Gabriel Eckstein
This week’s highlight is on Dr. Gabriel Eckstein, a Professor of Law and the Director of the Energy, Environmental, and Natural Resource Systems Law Program at Texas A&M University where he teaches many courses related to the intersection between natural resources and law.
Dr. Eckstein is a member of the Groundwater Project and serves as the author of two books. His book Cross-Border Impacts Related to Transboundary Aquifers: Characterizing Legal Responsibility focuses on the situations in which the utilization, management, and administration of a transboundary aquifer might harm a neighboring political unit, leading to legal accountability. Additionally, the book covers models of transboundary aquifers for assessing cause-and-effect relationships. His other book, Identifying International Legal Trends for Managing Transboundary Groundwater and Aquifers, focuses on the treaties and informal agreements developed by nations around the globe regarding the assessment, utilization, allotment, and safeguarding of transboundary groundwater and aquifers.
A BIT OF BACKGROUND
Dr. Eckstein has a diverse set of career experiences. He holds a dual B.A. degree in Geology and International Relations from Kent State University. Afterward, he pursued an M.S. in International Affairs at Florida State University, and eventually a JD and an LL.M in International Environmental Law at the American University Washington College of Law. Before joining academia, Dr. Eckstein was a trial attorney focusing mainly on toxic tort and asbestos cases. He then worked as an in-house counsel for a pesticide and crop science trade association. Dr. Eckstein was also a consultant for global water and environmental issues to several international organizations. Frustrated by the lack of scientific foundation in laws, regulations, and legal decisions, Dr. Eckstein was drawn to the law and eager to incorporate more scientific knowledge in legislation and policy-making.
Dr. Eckstein’s interests are in water and environmental issues. He is most recently focused on the intersection of groundwater with geothermal energy as well as interstate groundwater and surface water disputes in the United States, but also continues his ongoing work addressing the international law for transboundary groundwater resources.
APPRECIATION
We are very thankful for Dr. Eckstein’s wonderful contributions to the GWP and the whole hydrogeology community.
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