Harry Jol | Earth and Planetary Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Prof. Dr Harry Jol, University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, United States

Dr. H.M. Jol is a distinguished geographer and professor at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, known for his expertise in geomorphology and the application of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) in geological and archaeological studies. With a global academic and fieldwork presence, Dr. Jol has conducted extensive research across North America, New Zealand, Israel, and beyond. He brings a dynamic and interdisciplinary approach to the classroom, blending physical geography, geophysical techniques, and environmental field studies. His academic journey has taken him from British Columbia to Alberta and on to global stages through fellowships, sabbaticals, and invited positions. Passionate about student mentorship and hands-on learning, he has led numerous field seminars and capstone courses focused on geomorphology, environmental hazards, and archaeological landscapes. A published author and frequent research collaborator, Dr. Jol continues to advance the frontiers of geoscience through innovative field techniques, interdisciplinary partnerships, and a dedication to education and mentorship.

Publication Profile

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Education

Dr. H.M. Jol earned his Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Calgary (1993), where he pioneered the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to study sedimentary deposits under the supervision of Dr. Derald G. Smith. His doctoral dissertation focused on field experiments on deltas. Prior to this, he completed an M.Sc. in Geography from Simon Fraser University (1989), specializing in seismic stratigraphy on the southeastern Fraser River Delta under Dr. Michael C. Roberts. He began his academic path with a B.Sc. in Physical Geography from Simon Fraser University in 1987. Throughout his studies, Dr. Jol was supported by numerous prestigious fellowships and scholarships, including the NSERC PG3 Scholarship and the Izaak Walton Killam Memorial Scholarship. His early academic experiences laid the foundation for a prolific research career that integrates advanced geophysical methods into geographic science, contributing significantly to the fields of sedimentology, geomorphology, and environmental hazard assessment.

Experience

Dr. Jol has been a faculty member at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1996, serving as Professor since 2006. He has taught a wide range of undergraduate courses including Physical Environment, Geomorphology, Environmental Hazards, and field-based capstone seminars across the U.S., New Zealand, and Israel. He has also led international immersion experiences and contributed to community continuing education. Previously, he held teaching roles at Trinity Western University, University of Calgary, and University College of the Fraser Valley, instructing courses in GIS, remote sensing, and physical geography. His field-based teaching is known for blending scientific rigor with real-world applications, often involving student-led research using GPR and other geophysical tools. Internationally, he has co-instructed courses at the University of Canterbury in engineering geomorphology. Dr. Jol’s career is marked by a commitment to interdisciplinary teaching, field-based learning, and mentorship, particularly in collaborative undergraduate research and experiential education.

Awards and Honors

Dr. H.M. Jol has received numerous honors recognizing his excellence in research, mentorship, and teaching. He was a finalist for the 2023 Excellence in Mentoring Award and is a two-time recipient of the University of Wisconsin Sabbatical Leave (2002/03, 2017/18, and 2024/25). He was awarded the Grove Karl Gilbert Award (2019) as a co-author for outstanding geomorphological research. Dr. Jol received the Excellence in Service-Learning Award (2017) and held Visiting Erskine Fellowships at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand (2003 and 2018). He is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America (2008) and was nominated as CASE Professor of the Year (1999). His academic achievements began early with prestigious fellowships including NSERC, Killam, and Petro-Canada Graduate Awards, along with numerous undergraduate honors. These accolades reflect his lifelong commitment to academic excellence, innovative research, and impactful teaching across geoscience disciplines.

Research Focus

Dr. H.M. Jol’s research primarily focuses on the use of Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) to explore subsurface geomorphological, environmental, and archaeological features. He has led interdisciplinary investigations across North America, Israel, and New Zealand, using GPR to study deltaic systems, fluvial terraces, sand dunes, and buried archaeological sites. His work often bridges the gap between geophysics and geography, applying geotechnical imaging to understand sediment stratigraphy, landscape evolution, and environmental hazards. He has collaborated with engineers, geologists, archaeologists, and students, often integrating his field data into community-based research and educational initiatives. Key research themes include eolian dune formation, subaqueous sedimentation, and geohazard analysis. Through his leadership, dozens of undergraduate students have participated in publishable research projects, making his lab a vibrant hub for experiential learning. His projects have also contributed to sustainable land-use practices and archaeological preservation, showcasing the applied value of geophysical tools in the Earth sciences.

Publication Top Notes

• 🏞️ Subaqueous industrial waste in Western Wisconsin lakes: reducing/redirecting the dredged materials from landfills

• 🌊 Subsurface imaging of South Brighton Spit, Christchurch, New Zealand, Part I: data collection and processing

• 🌬️ Geomorphology of cliff-top parabolic dunes within the Lower Chippewa River Valley, Eau Claire, Wisconsin

• 🌍 Late Quaternary eolian dunes and fluvial terraces of the Lower Chippewa River Valley

• 🏺 Ground penetrating radar aided archaeological survey on Har Karkom (Mt. Sinai?), Israel

• 🏞️ Geomorphic history of the Chippewa River Valley in the vicinity of Half Moon Lake