Alicia Wilson

Dr. Alicia Wilson is Professor of Hydrogeology at the University of South Carolina's School of the Earth, Ocean & Environment. Her research investigates coastal hydrogeology with focus on submarine groundwater discharge, salt marsh ecohydrology, and groundwater's role in coastal biogeochemical cycles. Served as Director of SEOE (2020-2022).

Research examines groundwater-surface water interactions in coastal systems ranging from tidal creeks to continental shelves. Current projects study the role of groundwater in nutrient loading to coastal systems and carbon cycling in salt marshes. Field studies investigate effects of crab burrows on marsh hydrology and greenhouse gas emissions.

Publications demonstrate fundamental contributions to coastal hydrogeology, particularly submarine groundwater discharge processes and salt marsh ecohydrology. Recent work explores large-scale impacts of groundwater flow on ocean chemistry and coastal vulnerability to sea-level rise.

Directs graduate research on coastal hydrology, nutrient cycling, and climate change impacts. Current students include Jacob Vincent studying submarine groundwater discharge detection methods, Camaron George modeling continental shelf groundwater flow, and Riliwan Aboiye investigating coastal water table dynamics.

Received the 2023 Darcy Lecture from the National Ground Water Association and the University of South Carolina's Mungo Undergraduate Teaching Award (2018).