Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute

Author: G360group

World Water Day Highlights Groundwater Research, Sustainable Policies, and Work Still to be Done to Keep Drinking Water Safe.

Posted by on in Conferences

On March 22, 2022, the Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute invited experts from across the University of Guelph and the broader community to reflect on the current state of groundwater research, best practices in resource management, and emerging challenges in contaminant mitigation and remediation.

Keynote speaker Mark Borchardt speaks about groundwater studies in Wisconsin.

One of the highlights included a panel reflecting on how the Walkerton Report, released 20 years ago this year, helped put the Province on a path to minimize the chances that a tragedy like Walkerton will occurring again.

Bruce Davidson speaks about the lessons learned from Walkerton.

One of the key takeaways of the day was that there is still much work to be done, including ensuring safe drinking water for Indigenous communities, and finding solutions for new and emerging contaminants.

Attendees examine research posters produced by University of Guelph students.

Graduate students from the University of Guelph also participated in the event, preparing posters on various topics in groundwater research. We are pleased to announce the winners of the poster competition:

3rd Place: Cameron Myshok

2nd Place: Oliver Conway-White

1st Place: Sarah Rixon

Emmanuelle Arnaud, Bruce Davidson, and Dave Rudolph discuss the legacy of the Walkerton Report 20 years on.
Experts from the One Health Panel discuss the interdisciplinary nature of groundwater research.
Jonathan Munn opens the discussion on municipalities and groundwater use.

Thank you to everyone attended in person and online. We would also like to thank the School of Engineering, The Guelph Institute for Environmental Research, and the One Health Research, for their support in hosting this event. Stay tuned for future events!

Remembering Carla Rose

Posted by on in Announcements, Uncategorized

Morwick G360 is deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of Carla Rose, a former colleague and longtime friend of many at the Institute. We would like to pay our respects to her memory and offer condolences to those she leaves behind. Carla was a joy to work with during her five years at the G360 Institute from 2012 to 2016. She stayed in touch with many of her colleagues after leaving, and it was one of her defining qualities that once you were a part of her life, she worked to maintain meaningful relationships. In addition, Carla carried out her research with purpose and curiosity, and was an inspiration to us and others around her. Carla leaves behind a legacy of good friendship and excellent scholarship, and she will be sorely missed and fondly remembered.

In Carla’s memory, Carla’s family has suggested making a donation in support of local public libraries in her name, especially “your library’s early childhood collections and programs. Those resources are invaluable to the parents of children in their formative years and are resources that Carla made extensive use of.” Visitation information can be found here: https://wallcustance.com/acf-death-notices/carla-h-rose/

We’d like to end with some words of reflection from Morwick G360’s Director, Beth Parker:

“I fondly remember when Carla first approached me to ask for an opportunity to work in my research group at the University of Guelph. She wanted to improve her understanding of groundwater science and we were engaged in research at field sites collecting soil, rock and groundwater samples. She was extremely curious about the parts of the system she didn’t already know anything about, and was very thoughtful in pursuing whatever possibilities she could to complete the full picture. I couldn’t resist offering Carla an entry-level research staff position in the group given her quest for knowledge and understanding, but this quickly transitioned to a professional position as she combined contaminant hydrogeology with her MSc expertise. It quickly became apparent that she was always eager to volunteer and help everyone around her. It was her attention to detail that was her distinguishing quality, alongside her pursuit to understand the meaning. Her thorough consideration of many diverse topics made it a joy to carry on thoughtful conversations with her. We had many such conversations about her career interests, and I was touched by her enthusiasm and dedication. Carla was sensitive to others and showed great respect to everyone. She knew how to be personable and caring. I especially like that she shared personal news and experiences as a new parent several years after she left G360, knowing that I was interested. With Carla, once you were a part of her life, she stayed in touch forever. Hence, anyone who knew Carla is feeling an unjustifiable loss of a friend.”

Join us for World Water Day 2022

Posted by on in Announcements, Conferences, Outreach Activities

The Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute is hosting a day-long World Water Day workshop on March 22nd, in collaboration with GIER, OHI, and the School of Engineering at the University of Guelph. The theme this year, chosen by the United Nations for this global event, is Groundwater: Making the Invisible Visible. All are welcome to attend for as much or as little of the day as they are able, and registration details are available here: https://g360group.org/events/world-water-day-2022/

We hope to see you there!

Morwick G360 Research Institute to Hold Workshop for World Water Day

The Morwick G360 Institute is Hiring a Chief Operations Officer. Apply Now!

Posted by on in Announcements, Student/Staff Opportunities

The Morwick G360 Groundwater Research Institute at the University of Guelph is seeking a Chief Operations Officer (COO). Reporting to the Director of the Morwick G360 Institute, the COO will provide organizational, operational, and financial leadership to Morwick G360. The COO will leverage technical and scientific expertise by using their strong administrative, financial, operational and communication skills to link the various interdependent components that comprise Morwick G360 to mobilize the research activities and outcomes effectively and efficiently as the primary outputs and communicate the value for all stakeholders.

