Warren Wood, Distinguished Alumni Recipient

November 14, 2024

College of Natural Science

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to alumni who have differentiated themselves by obtaining the highest level of professional accomplishment in their field. 

He is a globally renowned scientist, a dedicated educator and a Spartan.

For Warren Wood, scientific discoveries are more than a career; they make up a lasting legacy that directly improves our world.  

Warren began his educational journey in 1960, earning his Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy from the Department of Geology at MSU. His strong academic foundation laid the groundwork for a prolific career dedicated to the study of environmental geology, specifically hydrological sciences. In 2003, Warren returned to MSU to serve as a distinguished visiting professor of geosciences, continuing his academic work and sharing his expertise with students and faculty. He currently maintains an office in the College of Natural Science. 

Warren’s storied career in both academia and government spans more than five decades. Prior to his career at MSU, Warren worked with the U.S. Geological Survey for 40 years, where he served as project chief for hydrodynamic dispersion and assistant chief for radioactive waste, among other roles. In the educational realm, Warren has taught at numerous prestigious institutions around the world, including Texas Tech University, King Fahd University in Saudi Arabia and Oxford University. 

Warren has led research teams on various critical topics in hydrology, particularly focusing on aquifer systems in arid and semi-arid climates. His work includes groundbreaking studies on groundwater recharge in the central United States, salinity in hydrologic systems and dolomite formation in the United Arab Emirates. Warren’s research contributions also include more than 100 peer-reviewed papers in leading scientific journals, such as Science. He also served as a hands-on editor-in-chief of the academic journal “Groundwater” for over six years. During this tenure, he meticulously edited thousands of articles, shaping the discourse in one of the primary journals of hydrology. 

These contributions have earned Warren numerous awards, including the M. King Hubbard Award for major scientific contributions to groundwater, the Keith Anderson Award from the Association of Ground Water Scientists and Engineers and the Meritorious Service Award from the United States government. Additionally, he has received both the Birdsall Distinguished Lectureship and the Distinguished Service in Hydrogeology Award from the Geological Society of America. Notably, Warren is one of only 14 hydrogeologists featured in the International Association of Hydrogeologists' "Time Capsule” project, recognizing individuals who have profoundly impacted the field. 

A dedicated Spartan through and through, Warren's generosity extends beyond his research and teaching. Together with his wife, he established the Warren W. and Anneliese C. Wood Undergraduate Research Award at MSU through an endowed gift, supporting undergraduate research within the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences. Warren's commitment to the Spartan community highlights his dedication to fostering the next generation of geoscientists and contributing to the university's academic excellence. 

With lasting, critical contributions across numerous areas of study, Warren is characterized not only by his profound impact on geosciences, but his devotion to educating and mentoring future leaders in the field at MSU and beyond. 

“Coming to Michigan State was incredible changing in life…I learned everything from how we evaluate art and what to think about Shakespeare… and the origin of the universe – subjects I never thought about until I came here with this wonderful, diverse body of students. It was an amazing experience and I attribute it all to Michigan State.”

 

Author: Anna Ludlow