Tim Bechtel

Tim Bechtel is the Director of F&M Science Outreach and Senior Teaching Professor of Geosciences at Franklin & Marshall College. His expertise spans geophysical methods, karst hydrogeology, landmine detection technologies, and cultural heritage preservation. He holds a PhD in Geophysics from Brown University (1989), an M.Sc. in Rock Mechanics (1984), and a B.Sc. in Geology from Haverford College (1982).

Research focuses on humanitarian de-mining through NATO and ISTC-funded collaborations, subsurface imaging for disaster response, and archaeological geophysics on the Swahili Coast. He co-founded Enviroscan, Inc., a geophysical contracting firm, and serves as Associate Editor for the Journal of Sensing and Imaging and Hydrogeology Journal.

• Grants include NATO SfPS Programme Grants (2020-2023, 2015-2018), ISTC grants (2005-2008, 2002-2005), and multiple F&M Hackman grants.
• Explores applications like avalanche detection, rubble-penetrating sensors, and non-destructive testing of historic architecture.

Teaches courses on geophysics, engineering geology, and the environmental impacts of war. Lives in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, on the Conestoga Formation.