Click on each profile to learn more about the Sustainable Water Development Trainees
My name is Jessica Ayers, and I’m from Indianapolis, Ind. I got a BS in environmental science at Indiana University at Bloomington, Indiana.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m pursuing a PhD in civil and environmental engineering and I’m in the professor track. My advisor is Gabriele Villarini.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program because everyone I spoke with was open and accepting of my goals, especially my advisor Gabriele Villarini. All of the faculty and staff were extremely communicative in expressing how the program is personally tailored to each individual and is designed to allow me to explore my interests. It was also the only engineering program that was more open to undergraduate students who weren’t traditionally trained in engineering.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My current research determines how midwestern base flow has changed through the region. I am currently exploring what factors have influenced some of these changes over the last century.
What are your plans (career and/or volunteer/personal objectives) for the future?
I would like to continue in academia and eventually become a professor.
Fun Fact?
I taught English in Hanoi, Vietnam, prior to joining the SWD program!
My name is Iris Brenner, and I am from Ames, Iowa. I received a BA in physics at St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m pursuing an MS in civil and environmental engineering, and my advisors are Larry Weber and Antonio Arenas.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I wanted to transition from my more theoretical undergraduate studies to an applied engineering graduate degree. I was especially interested in integrating land use and water issues with engineering and policy.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I am working on the Iowa Watershed Approach project with Dr. Arenas. Currently I am helping to prepare figures and reports for the various watersheds.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to have a job where I can use my engineering knowledge to integrate scientific principles with land use and management policies. I also want to be able to provide for myself and my cat!
Fun fact?
I play the accordion!
I’m Max Brourman from Pittsburgh, Pa. I went to Ohio State to earn a BS in chemical engineering.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working toward an M.S. in civil and environmental engineering as well as an MBA. My advisor is Craig Just.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program because of the joint MS/MBA program, as well as the people at Iowa. I think the people who run the SWD program are much more supportive and on the student’s team than in the other places that I looked at for grad school.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I’m looking into flood resiliency in Kalona, Iowa. I’m working to create updated flood maps to show that previous maps might be outdated, as well as overlaying those flood maps with social vulnerability maps to show how the most flood-prone areas are also the most socially vulnerable.
What are your plans for the future?
My professional goal is to someday run my own environmentally-minded firm or startup. I doubt I’ll be able to do that right out of the gate from school, but someday, down the road, that is my end goal.
Fun fact?
I once returned a serve from Venus Williams during a hit-around at my local country club.
My name is Anthony Emigh, and I’m from Palatine, Ill. I received a BS in civil engineering from the University of Iowa.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working toward an MS in civil and environmental engineering, and my advisor is Witold Krajewski.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose SWD because of the program’s emphasis on real-world outcomes for research and associated experiences.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I am developing a flood forecast model using data collected from satellites that can benefit rural communities in developing countries that do not yet have flood warning or guidance.
What are your plans for the future?
This is really up in the air. I would like to consult for nonprofits that help build resilience in resource-constrained communities.
Fun fact?
I like to create piano covers of my favorite songs.
My name is Olivia Felber, and I was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., but I grew up in Greenville, S.C. (technically Taylors, but Greenville is the closest actual city). I received a BS in environmental engineering from Clemson University in 2017.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m pursuing a PhD in civil and environmental engineering and I am co-advised by Michelle Scherer and Craig Just.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program because one of my favorite professors back at Clemson suggested I look into it. I thought the program seemed interesting and unique in its approach to sustainability in the food, energy, and water nexus, and I decided to apply. I really enjoyed the visitation weekend, and I was extremely impressed with both Dr. Scherer and Dr. Just and the work that their research groups do.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research is on abiotic and biotic denitrification in agricultural soils. I am currently working on reacting various iron minerals (i.e., goethite and magnetite) with nitrite and seeing reaction rates and products. Ultimately, I want to compare the rates of abiotic reactions such as these with biotic reaction rates in order to get a better picture of denitrification in an agricultural setting.
