wetlands, coastal monitoring/geomorphology, field sampling techniques and well hydraulics-well design as well as environmental remote sensing/GIS.  His classes at the university encompass topics including: water quality, environmental sampling, groundwater modeling, well hydraulics, oceanography, and basic geology.  He enjoys introducing students to applied research and acts as the faculty advisor to a large number of upper-level students.  He has also acted as a consultant for a numerous companies and agencies that need input on the above subjects as well as natural hazard assessment and mapping.

Teaching CV

 
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Education

Ph.D. (1997), Geology with an emphasis in Hydrogeology, Western Michigan University, Groundwater – Kalamazoo River Interaction near the Parchment City Well Field, Parchment, Michigan.

M.S. (1992), Environmental Earth Science (Coastal Geomorphology), Western Michigan University, Small-Scale Coastal Cells as Control Mechanisms on Sediment Movement; Identification and Mapping. 

B.A. (1989), Earth Science (Oceanography), Saint Cloud State University, Minnesota, Density Flow Analysis of Turbidity Currents.

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Certifications

Alaska Geologist (PG-673) Arizona Geologist (PG-42253) California Geologist (PG-7098) California Hydrogeologist (CHg-958) Florida Geologist (PG-2618) Illinois Geologist (196.001370) Indiana Geologist (LPG-2191) Minnesota Geologist (PG-44868) New York Geologist (PG-001222) North Carolina Geologist (PG-2614) Oregon Geologist (G2153)  Pennsylvania Geologist (PG-5095) Texas Geologist (PG-10018) Washington Geologist (PG-2517) Washington Hydrogeologist (CHg-2517)

AIPG-Certified Geologist (CPG-10544) European Geologist (N-1128)

 

Teaching Experience

2024 – Present California State University, Fullerton. CA

Professor of Hydrogeology. Responsible for teaching lower division classes in Hydrogeology (GEOL 436); Physical Geology (GEOL 101-GE); Water Crisis in California (GEOL 310T): Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (GEOL 321); Hydrology and Surface Processes (GEOL 335); Meteorology (GEOL 340-GE); Oceanography (GEOL 333-GE); Physical Geology (GEOL 101-GE) and Lab (GEOL 101L-GE); Field Camp (GEOL 481) and upper division classes in Groundwater Modeling; Environmental Sampling and Protocols; Well Hydraulics and Aquifer Analysis (GEOL 535T); Research Methods in Geology (501); Geology Seminar (GEOL 590).

2006 – Present  California State University, Fullerton. CA

Associate Professor of Hydrogeology. Responsible for teaching lower division classes in Hydrogeology (GEOL 436); Physical Geology (GEOL 101-GE); Water Crisis in California (GEOL 310T): Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (GEOL 321); Hydrology and Surface Processes (GEOL 335) and upper division classes in Groundwater Modeling; Environmental Sampling and Protocols; Well Hydraulics and Aquifer Analysis (GEOL 535T)

2015 – 2018; 2019 - 2022     Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI.

Adjunct Associate Professor, Department of Geosciences.

2000 – 2006     California State University, Fullerton. CA

Assistant Professor of Hydrogeology. Responsible for teaching lower division classes in Hydrogeology (GEOL 436); Meteorology (GEOL 340-GE); Oceanography (GEOL 333-GE); Physical Geology (GEOL 101-GE) and Lab (GEOL 101L-GE) and upper division classes in Groundwater Modeling; Environmental Sampling and Protocols; Well Hydraulics and Aquifer Analysis (GEOL 535T); Research Methods in Geology (501); Geology Seminar (GEOL 590)

2001 – 2016      Western Michigan University. Kalamazoo, MI

Responsible for Summer Field Course in Hydrogeology.  Teach at least 1-week graduate level field course(s) every year including (1) Principles of Well Drilling and Installation; (2) Principles and Practices of Aquifer Testing; (3) Remediation Design and Implementation    

1999 – 2000      California State University, Fullerton. CA

Part-time instructor.  Responsible for Oceanography (GEOL 333) and Water Quality (GEOL 437). 

1992 – 1996     Western Michigan University. MI

Graduate Student Instructor responsible for Hydrogeology (GEOL 435), Oceanography (GEOL 333), and Hydrogeology Summer Field Course (GEOL 535 a, b, c, d, e and f).  This field course consisted of six individual modules (40-Hour HAZWOPPER, Environmental Surface Geophysics, Principles of Well Drilling and Installation, Principles and Practices of Ground-Water Sampling and Monitoring, Principles and Practices of Aquifer Testing and Analysis, and Remediation Design and Implication). Other responsibilities included Construction Measurements and Layout through the Department of Engineering Technology.  Responsible for the lab sequences only. 

