Stephen Silliman was named dean of the School of Engineering and Applied Science at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.

Silliman officially started his new role in July 2012, when he moved from the position of associate dean for undergraduate programs and faculty member in the Department of Civil Engineering and Geological Science at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana. While at Notre Dame he developed a research program in theoretical and applied aspects of groundwater hydrology and was principal investigator of the Notre Dame Benin Research Program.

Silliman holds a BSE in civil engineering from Princeton and a Ph.D. in hydrology from the University of Arizona. His research is divided between his theoretical/laboratory studies on groundwater flow/transport processes and water resource development/management in developing countries.

As a noted hydrologist, Silliman has presented internationally. Among honors received in 2011 he was selected the National Ground Water Association Distinguished Darcy Lecturer and invited to share his work with peers and students to foster interest and excellence in groundwater science and technology.