John Rapaglia, Ph.D. specializes in Marine and Atmospheric Science, and teaches Biology and marine science in Dingle. He has previously worked at SHU in Fairfield, as well as a researcher in the Christian Albrechts University, Germany, and Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, in Venice, Italy. Dr. Rapaglia works on several different lines of research. The first line of research involves studies of Submarine Groundwater Discharge. Groundwater flows directly into the sea anywhere an aquifer with a positive hydraulic head is hydraulically connected to a surface water body. Groundwater is inherently enriched in many contaminants and, therefore, it is often a major pathway for these contaminants to enter the ocean. However, as it is inherently difficult to measure, the input of contaminants into coastal zones through groundwater is often disregarded as an important source. Dr. Rapaglia's research focuses on quantifying this flow of groundwater and associated contaminants into the coastal zones, including the better understanding of geochemical processes occurring in the coastal zone. His lab utilizes various techniques including manual seepage meters, radionuclides, and geographic information systems (GIS) to accomplish our research goals on a local, regional, and global scale.

A second line of research involves sedimentary changes due to vessel navigation in ports and harbors. Large vessels generate waves of sufficient energy to disturb sediments both within and near shipping channels. When disturbed, contaminants maybe re-mobilized from these sediments and released back into the water column. Dr. Rapaglia's lab uses pressure sensors to better understand the types of waves generated by these vessels and their impact on the environment. He seeks to understand how re-mobilized contaminants can effect shellfish species. Dr. Rapaglia has other projects including studying salt water intrusion into coastal aquifers and researching salt marshes, sea level rise, and storm parameters.