Dr. Steve Lyon | Environmental Science | Best Researcher Award
Professor at The Ohio State University | United States
Dr. Steve Lyon is a distinguished scholar in hydrology and environmental sciences, currently serving as Professor at the School of Environment and Natural Resources, The Ohio State University. His career reflects a deep commitment to advancing sustainable water resource management through innovative research and global collaboration. With academic foundations in agricultural and biological engineering Dr. Steve Lyon has expanded his expertise to encompass hydrology, water quality, and environmental resilience. He has contributed extensively to both research and applied science, bridging the gap between academic knowledge and practical solutions. His global engagement underscores his leadership in addressing pressing water challenges.
Profile:
Google Scholar
Education:
Dr. Steve Lyon holds a Ph.D. in Biological and Environmental Engineering from Cornell University, where his dissertation focused on spatial structures of shallow water tables in hydrology. Prior to his doctorate, he earned an M.S. from Cornell University, developing methods to apply topographic indices in runoff prediction. His academic journey began at Purdue University with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, complemented by a minor in Mathematics. He later achieved the prestigious title of Docent at Stockholm University, emphasizing Physical Geography with Hydrology. These milestones shaped his expertise in interdisciplinary and applied environmental sciences.
Experience:
Dr. Steve Lyon has held leadership and research roles across renowned institutions and organizations. At Ohio State University, he progressed from Associate Professor to Professor, contributing to the school’s mission of advancing environmental knowledge and outreach. His earlier tenure at Stockholm University as Professor of Physical Geography included supervising doctoral and postdoctoral research while expanding hydrology teaching. His applied impact was evident during his role as Freshwater and Conservation Scientist with The Nature Conservancy, where he advanced conservation initiatives. He has also contributed through postdoctoral research in Arizona and Sweden, furthering hydrological modeling and climate adaptation studies.
Research Interests:
Dr. Steve Lyon’s research focuses on hydrology, water resources, and environmental sustainability. His work emphasizes understanding nutrient transport, water quality dynamics, and agricultural drainage systems, with direct applications in mitigating harmful algal blooms and improving watershed health. He is particularly engaged in advancing controlled drainage technologies and nature-based solutions to strengthen climate resilience. His interdisciplinary approach connects physical hydrology with environmental policy, agricultural engineering, and community collaboration. By integrating high-frequency monitoring, isotopic analysis, and modeling techniques, Dr. Steve Lyon contributes innovative frameworks for sustainable management of water resources at local, regional, and international scales.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Steve Lyon has received recognition for both academic excellence and impactful applied science. His research was honored with an Outstanding Paper of the Year Award from the Hydrological Processes journal, highlighting his contributions to advancing hydrological knowledge. He has been recognized by agricultural and environmental organizations, including awards for county-level excellence in sustainability practices. Prestigious fellowships and scholarships from international foundations have further acknowledged his academic achievements. These distinctions underscore his dedication to innovative research, impactful teaching, and effective collaboration across disciplines, ensuring his contributions are both scientifically significant and societally relevant.
Publications:
Title: Wetlands as large-scale nature-based solutions: Status and challenges for research, engineering and management
Citation: 416
Year of Publication: 2017
Title: How old is streamwater? Open questions in catchment transit time conceptualization, modelling and analysis
Citation: 376
Year of Publication: 2010
Title: Using a topographic index to distribute variable source area runoff predicted with the SCS curve‐number equation
Citation: 232
Year of Publication: 2004
Title: Identifying hydrologically sensitive areas: bridging the gap between science and application
Citation: 216
Year of Publication: 2006
Title: The master transit time distribution of variable flow systems
Citation: 190
Year of Publication: 2012
Title: Thermokarst lake, hydrological flow and water balance indicators of permafrost change in Western Siberia
Citation: 189
Year of Publication: 2012
Title: Improving agricultural water use efficiency with biochar–A synthesis of biochar effects on water storage and fluxes across scales
Citation: 178
Year of Publication: 2019
Conclusion:
Dr. Steve Lyon’s career demonstrates exceptional leadership in hydrology, sustainability, and environmental resource management. His global perspective, grounded in rigorous scientific research and community-focused engagement, highlights his ability to bridge theory with practice. Through extensive teaching, mentorship, and scholarly contributions, he has shaped the next generation of environmental scientists. His recognition by leading scientific and agricultural organizations underscores the value of his work in addressing real-world challenges. By advancing innovative methods for sustainable water and land management, Dr. Steve Lyon has established himself as an influential figure, making him an outstanding candidate for prestigious awards.