Laura Toran

Dr. Laura Toran is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science at Temple University, part of the College of Science and Technology. Her research focuses on urban hydrology, karst hydrology, and groundwater-surface water interactions. She has held the Weeks Chair in Environmental Geology since 1997 and served as Executive Editor of Groundwater (2021–2023). Her work includes over $20 million in grants from NSF, the William Penn Foundation, and others.

Education:

• Ph.D. Geology, University of Wisconsin–Madison (1986)
• B.A. Geology, Macalester College (1980)

Research Interests: Urban stream health, stormwater control measures, karst spring dynamics, hydrogeophysics, and fractured rock modeling. Her interdisciplinary approach integrates field monitoring, modeling, and geochemical analysis to address environmental challenges in urban and natural systems.

Recent Articles: Focus on urban runoff modeling, stormwater infrastructure efficacy, karst flow path analysis, and critical zone processes. Highlights include studies on nitrogen cycling in basins and temperature dynamics in urban streams.

Awards:

• Fellow, Geological Society of America (2005)
• Deans Distinguished Research Award (2018)
• High Value Research Award (AASHTO, 2018)

Advising & Grants: Mentored over 40 undergraduates and numerous graduate students. Current projects include the Delaware River Watershed Initiative and Urban Critical Zone studies. Collaborates with institutions like Villanova University and the U.S. Geological Survey.