Projects per year
Personal profile
Research Interests
Contaminant transport, environmental microbiology, drinking water protection, colloid and microbiological pathogen mobility in the hydrological cycle, natural organic matter in the hydrological cycle. wetland hydrology and hydrochemistry, hydrogeophysics, catchment hydrology, peat hydrogeology and geotechnics, fractured rock hydrogeology, sand and gravel aquifers.
Research Statement
The hydrological cycle and the role of groundwater in maintaining human health and ecosystems underpin my research interests. In my research I aim to integrate methods from diverse backgrounds to deepen current understanding of hydrological processes, and how these influence the environment. These range from the role water plays in maintaining the health of wetland and aquatic ecosystems to the mobility of pathogenic micro organisms in the environment and how these may impact on human health (in both the developing and developed world). Findings from these activities can then be applied to inform legislators and practioners on approriate approaches to take in protecting the environment. Following this approach I have published over 20 papaers in high impact peer-reviewed journals.
Teaching
In my teaching I aim to demonstrate the importance of scientific principles for Engineers in making informed decisions and developing approriate solutions in a sustainable manner. My particular emphasis is on how geological conditions can influence both the built and natural environment. This is achieved in teaching courses in Engineering Geology (Level II) and Hydrogeology (Level IV). At the same time I stress the importance of human and econmic elements in any Engineering project, and the ultimate responsibility of the Engineer to Society and the general public at large, through Engineering Ethics; this is an integral part of the Professional Studies module which I co-ordinate. On the other hand, I employ my field experience to demonstrate to Level I Civil Engineering students the inportance of a hands-on appreciation of activities and conditions that need to be considered in working on site through field trips (Engineering Geology II and Surveying field camp). Outside of the framework of formal classes I oversee research projects from Level III students through MSs thesis to PhD level supervision.
Other
I have acted as an external consultant for clients providing services ranging from geophysical logging, wetland hydrological surveys and chairing public inquiries into activities with possible environmental repercussions.
Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
Fingerprint
- 1 Similar Profiles
Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years
-
R3525BSC: Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity and Water
Emmerson, M. (PI), Barry, J. (CoI), Blaauw, M. (CoI), Caplat, P. (CoI), Cuthbert, R. (CoI), Flynn, R. (CoI), McKinley, J. (CoI), Mullan, D. (CoI), Reid, N. (CoI), Sheenan, L. (CoI), Slevin, A. (CoI) & Swindles, G. (CoI)
30/01/2024 → …
Project: Research
-
R1843NBE: SALine INtrusion in Coastal Aquifers: Hydrodynamic Assessment and Prediction of Dynamic Response
Hamill, G. (PI) & Flynn, R. (CoI)
23/01/2018 → 30/06/2021
Project: Research
-
R1319CIV: Towards groundwater security in coastal East Africa
Comte, J.-C. (PI), Cassidy, R. (CoI), Flynn, R. (CoI) & Ofterdinger, U. (CoI)
01/08/2012 → 28/10/2014
Project: Research
-
R7303CIV: Decision support system for evaluating pollutant pathways and impacts
Flynn, R. (PI) & Ofterdinger, U. (CoI)
01/08/2007 → 31/12/2014
Project: Research
-
R7302CIV: Ground Water Research
Flynn, R. (PI) & Ofterdinger, U. (CoI)
01/08/2007 → 31/05/2015
Project: Research
-
Time-lapse resistivity imaging and self-potential monitoring of experimentally induced saline intrusion in coastal aquifer sands
Águila, J. F., Rowan, T. S. L., McDonnell, M. C., Flynn, R., Donohue, S., Jackson, M. D., Butler, A. P., Hamill, G. A., Benner, E. M. & Etsias, G., 01 Apr 2025, In: Science of the Total Environment. 972, 19 p., 179104.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile12 Downloads (Pure) -
An adaptive mapping framework for the management of peat soils: A new Irish peat soils map
Gilet, L., Morley, T., Flynn, R. & Connolly, J., Jul 2024, In: Geoderma. 447, 116933.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile3 Citations (Scopus)201 Downloads (Pure) -
Application of a GIS-based hydrological model to predict surface wetness of blanket bogs
Mackin, F., Flynn, R. & Fernandez-Valverde, F., Jan 2024, In: Wetlands. 44, 1, 20 p., 10.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile1 Citation (Scopus)72 Downloads (Pure) -
Corrigendum to "Four-dimensional electrical resistivity imaging for monitoring pumping-induced saltwater intrusion in a coastal aquifer" [Sci. Total Environ. Volume 867 (2023) 161442]
McDonnell, M. C., Flynn, R., Águila, J. F., Hamill, G. A., Donohue, S., Benner, E. M., Thomson, C., Etsias, G., Rowan, T. S. L., Wilkinson, P. B., Meldrum, P. I. & Chambers, J. E., 03 Apr 2024, (Early online date) In: The Science of the Total Environment. 926, 171724.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
Open AccessFile28 Downloads (Pure) -
Detection of tidal signatures in self-potential monitoring of UK aquifers
Butler, A., Rowan, T., Hamill, G., Flynn, R., Donohue, S. & Jackson, M., 15 Apr 2024.Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper › peer-review
Prizes
-
2020 Water Resources Research Editor's Choice Award
Regan, S. (Recipient), Flynn, R. (Recipient), Gill, L. (Recipient), Naughton, O. (Recipient) & Johnston, P. M. (Recipient), 10 Dec 2020
Prize: Prize (including medals and awards)
File
Activities
-
Peatland Hydrology and Aquatic Ecological Impacts
Flynn, R. (Advisor)
30 Jan 2025Activity: Talk or presentation types › Oral presentation
File -
Careers in Civil Engineering
Flynn, R. (Speaker)
01 Mar 2023Activity: Other activity types › Hosting a school group or open day
-
Peatland Research in QUB: Opportunities and Future Potential
Flynn, R. (Host)
13 Feb 2023Activity: Other activity types › Other
File -
Peatland Restoration: Methods and Challenges
Flynn, R. (Presenter)
20 Jan 2023Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
File -
Peatlands, Hydrology & (Terrestial and Aquatic) Ecology
Flynn, R. (Advisor)
02 Dec 2022Activity: Talk or presentation types › Invited talk
File
Press/Media
-
Work on Altikeeragh bog restoration project halted
06/12/2023
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment
-
Impacts of cutting on Ireland's bogs
13/04/2022
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Public Engagement Activities
-
Role of Ireland's peatlands in tackling climate change
12/02/2021
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment
-
-
Peatland hydrology and conservation at Mount Allen Bog Conservation Site
12/02/2019
1 Media contribution
Press/Media: Expert Comment