Graduate Student

My background in ecology and engineering has helped me understand the perspectives of both practicing engineers and conservation biologists. I am hoping that as I get deeper into my academic career, this dual background will help me span the gap between disciplines in a field of research that is interdisciplinary by design, and by necessity. Our research is aimed at seeking natural infrastructure solutions for flood risk mitigation. When we reconnect a floodplain or re-meander a stream to lessen flood severity, we design with natural features, such as topography, or bank vegetation, to satisfy engineering requirements. The “natural spaces” we introduce to engineered systems have the co-benefits of providing habit and restoration opportunities for conservation biologists.