What are your plans for the future?
Right now, my goal is to become a professor.
Fun fact?
I love drawing, painting, and playing the piano.
I’m Amina Grant and I’m from central New Jersey. I received a BS in environmental systems engineering from Penn State University.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I work with Michelle Scherer, and I am a first-year PhD student in the Sustainable Water Development program.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I thought it would make me a better-rounded environmental leader and open opportunities for me to engage and help resource-constrained communities.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research focuses on lead, copper, and arsenic in Iowa public drinking water systems.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m still figuring out my plans for the future, but I would like to work within the government and at the nexus of community engagement, environmental justice and policy, and public health.
Fun fact?
I’ve been to two of the Seven Wonders of the World: Machu Picchu and the Taj Mahal.
My name is Madeline Jensen, and I am originally from Columbia Heights, Minnesota, just north of Minneapolis. I graduated from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with a BA in chemistry and environmental science.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I am pursuing a master’s degree in civil and environmental engineering, with a focus on the civic engineering pathway, and Dr. Dave Cwiertny advises me.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program because it combines a well-rounded education (something that I have always valued) with the subject that I am passionate about, and it allows me to tailor my education and experiences to my interests and career goals. I also like the atmosphere of the department, especially how friendly and supportive the faculty, staff, and fellow students are.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My current research investigates the ability of carbon nanofiber mats to electrochemically catalyze the reduction of nitrate in drinking water.
What are your plans (career and/or volunteer/personal objectives) for the future?
I plan to pursue a career as an environmental engineer or scientist at the state or regional level. Ideally, I would like to use my career to help communities solve their water/environmental issues.
Fact?
One of my life goals is to walk El Camino de Santiago, which is a pilgrimage trail that starts in France and ends in Galicia, Spain.
I’m Mike Krasowski and I’m from Illinois. I got a bachelor’s degree in geology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working on a master’s degree. My advisors are Larry Weber and Antonio Arenas.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program to gain a unique, interdisciplinary understanding of the challenges facing water sustainability.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research is on the hydrologic modeling of best management practices in agricultural watersheds for primary benefit of regulating peak flows from storm events.
What are your plans for the future?
I’d like to work for a private company restoring riparian spaces and floodplains.
Fun fact?
I like biking a lot! If all goes well, you’ll be able to spot me at my first RAGBRAI soon.
My name is Monica McFadden, and I’m from Ft. Wright, Ky. I have a BS in environmental engineering from the University of Notre Dame.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m pursuing a PhD in the Sustainable Water Development program and I’m co-advised by Greg LeFevre and Dave Cwiertny.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I clicked with my advisors! I also appreciated the interdisciplinary nature of the program, the ability to direct my learning to fit my career goals through choosing a pathway training experience (like an internship or co-op) and elective courses, and the short time to degree.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I am analyzing abiotic and biotic transformations of herbicide safeners (chemicals in herbicide formulas that allow you to spray a field of crops to kill the weeds but not damage the crops). We suspect that one particular class of safeners, dichloroacetamides, may become more biologically active upon degradation and could be of interest in terms of human toxicity. I am working to identify and characterize transformation products and determine their mechanisms of formation.
What are your plans for the future?
I think I can make the biggest positive impact on the environment by improving sustainability in industry through a career in research and development. I am also considering a career in academia. Last summer, I had the opportunity to advise 15 high school girls who were beginning science research projects. I really enjoyed that experience, so if I don’t become a professor, I would like to volunteer in some capacity with pre-college students who are interested in research.
Fun fact?
I was my high school’s mascot my junior and senior years. We were the Pandas, and our sports motto was, “We eat bamboo and we’re coming for you!”
