Michael H. Young

Dr. Michael H. Young is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin. He holds a Ph.D. in Soil and Water Science from the University of Arizona (1995), an M.S. in Hydrogeology from Ohio University (1986), and a B.A. in Geology from Hartwick College (1983). He has over 35 years of experience spanning academic research, federal regulation, and industry, focusing on environmental geosciences, hydrology, and soil science. Currently, he serves as Associate Director for Environmental Research at BEG (2010–2020) and on the Graduate Studies Committee for the Jackson School.

His research spans vadose zone hydrology, soil-plant-water interactions, groundwater recharge, and the water-energy nexus. Notable contributions include studies on shale play impacts, CO₂ sequestration, and landscape evolution in arid regions. He has authored/co-authored over 100 peer-reviewed publications and serves on editorial boards, including the Vadose Zone Journal. His awards include Fellowships from the Geological Society of America and Soil Science Society of America.

Dr. Young’s work integrates field, lab, and numerical modeling to address environmental challenges. He has led projects on induced seismicity, hydraulic fracturing impacts, and soil moisture networks like the Texas Soil Observation Network (TxSON). He advises on energy-water sustainability and has collaborated with institutions globally through consortia like the International Soil Modeling Consortium.