Thomas Harmon

Thomas Harmon is a Professor in the School of Engineering at the University of California, Merced, affiliated with the Civil & Environmental Engineering department. His research focuses on contaminant transport in aquatic systems, soil and groundwater remediation, and environmental sensor development.

• Ph.D., 1992 — Stanford University
• M.S., 1986 — Stanford University
• B.S., 1985 — The Johns Hopkins University

Harmon's work addresses water quality, land repurposing, and climate change impacts, particularly in California's Central Valley and tropical rainforests. He develops geospatial tools for groundwater sustainability and uses robotic sensors to monitor soil carbon fluxes. His recent publications emphasize multi-benefit frameworks balancing agricultural needs with biodiversity conservation and climate adaptation.

Key trends in his research include environmental sensing technologies, CO2 flux dynamics in agricultural soils, and stakeholder-driven water management strategies. He also explores wildfire effects on watersheds and biochar applications for contaminant removal.

Harmon leads projects like the Soil Ecosystem Observatory, integrating automated data systems and sensor networks to study soil-plant-atmosphere interactions. His collaborations span North and South America, focusing on transnational water security and socio-environmental gradients.