Welcome!

I am always looking for motivated students to join my lab. SDSU offers an MS in Watershed Science and a PhD Program in Geography, both with funded GA/TA positions available. Both programs have an annual application date in December. Please contact me if you are interested in applying next year. While I will work with you to develop your own research ideas, here are examples of open projects where I would welcome new research students:

  • Mapping hydrologic processes across the U.S.   Understanding the physical processes that generate river flow is key to good watershed management and prediction of floods and droughts. This project will analyze USGS streamflow data from across the U.S. for patterns relating to process such as snowmelt, infiltration, evaporation and connection between hillslopes and channels. This research will contribute to the NSF-funded project “A framework to predict hydrologic processes at continental scales“.
  • Using data science to analyze hydrologic knowledge. Expert knowledge of many watersheds is scattered across thousands of papers in the hydrology literature. This project will use data science methods to bring together, organize and analyze knowledge from experimental watersheds, to discover new spatial patterns and insights into the hydrologic processes that move water through the landscape. This research will contribute to the NSF-funded project “Synthesizing hydrologic process knowledge to determine global drivers of dominant processes

Lab commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion

In our lab, we are committed to fostering a diverse, welcoming and equitable climate. Everyone, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or sexual orientation brings value to our hydrology research. Diverse backgrounds of lab members bring creativity and new ideas, which are essential for creating an environment for excellent science. Dr Hilary McMillan welcomes and encourages students from underserved and underrepresented minority backgrounds to apply to the lab. We work to offer all students support, mentorship, and opportunities to help you to succeed in your chosen career.