Jene D. Michaud

Jene D. Michaud is a Professor in the Department of Geology at the University of Hawaii at Hilo, where she has taught since 1995. With a BA in Geoscience from the University of Washington and MS/PhD in Hydrology from the University of Arizona, her research integrates hydrology and geomorphology to address watershed management, flood forecasting, and volcanic hazards in Hawaii.

• Research Focus: Tropical hydrology, stream geomorphology, groundwater dynamics, and coastal processes
• Key Projects: Rainfall-runoff modeling in Kauai, hydrologic drought in tropical forests, dam failure risk assessment, and sediment analysis in Hawaiian streams

Her publications highlight interdisciplinary work in hydrology, environmental science, and volcanology, emphasizing tropical flash flood prediction, groundwater contamination, and ecological impacts of invasive species. She teaches courses spanning physical geology, sedimentary processes, coastal geology, and GIS applications in earth science.

Michaud actively engages students in field-based learning, leading biennial Grand Canyon and Zion National Park trips. Her work includes collaborations with state agencies on environmental monitoring systems and watershed management strategies.