My name is Matt Meulemans, and I’m from Kimberly, Wis. I received a BS in conservation management and a BS in environmental science from Upper Iowa University.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m in the professional/researcher track, and Larry Weber and Nate Young are my advisors.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I’ve interacted with the Iowa Flood Information System and Iowa Water-Quality Information System in the past and was always been impressed by them. I had also heard about Iowa’s nutrient problem and saw that the University of Iowa is working to try to help with that, so I decided I’d like to be a part of that effort.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I have worked with a few individuals to create an on-boat water-quality sensor system that allows rapid collection of high spatial resolution water-quality data. I plan to use this system in the coming months on the entire Iowa and Cedar rivers.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to continue monitoring water quality in the future. Ideally, I will find a job with either the U.S. Geological Survey, U.S. Army Corps of Engineering, or a state agency.
Fun fact?
I lived in the land of Hodags (a mysterious, mischievous beast legendary in the Northwoods of Wisconsin) for two years.
I’m Alex Morrison and I’m from Plainfield, Illinois. I received a BS in meteorology from Valparaiso University.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m pursuing a PhD in civil and environmental engineering and am advised by Gabriele Villarini.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program because of my interest in hydrology, the opportunity to work with IIHR Director Gabriele Villarini, and my ties to the Midwest.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I’m looking at historical and futuristic rainfall models to see how things have changed over time and how we expect things to change. We anticipate the wet will get wetter and the dry will get dryer. It’s tied to climate change, and we hope this research will help us prepare for floods.
What are your plans for the future?
Currently, I am considering working as a service hydrologist for the National Weather Service or in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Fun fact?
I’m a huge gamer, which is something many people don’t expect. Also, I play clarinet, and music is a big part of my life. I got a minor in music and I hope to continue playing throughout my life. I also paint.
My name is Luiza Notini, and I’m originally from Brazil. I got a degree in environmental engineering and a master’s in sanitation, environment, and hydraulic resources from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG). I moved to the United States to pursue a PhD at the University of Iowa.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working toward a PhD in Sustainable Water Development and I’m advised by Michelle Scherer.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
The social aspect of the program impressed me the most. As an international student from a developing country, I knew I had a lot to learn about how the United States deals with environmental challenges. I also appreciate the different carrier pathways in the SWD program. I want to be a professor and I believe that taking specific classes will provide me with good training to become a better educator in the future.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I’m working with iron oxides to understand how defects in this particles affect the way they mix with groundwater.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to be a professor.
Fun fact?
I love dogs and horses.
My name is Thomas Robinson, and I’m from Cape Elizabeth, Maine. I have a BA from Grinnell College in chemistry with a concentration in environmental science.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m pursuing a PhD in civil and environmental engineering, and my advisor is Michelle Scherer.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program for the excellent financial support, as well as my own personal interest in my advisor’s research.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I am currently looking at the ability of magnetite, a common iron mineral, to degrade trichloroethylene, one of the most common groundwater contaminants. I am investigating a lesser known path for these chemicals to break down naturally in the environment without the creation of dangerous byproducts.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans revolve around environmental consulting. Ideally, I would like to work as an international consultant and address pressing water issues around the globe.
Fun fact?
I am a co-captain for a local mixed-sex Ultimate Frisbee team, called PanIC. The team has been around for almost eight years, and this will be my third year playing for them. We compete at tournaments across the Midwest throughout the summer and fall and have had some competitive success.
My name is Rachel Smoak, and I’m from Cary, N.C. I received a BS in chemistry and a BSE in chemical engineering, both from the University of South Carolina.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working toward a PhD, and my advisor is Jerry Schnoor.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I think environmental engineering is poised to help address some of the largest problems facing the world today, and I want to be part of that. I think the SWD program provides the best framework to get there. I want excellent technical skills when I graduate, but I also want more than technical skills. Science can present solutions to problems, but does not solve them single-handedly. I want to be able to communicate and work with people outside of my field of expertise to solve problems together.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My current research looks at the interaction between bacteria and corn, with the goal of promoting a bacteria-corn interaction that reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer on corn.
What are your plans for the future?
My career goals are flexible right now, but I know that I want to combine the best of multiple disciplines to solve large problems. This might be in an international or governmental context.
