Starting November 1, 2021, Dr. Ferdinando Manna (left) and Dr. Jonathan Munn (right) from the University of Guelph are joining the University Consortium for Field Focused Groundwater Research as Principal Investigators.

Dr. Manna is a groundwater hydrologist with expertise in the assessment of groundwater recharge rates in fractured rock. He studies hydrological processes occurring across the critical zone from the atmosphere to the water table in fractured aquifers, especially in regions with seasonally dry or semi-arid climates. Dr. Manna has studied recharge conditions in the southern Apennine mountains – the main source of drinking water for southern Italy – measuring long-term climate variability and water table fluctuations. Dr. Manna’s approach includes combining field research – physical and chemical observations – with numerical modeling at different temporal and spatial scales.

Dr. Munn is a contaminant hydrogeologist who specializes in the characterization of bedrock aquifers. He applies various sensor-based field techniques to measure flow system properties at a range of scales. He has carried out field research in the City of Guelph and surrounding area, designing and installing monitoring wells and characterizing hydrogeological units to better understand the bedrock aquifers that supply the region with drinking water. Dr. Munn brings with him a wealth of knowledge regarding multilevel monitoring systems and innovative approaches for measuring groundwater contaminants to inform remediation techniques.

We are excited by what these newest members of the Consortium bring to the table, and encourage you to join us in welcoming them.