Rachel Rotz

Rachel Rotz is an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator in the Department of Marine & Earth Sciences at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), affiliated with the College of Arts & Sciences. Her research focuses on hydrogeological modeling, remote sensing in hydrology, and groundwater dynamics in arid and coastal environments. She holds a PhD in Hydrogeology from the University of Georgia, along with multiple degrees in Geology and Liberal Studies.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD, Hydrogeology, University of Georgia
• MS & BS, Geology, University of Georgia
• BA, Liberal Studies, University of Central Florida

Rotz's research interests span hydrogeology, arid land systems, coastal morphodynamics, and environmental applications of remote sensing. She has contributed to studies on freshwater lens formation in drylands, groundwater-surface water interactions, and the impact of land use on algal blooms in the Peace River Basin. Her work frequently integrates field experiments, numerical modeling, and geophysical techniques.

Her publications reflect a focus on water resource sustainability, including studies on nutrient loading, desalination plant operations, and flood mitigation strategies. Recent work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, such as combining geochemistry with remote sensing for groundwater risk analysis in regions like the Middle East and North Africa.

Rotz teaches courses including Physical Geology, Hydrology, Remote Sensing for Geoscientists, and Hydrogeology. She actively engages in curriculum development and undergraduate research initiatives, including NSF-funded programs to promote diversity in geoscience.

Her research also extends to planetary science, such as studies linking Earth's hydrogeological processes to Martian environments, demonstrating her interest in cross-disciplinary exploration.