Fun fact?
I play the cello and take ballet classes in my spare time.
My name is Danielle Thomas, and I’m from Placentia, Calif. I received a BS in civil engineering (water resources emphasis) from the University of Southern California.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working toward a PhD in civil and environmental engineering, and my advisor is Witold Krajewski.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose SWD for the opportunity to customize my PhD experience to better align with my future career goals.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I am investigating the ways climate change and land use affect flood frequency estimation, and the resulting economic consequences.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to work in water resources for a global civil engineering consulting firm upon completion of my degree.
Fun fact?
I went to Washington, D.C., for the first time during spring break 2018, did a lot of sightseeing, and managed to spend more than three hours in the National African American History Museum.
My name is Erica Wiener, and I’m from Boulder, Colorado. I received a BS in environmental engineering from University of Colorado-Boulder.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m pursuing a PhD in civil and environmental engineering, and my advisor is Greg LeFevre.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose SWD because of its flexible and interdisciplinary approach to a graduate degree that highlights issues in environmental and public health. I had a good working relationship with my current advisor prior to application, which also was a large driving factor for me.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research focuses on fungal biotransformation in the context of remediation applications. Fungi have unique, non-specific enzymes that can target a variety of contaminants, and I would like to investigate the fundamental mechanisms behind biotransformation to drive innovation in bioremediation technologies.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to continue in academia and become a professor. I would like to continue my work with fungi, but I would also like to have a role in changing how engineering is taught in higher education, emphasizing enduring understanding, practicality, relevancy in the field, and real integration across disciplines.
Fun fact?
I practice kendo/kumdo, a martial art that involves sword fighting with bamboo swords.
My name is Moala Bannavti and I’m from North Plainfield, NJ. I received a BS in natural resources (environmental science) and a minor in theater from Delaware State University.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working toward a PhD in civil and environmental engineering, and my advisors are Craig Just and Keri Hornbuckle.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose SWD because I wanted a PhD experience that was solely focused on water research as it pertains to anthropogenic activity.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I am researching the presence and effect of PBCs in the water of Iowa public schools.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to work on improving clean water availability in developing countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central America.
Fun fact?
I have been a working professional actress, vocalist, and model since 2012. I am also a second-generation Cameroonian immigrant.
My name is Maggie Carolan and I’m from northern Virginia. I received an undergraduate degree in water resources, policy, and management at Virginia Tech.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I am pursuing a PhD in sustainable water development. I am co-advised by Dr. David Cwiertny in civil and environmental engineering and Dr. Tori Forbes in chemistry.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
The SWD was the best choice for me because I liked the idea of studying and working in a passionate cohort of students. I also fell in love with Iowa City and its low cost of living. Most importantly, I met research co-advisors who sincerely prioritize my goals as a graduate student.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research at Iowa will focus on developing sensors for rapid field detection of uranium in ground/surface water for application in the Navajo Nation.
What are your plans for the future?
I aspire to become a research professor, harnessing scientific resources to recognize and remediate drinking water issues in frontline environmental justice communities in the United States. I care deeply about effective science communication to combat misinformation about water, health, and the environment for the public good. In the wake of recent, persistent environmental crises—from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill to the Flint water emergency—environmental engineers and scientists must be trusted, visible, and credible public voices.
Fun Fact?
As an undergraduate, I was interviewed for and featured in a story in Cosmopolitan magazine. I also enjoy crossword puzzles.
My name is Sarah Douglas and I am originally from Bucks County, Pennsylvania. I received a BS in chemical engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC).
