Mike Keester’s Resume

Mike Keester

Professional Experience

2003 – Present Consulting Hydrogeologist, Project Manager
Thornhill Group, Inc.
Round Rock, Texas

Education

Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma

MASTER OF SCIENCE DEGREE, 2002

Major: Geology Emphasis: Hydrogeology

Oklahoma Baptist University, Shawnee, Oklahoma

BACHELOR OF ARTS DEGREE, 1996

Major: Philosophy/Religion

Professional License

Licensed Professional Geoscientist, Geology, Texas Board of Professional Geoscientists (TBPG) – License No. 10331

Professional Affiliations

National Ground Water Association

International Association of Hydrogeologists

International Association for Mathematical Geology

Specialized Training/Classes

Advanced Topics in Groundwater Modeling: Calibration, Uncertainty & Optimization, Presented by James Rumbaugh of Environmental Simulations, Inc., 2008

Software Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Highly Proficient with the use Groundwater Vistas Version 5.
  • Skilled in the use of MODFLOW96 and MODFLOW2000, including the implementation of packages associated with each version.
  • Experienced in the use of PEST in association with MODFLOW, including parallelization of application through a computer network.
  • Fluent in the use of ArcMap® and ArcCatalog® including the use of Visual Basic for Applications to automate and extend the capabilities of the software.
  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft® Office products including the development of project specific solutions based on these applications.
  • Ability to create software solutions for simple to complex information handling using Visual Basic, C++ and HTML.

Experience Highlights

  • Holds a Master of Science degree in geology from Oklahoma State University with specialization in hydrogeology and aqueous geochemistry.
  • Managed simple to complex projects involving multiple persons and entities to completion.
  • Provided professional ground water consulting services relating to geology and hydrogeology as related to the occurrence, movement, quality, availability and protection of resources.

Examples of types of work include:

  • Ground-Water Flow Modeling
    • Developed multiple three-dimensional finite difference ground water flow models for aquifers in Texas using MODFLOW.
    • Utilized inverse modeling methods for parameter estimation in finite difference modeling, including the use of pilot points for estimation of hydraulic properties.
    • Evaluated three-dimensional contaminant transport in ground water flow using particle-tracking methods based on finite difference equations.
    • Created two-dimensional spreadsheet models for analysis of local ground water-level fluctuations using the finite difference equations based on Darcy’s Law.
    • Developed geostatistical evaluation methods for interpolation of structural surface and aquifer hydraulic parameter data into model grids.
    • Programmed various routines to facilitate data management and model file compilation.
    • Extensive utilization of Groundwater Availability Models of aquifers in Texas published by the Texas Water Development Board including model parameter extraction, modification, and interpretation as well as performing model simulations.
  • Geographic Information Systems
    • Developed Geographic Information System for Fayette County Groundwater Conservation District using ArcGIS® by ESRI®.
    • Developed detailed mapping and spatial analysis routines integrating ArcGIS® and Surfer®.
    • Development of custom project-database visualization tools using ArcGIS®.
  • Ground Water Quality and Contamination Assessments
    • Utilization of geostatistical methods for modeling and predicting chemical dispersion in an aquifer.
    • Water quality sampling and interpretation of laboratory analyses using graphical and statistical methods.
    • Performed research regarding arsenic and iron contamination in ground water resources.
  • Aquifer and Water Availability Assessments
    • Conducted extensive research regarding the availability of water from the Carrizo, Sparta, Queen City, Yegua-Jackson, and Gulf Coast aquifers for the Fayette County Groundwater Conservation District.
    • Assisted with and conducted numerous availability assessments in the Carrizo-Wilcox Aquifer throughout Texas.
    • Conducted hydrogeologic investigations in the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer including determination of hydraulic properties of the aquifer and impacts of production.
    • Conducted investigations in the Brazos River Alluvium aquifer in Austin, Waller, and Fort Bend counties including ground-water availability, well field siting studies, drilling and testing, and evaluations of hydrologic connection between the river and the aquifer.
    • Conducted and designed investigations to demonstrate the connection of water produced from boreholes to naturally flowing spring water.
  • Well and Well Field Evaluations and Design
    • Evaluations and planning with respect to existing or potential wells and well fields in several aquifers with wells ranging from 50 to 2,200 feet deep and well capacities up to 3,000 gallons per minute.
    • Performing and supervising aquifer testing and data analysis.
    • Assisting project engineers in well design, specification preparation and inspection of drilling, construction, completion and testing procedures.
  • Hydrogeologic Investigations for Mine Site
    • Exploration, dewatering/depressurization, probable hydrologic consequences and mitigation services for lignite mine in Texas.
    • Planning, implementation, operations oversight and monitoring of dewatering/depressurization systems associated with lignite mining operations.
    • Assisted mine personnel in designing and conducting monitoring programs.
    • Prepared monitoring and data collection systems for operations and State submittals.
  • Research, Permitting and Other Submittals to State/Local Agencies
    • Assisted in the preparation of Standards of Identity reports for the labeling of bottled spring water.
    • Assisted project engineers in obtaining approval for construction and usage of water wells for public water systems – Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (Water Utilities Division).
    • Assisted in preparation of permit application submittals, hydrogeologic report, and other documentation for the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.
    • Prepared Ground Water Availability Assessment – Comal County Engineer’s Office.
  • Geologic Assessments
    • Conducted surface and subsurface assessments of soils and geology.
    • Conducted numerous geophysical log interpretations for development of subsurface structural interpretations and apparent water quality characteristics.
    • Conducted surface geologic mapping and unit descriptions.
  • Field Investigations
    • Conducted and managed field programs for collecting geologic and hydrogeologic information.
    • Conducted and supervised field operations involving well inventory, well drilling, aquifer testing, water quality sampling, and geologic mapping.
    • Conducted electrical resistivity tomography surveys to identify subsurface features.