Daniel J. May, Ph.D.

Education

B.S., Geology, Stanford University (1978)
Ph.D., Geology, University of California at Santa Barbara (1986)

About Daniel

Dan May currently teaches courses in environmental geosciences, engineering geology, and environmental health. He also coordinates the lab and field activities for the introduction to environmental science general education course. Prior to joining the faculty in 2020, he served from 2013-2020 as Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of New Haven.

In a 40+ year career as a geologist, Dan worked for the US Geologic Survey in mineral resource exploration and volcanic hazards assessment, for Conoco Oil Company in petroleum exploration research, and as a consultant for environmental remediation and engineering geology projects. He served on the faculty at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, and in Ohio at Bowling Green State University and the University of Findlay; and conducted or directed field projects in more than a dozen US states as well as New Zealand and other south Pacific islands.

As a senior university administrator for nearly half his career, Dan served as a college dean and subsequently the chief academic officer at both Findlay and New Haven, and concluded his administrative roles with service as a Commissioner for the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Research Interests

Past activities included investigation of regional tectonic histories in the US Cordillera and New Zealand; remediation of contaminated soil, sediment and groundwater across the Midwest and eastern USA; contaminant fate & transport for wellhead protection in Ohio; QA/QC review of DOE facility cleanups; and risk modeling and management.

Active scholarship includes preparation of publicly accessible GIS-based story maps for local Connecticut watersheds and the petrogenesis of igneous rocks in California, Connecticut, and New York.

In the Media

In the Media

Daniel May, an adjunct professor of biology and environmental science led a hike at Quarry Park and discussed some of the history of the area’s geology.

In the Media

Dan May, professor of environmental science, discusses the bluish-gray ledges in the Wepawaug River bottom near Saint Peter's Church in Milford. He says they are metamorphosed volcanic rocks formed about 465 million years ago.

In the Media

Dan May, professor of environmental science, discusses the residue many Connecticut residents found on their cars and the smell of chlorine. They were concerned it was related to a train derailment two weeks ago in Ohio that co ntained toxic chemicals.

In the Media

Dan May, professor of environmental science, comments on many Connecticut residents noticing a strange smell in the air, pointing out the human nose is very sensitive to smells.

In the Media

Dan May, professor of environmental science, discusses the impact of the derailment of a train containing hazardous chemicals cars that took place two weeks ago in East Palestine, OH, and the current damage the town and its citizens are experiencing as a result of leakage.

In the Media

Dan May, professor of biology and environmental science, wrote an op-ed on the importance of ice in the winter and how NASA uses ice as a valuable resource in space.

In the Media

Dan May, professor of environmental science, wrote an opinion piece on a natural pollutant, radon, explaining why mid-winter is the best time to test a home for potential seepage.

In the Media

Dan May, professor of biology and environmental science, wrote an article on viewing the Northern Lights and some of the history, science, and folklore.

In the Media

Daniel May, Vice President for Academic Affairs, will moderate the first selectman debate in Orange, CT.

In the Media

With the wait time between program approval and acceptance stretching for long periods of time, introducing new programs at colleges in Connecticut has become a major competitive issue. Provost Dan May says that by losing out on time, colleges miss out on out of state students.