Jeffrey G. Paine

Dr. Jeffrey G. Paine is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin. As coordinator of the Near Surface Observatory, he specializes in near-surface geophysics, coastal studies, and geologic hazards using electromagnetic induction, seismic methods, and lidar. His career spans over 60 principal investigator roles in federally and state-funded projects.

• B.S. Geology, UT Austin (1980)
• M.S. Geology, University of Washington (1982)
• Ph.D. Geology, UT Austin (1991)

Paine's research integrates geophysical techniques with environmental studies, focusing on coastal dynamics, subsurface heterogeneity, and resource management. His 180+ publications demonstrate expertise in airborne geophysics, salinization mapping, and permafrost characterization. Articles highlight lidar and EM integration for stratigraphic discrimination, CO₂ injection monitoring, and Arctic hydrology.

• Fellow, Geological Society of America
• The Gold Award, Environmental and Engineering Geophysical Society
• Best Paper Award, Symposium on Application of Geophysics to Engineering Problems
• Best Presentation Award, UT Austin
• Shell Chair Award, UT Austin

As a lecturer in UT Austin's Department of Geological Sciences since 2004, he teaches GEO 391: Hydrogeophysics. His leadership roles include past president of the Environmental & Engineering Geophysical Society and AAPG's Division of Environmental Geosciences, with panelist appointments at NASA and DOE. The Near Surface Observatory under his direction supports multidisciplinary geohazard investigations and environmental monitoring initiatives.