Hongbin Zhan

Dr. Hongbin Zhan is a Professor of Geology & Geophysics at Texas A&M University, holding the Dudley J. Hughes '51 Chair. His research focuses on subsurface hydrology, environmental fluid mechanics, and geothermal energy. He teaches courses like Hydrogeology and Contaminant Hydrogeology. Dr. Zhan's work addresses groundwater flow, contaminant transport, and energy applications. Notable achievements include AAAS Fellowship (2023) and multiple awards for research and teaching. He advises numerous graduate students and has authored/co-authored over 200 publications. His lab explores topics such as aquifer thermal energy storage, qanat systems, and microplastic pollution.

• Education: PhD (1996) Hydrology/Hydrogeology, University of Nevada, Reno
• Affiliations: Energy Institute, Water Management & Hydrological Science Program
• Labs/Teams: Zhan Hydrogeology Research Group, Texas A&M Geosciences

Research Interests: Non-Darcian flow in low-permeability media, coupled unsaturated-saturated systems, geothermal storage, and environmental remediation. Recent work includes studies on arsenic migration, carbon sequestration, and qanat discharge dynamics.

Grants & Awards: Over 10 major awards including AAAS Fellowship, GSA Fellow, and Dean’s Research Awards. Active in funding from NSF and industry partnerships.