As seasonal streams dry up in the summer, he and his students are able to see the rock formations that contributed to the water's winter and spring flow. He enjoys taking his classes to Putah Creek near Russell Ranch. There, students observe the creek's velocity, erosion and discharge and see its change from season to season. Teaching is a passion of Pasternack's, whose research interests lie in watershed hydrology and geomorphology. By the end of the quarter, you know you made a difference.
Research takes time and patience.
Teaching is like candy. Pasternack also enjoys offering practical applications of his watershed knowledge. He is currently working with the East Bay Municipal Utility District's Lower Camanche Dam to design a Mokelumne River channel allowing for the best salmon habitat. With the demands of professorship, Pasternack is not able to kayak as much as he did in his youth. He has, however, taken on new interests and challenges.