Photo from the Badlands in South Dakota, one of my favorite national parks.
Spatial variability of nitrate concentration in Great Coharie Creek, Sampson County, NC
Teapot Dome - Jimbo Mathus' "Turkey Buzzard in a Porkpie Hat" at The Tractor Tavern, Seattle, WA
J. Walter Gurley
B.S. (Geology), UNC at Chapel Hill, 2007
M.S. (Earth Science), North Carolina State University, 2011

My research interests include tracing nutrient and organic matter cycling in freshwater systems and understanding how human activities influence the source and geochemical transformations of these materials. My M.S. project consisted of determining the effects of land use on water quality in four streams located in Sampson County, NC. In particular, the goal of this project was to understand how the spatial and chemical variability of nitrate and dissolved organic matter in these streams related to changes in land use.

I became the laboratory manager for Dr. Showers Stable Isotope Lab in December of 2011. While my primary duties include analyzing river samples through flow injection and mass spectrometry techniques, I also analyze data, maintain this website, and aid the field crew.

Outside of work and research, I like to spend time playing and listening to music. I have played drums in several bands since high school and spent two years in Seattle, WA as a musician. Presently, more time is spent listening to music than performing. Additional intersest include nature, cats, and just relaxing with friends and family.

Email: jwgurley@ncsu.edu