What this opportunity offers you:

  • A chance to support some of the brightest minds in the groundwater research field to effectively and efficiently work together to innovate and develop new technologies that solve the complex problems of contaminated groundwater and water resource protection;
  • Access to leading edge tools, technologies and research facilities including the globally unique Morwick Groundwater Research Centre located on the University of Guelph campus and associated field research sites and infrastructure;
  • The opportunity to help shape the organization, reporting, and value creation of a University based Research Institute that works inter­disciplinary, inter­college, inter­university and internationally;
  • Direct involvement in mobilizing research results into practice and policy development for societal impact;
  • Leadership capacity to develop Morwick G360 procedures and methods for training and compliance with all University and jurisdictional regulations and policies (OSHA, USA HAZWOPER, MOECC, etc.) relevant to the institute’s activities;
  • The opportunity to advance communication methods and procedures to facilitate technology transfer and outreach, maintain existing sponsor interests and capture new sponsor interests and value creation, and ensure communication of that value and needs to University stakeholders (academic and research units); and
  • A collaborative relationship with the Morwick G360 Advisory Board to establish operating procedures and implement actions that support the strategic directions and milestones with agreed to implementation plan and priorities.

To assume the role of Chief Operating Officer, you must have:

  • A professional degree, preferably a Master’s degree, in Geological / Civil / Chemical / Environmental Engineering or Hydrogeology, or Earth / Environmental Sciences coupled with extensive professional experience with aspects relating to groundwater contamination;
  • Demonstrated success operating at a senior leadership level managing large, multi­ disciplinary teams;
  • Large­scale operational and logistics management experience, preferably in an industry environment; ability to partner with Principal Investigators and Project Managers to successfully integrate multiple concurrent project plans, resources and deliverables to meet overall research program objectives and deadlines as well as funding mandates;
  • Excellent people skills with evidence of being able to motivate individuals and teams to meet self-imposed deadlines and results;
  • Results focus with demonstrated experience creating and managing operational reporting, tracking, and evaluation systems, providing specific examples;
  • A solid business acumen with the ability to manage an annual operating budget of up to $6 million; capable of ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of Morwick G360 and its projects; Technical writing skills and experience preparing compelling research, grant and contract proposals;
  • A reputation as an exceptional communicator and relationship builder with diverse groups of internal and external stakeholders; and
  • An entrepreneurial spirit and the capability to transfer academic research into practice and inspire and enable the development of innovative ideas and commercialization opportunities.

Applications are due March 2, 2022. Please submit you application via the University of Guelph Careers Webpage.

Come Work With Us! Morwick G360 is Looking for an Equipment Technologist

Posted by on in Announcements, Student/Staff Opportunities

Morwick G360 is Hiring! We are looking for a dynamic and innovative person who enjoys working outdoors with their hands and varied mechanical equipment, in an environment that focuses on innovation and creative problem solving, mentoring and training of students and junior staff.

Reporting to the Director and Chief Operating Officer of Morwick G360, the Equipment Technologist plays a key role in the management of existing specialty research equipment and in the creation of new and/or improved research equipment, as well as the mentoring and training of students and staff on the use of this equipment. 

Key duties include:

  • Using your strong mechanical skills (fabrication, machining, plumbing, and electrical skills are all assets) and innovative ideas to implement designs, improve designs, build/fabricate and test components for innovative groundwater monitoring devices used both above and below ground, such as multilevel monitoring wells; work with equipment manufacturers and other Morwick G360 staff to create new parts/equipment to solve research challenges, troubleshoot equipment malfunctions and/or design flaws, and work with piping and tubing, pumps, and flow meters and a variety of connective parts – ~40%;
  • Utilizing your ability to make things happen in the field to organize and successfully conduct / oversee field work, which includes but is not limited to multilevel well component inventory control and component procurement, multilevel well installations, geophysical logging, water level measurements, rock core sampling, groundwater and gas sampling – 30%;
  • Organizing field data, documenting and inputting into electronic data systems, QA/QC’ing data and preparing raw data outline in figures and tables -10%;
  • Communicating with faculty, Morwick G360 Project Managers and team members regarding activities, data and results as required – 10%
  • Performing equipment and field installation maintenance, and working with other Morwick G360 personnel to develop and implement design improvements for hydrogeological and geophysical tools and methods – 10%

Requirements of the position include: 

  • High school diploma with trade certification(s); college or university degree is preferred, with a focus in these topic areas: drilling, mechanical, geological, environmental science or civil engineering, hydrogeology
  • Experience working with your hands is required
  • Experience working with varied mechanical equipment is required
  • Certified Well Technician license is an asset (obtaining post-hiring an option)
  • Experience working in a research environment is an asset

The deadline to apply is February 7th. If the position sounds like a good fit for you, learn more and submit your application via the University of Guelph Careers webpage.