Other Teaching Experience

2021-23 Instructor – Gregg Drilling Field Day

2021 Instructor – California Public Water Supply Systems

2018        Instructor – CalGeo – Soil Logging and Litigation

2016-17   Instructor – SCGS – Soil Sampling and Classification Short-Course

2012        Instructor – NGWA Hydrogeology Field Methods Course: What you didn’t learn in School.  Andover, MN.

2010-11   Reviewer/Participant – Worked with Healthy Heroes, LLC developing educational videos.

1996-98  Instructor – Eight-hour OSHA HAZWOPER supervisor course (29 CFR 1910.120 (e)(3).

1995        Hi-Shots International Conference.  Taught short-course on environmental remote sensing utilizing a helium-filled tethered blimp.  10 individuals attended the course.

1992         Kalamazoo, Michigan.  Teaching Assistant for a course titled Shoreline Geology and Processes.  Course sponsored by the Secondary Education of Michigan Summer (SEMS).  This was a state-funded project.  (30 students)

1991         St. Joseph, Michigan, Berrien County.  Teaching assistant for a course titled Shoreline Geology and Processes sponsored by the SEMS State funded project. (30 students)

 

Awards, Honors, and Special Qualifications

  • NGWA 2014 Ross L. Oliver Award

  • NGWA 2014 Keith E. Anderson Award

  • Western Michigan University 2011 – Distinguished Alumni Award

  • NGWA 2009 McEllhiney Lecturer for Water Well Technology

  • International Ground Source Heat Pump Association (IGSHPA) Accredited Trainer (20589-0709)

  • Boy Scouts of America – Merit Badge Sponsor: Geology, Oceanography, Environmental Science and Soil and Water Conservation

  • CSUF – Student Association, Outstanding Academic Advisor (2003/04)

  • CSUF – NSM Nominee for Outstanding Contributions to Student Success Award (2002/03 & 2003/04)

  • Western Michigan University established a scholarship in my honor for the outstanding hydrology field camp students.  Awarded annually since 1998.

  • Western Michigan University, Department of Geology, Distinguished Service Award, 1997.

  • Western Michigan University Research Fellowship 1991-1992.

  • IEEE OCEANS 92' student paper finalist.

  • OSHA 40-Hour Hazwoper Supervisor, active

National and University Committees

  • CSUF, Hiring Committee for VP Government and Community Relations (2020)

  • CSUF, Campaign Congress, 2020-present

  • CSUF, Strategic Planning Committee Member, 2019-present

  • CSUF, Hiring Committee for VP Advancement (2018)

  • CSUF, University Advancement Committee Member, 2003-05; 2011-15; 2017-21 (chair 2017-21)

  • CSUF, Freshman Pathways (Sustainability), Committee Member, 2013-2015

  • CSUF, ENST Advisory Committee, 2004 - present

  • NSM, Safety Committee Member, 2010-2014

  • NSM, Service Learning, Committee Member, 2001-2007

  • NSM, Tucker Wildlife Advisory Board, 2003-2007

  • NSM, Career Opportunity Committee, 2004-2006

  • WMU, Geosciences Advisory Council Member 2007 - present (Chair 2021 - present )

  • GRAC – State Meeting Committee Member 2007-2009

  • GRAC – Educational Committee Member 2009 - present

  • NWRI – Independent Advisory Panel; OCWD Santa Ana River Monitoring Program, 2006-2012

  • Long Valley Hydrologic Advisory Committee, 2003-2009

National Ground Water Association

  • NGWA Research and Education Foundation, President, 2015-2017

  • NGWA Research and Education Foundation, Board Member, 2010-2014, 2017-2018

  • Scientists and Engineers Division, Past Chair 2012-2014

  • Scientists and Engineers Division, Chair 2010-2012

  • Scientists and Engineers Division, Vice-Chair, 2008-2010

  • Scientists and Engineers Division, Board Member, 2004-2008; 2016-2020

  • NGWA - McElliney Lecture Committee, 2014 - 2018 (chair 2014)

  • NGWA – Board of Directors, 2008-2014

  • NGWA – Council for External Relations, 2010-2012

  • NGWA – Council for Planning, 2006-2010

  • NGWA – Professional Development Committee Member, 2000 - (chair 2009-2010)

  • NGWA – Groundwater Summit Co-Chair (2006): Committee Member (2005, 2007-2012)

  • NGWA – National Certification Committee Member, 2002-2008

  • NGWA – Finance and Budget Standing Committee, 2008-2012

  • NGWA – American Geological Institute Representative, 2009-2010