He is motivated by the study of watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry, and his research focuses on how the transport of water and elements across landscapes and through river networks influences water quantity and quality (composition) across space and time. This includes how the physical template directs or organizes ecological processes and patterns at watershed to regional scales. In addition to this, Dr. Covino is interested in the patterns of feedbacks between climate variability, hydrological and biogeochemical dynamics, and environmental change. Currently, he is conducting projects in Colombia on water resource and hydrology challenges facing primarily rural populations.