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I am pursuing an MS in civil and environmental engineering. Corey Markfort and Greg LeFevre are my co-advisors.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I applied to the SWD program because one of my favorite faculty members at UMBC recommended it to me. I really enjoyed the welcoming environment during the visitation weekend. My advisors reached out to me several times during the decision process to answer all of my questions, so I knew that I would receive personalized attention with this program.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My current research involves the use of a small-unmanned aircraft system to obtain multi-spectral imagery of lakes and reservoirs and rapidly detect the presence of harmful algal blooms. Combined with water quality data from Iowa Lakeside Laboratory, the imagery will also be used to predict the changes/development of HABs in waterways and allow for preemptive response.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are flexible, but I plan to utilize my engineering skills to help solve large environmental challenges. Although I am not sure what aspect of environmental engineering I would like to pursue, I am ready for whatever the world throws at me. I hope to stay actively involved in my community by volunteering, as well as provide for myself and my future family.
Fun fact?
In my junior year of undergrad, I was crazy enough to lead a group of 13 of my peers to rural Panama, where we worked with an indigenous community to improve their financial independence through teaching them sustainable agricultural techniques.
My name is Humberto González. I come from the Eastern coast of Puerto Rico, and I earned a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I am pursuing an MS in civil and environmental engineering, and David Cwiertny will advise me.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
The commitment of the SWD program to find tangible and applicable solutions to real and pressing problems is what drew me to it.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research focuses on synthesizing and functionalizing electrospun nanofiber networks designed for nitrate, nitrite, and phosphate uptake from water as a water treatment method.
What are your plans for the future?
I feel that I’m receptive to the exploration of professional possibilities as I work throughout my degree, but at the moment, I’m more inclined toward pursuing a consulting-oriented pathway.
Fun Fact?
I enjoy the arts greatly, literature and music are the ones I focus on the most.
My name is Ashley Hesterberg and I’m from Springfield, Missouri. I received a BS in chemical engineering from Washington University in St. Louis and a BA in chemistry from Drury University.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I will pursue a MS in environmental engineering and will be advised by Dr. David Cwiertny and Dr. Syed Mubeen.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
The SWD program focuses on applications and solutions for resource-limited regions while preparing its students with the knowledge and skills needed to enact positive, change in a sustainable manner within and beyond these regions. I connected with many of the professors during the Recruitment Day because these professors, who are well-known in their fields, demonstrated their genuine passion for and dedication to their research, communities, and students.
Please briefly describe your current research.
At UI, I will be researching advanced hydrogen delivery to nitrate sites in a catalytic reactor with the objective to treat potable water and waste brine solutions.
What are your plans for the future?
I am currently considering a career as a consulting engineer, a researcher, or a global engineer. I would like to use my career to impact the lives of those who are restricted by the resource-limited regions in which they live so that they can freely pursue the same opportunities as those that I pursue today.
Fun fact?
I was a competitive figure skater for seven years and skated at the same rink and same time as Gracie Gold, who is an Olympian that competed in the 2014 Winter Olympics. I still love to skate in my free time, so my skates will definitely be with me at UI!
My name is Danielle Hollingshead and I was born and raised in Joplin, Missouri. I graduated with a BA in biology and environmental science from Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I will be getting a masters, and my advisor is Michelle Scherer.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I liked that it is a program tailored to what your personal goals are. It was just meant to be.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I will be measuring and mapping lead and copper levels in small community drinking water systems throughout rural Iowa.
What are your plans for the future?
My ultimate life goal is to save the pandas.
Fun fact?
I met Misha Collins, hugged him, and told him he smelled divine.
My name is Stephanie Houser and I’m originally from Buffalo, New York, though I consider my roots to be in Cincinnati, Ohio. I received a BS in civil engineering and a BA in international relations from Bucknell University in 2016. I received an MS in environmental engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2018.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I’m pursuing a PhD under my advisor, Dr. Kelly Baker.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD because it provided me with the opportunity to learn new skills in public health, while doing research that has the potential to affect peoples’ lives. The program is also helping me realize new ways to pursue the non-traditional PhD career I want.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research will focus on understanding the risk of infection of enteric diseases to vulnerable populations because of contamination in water, soil, food, and on surfaces in the home and community.
What are your plans for the future?
