Q. Are spreadsheets included in VGWA?

A. All the homework questions and exercises in VGWA entail the use of spreadsheets. Although there is a lot of good ground water related software out there, one has to learn how to use a lot of different software, given the depth and breath of problems we tackle. Spreadsheets are versatile and powerful. Why learn new software for every problem you work on, if spreadsheets can handle it? VGWA is packed full of very useful spreadsheets for students and professionals for data collection and for performing analyses. For example, there are spreadsheets for analyzing pump and slug tests, for analyzing and displaying major ion water quality data, and for conducting analytical modeling of contaminant transport.

Q. What is the role of the web site?

A. The web site will allow us to keep VGWA up-to-date, particularly the reference, homework and exercise material. Of course, it will also allow us to add content to the software through downloads, link to other relevant web sites, get feedback from users for improvements, and to provide support. Also, most of the video content will be accessible from our web site as streaming video.

Q. Who is your target audience?

A. VGWA has three educational levels. The basic level could be used by non-scientists, such as attorneys and lay people. The mid-level, what we call the essentials, is useful for environmental scientists and people in other fields of science. The advanced level is designed to be used in geology, soil science and engineering courses and as a reference for environmental professionals. One can readily change from level to another. The software also has built in search, contents and bookmark elements to help navigate through the material.

Q. Can you give us some insight into the software development?

A. It involves a lot of multitasking--picture taking, video editing, generating graphics, a great deal of programming, and a lot of travel to some incredible places. It has truly been a labor of immense enjoyment for me.

Q. When will it be available?

A. VGWA should be available in the Summer of 2004 for beta testing and should be on the market by the Fall. Copies of VGWA will be downloadable from our website.