I plan to pursue a career in advising on international aid relating to water and sanitation projects. Jobs of particular interest would be in the federal government, an inter-governmental organization, or a non-governmental organization (NGO), working to bridge grass roots projects with sustainable funding sources and policy.
Fun fact?
I didn’t learn how to ride a bike until I was 23 because I had a childhood fear of it, but the environmentalist in me finally convinced me to overcome my fear!
My name is Sania Kamran I was born in Brighton Beach, New York and moved back and forth between Trinidad and Brooklyn as an infant, but I spent most of my life in The Oranges, New Jersey. At the University of Miami, I earned a BS in public health and had a second major in chemistry.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I am pursuing a PhD under the guidance of Dr. David Cwiertny.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I choose the SWD program because it is one of the few environmental engineering programs I found that seeks applicants from diverse academic backgrounds and not solely those with an engineering background. I really appreciate this program’s focus on equity and social justice; it is important that we learn how our work contributes to the greater good.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research involves steroid hormones and their chlorinated by-products that persist after the water treatment process.
What are your plans for the future?
I haven’t narrowed down my exact career path quite yet, but I am open to every opportunity that presents itself. I hope to continue doing meaningful work in my field while caring for my loved ones.
Fun fact?
From January to June 2018, I volunteered as a tutor and mentor to high school students on the east side of San Jose, California through City Year AmeriCorps; it was my first time visiting California.
My name is Krista Lawless and I am from Arizona. I obtained associates degrees in business and science with a certificate in sustainability and ecological literacy from Chandler-Gilbert Community College in Arizona. I also hold a BS in sustainability with a focus in economics and minored in metals and 3D Design, as well as a MS in technology policy from Arizona State University.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I will pursue a PhD and my advisors are Eric Tate and Silvia Secchi.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program because it is a revolutionary program that has evolved from historically successful programs at the University of Iowa. I appreciate the interdisciplinary focus and the flexibility of the program to help me gain knowledge and skills that will propel me into my future career.
Please briefly describe your current research.
Regarding research at the University of Iowa, is undecided as of yet, so stay tuned! My research at ASU was regarding water governance, stakeholder perceptions, and water resources in Pernambuco, Brazil.
What are your plans for the future?
I want to have post-doctoral research positions after obtaining my PhD and eventually go into academia at an R1 university, so that I can impart the knowledge and skills I have gained and will continue to gain through research onto the upcoming generations of our future leaders.
Fun fact?
My dog, Africa, is the center of my world and the best part of my day is walking her and being out in nature.
My name is Megan Lindmark and I’m from Overland Park, Kansas. I received a BS in environmental science with a concentration in global public health from Drake University.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I am pursuing a PhD in civil and environmental engineering and Craig Just and Kelly Baker advise me.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program largely because of the opportunity to work on interdisciplinary research at the intersection of environmental engineering and public health as it relates to water and development. I also really felt in talking and meeting with professors at Iowa, especially my advisors, that Iowa would be a great fit with my career goals and an exciting new program to join.
Please briefly describe your current research.
Currently I am working with a partner organization that installs chlorinators in rural Nicaragua, to create a monitoring system that detects water quality parameters and chlorine presence and then reports that information back via satellite. Our goal is to create a sensing tool that can be adapted to a machine-learning program to alert technicians in Nicaragua when chlorine tablets need replacement to increase system uptime and positive public health benefits in these communities.
What are your plans for the future?
I hope to work internationally with resource-constrained communities improving access to and quality of safe drinking water in a culturally sensitive and sustainable manner. I’m not sure yet whether this will take the form of consulting or working directly for a related NGO, but regardless I hope to use the skills gained through my research to benefit others in some way.
Fun fact?
While working in Panama after graduation, a very angry wild Geoffroy’s Tamarin bit me. This sadly did not result in any fun Spiderman-esque super powers.
My name is Lindsay Matthews and I’m from Davenport, IA. I received a BS in meteorology from Iowa State University.
What is your degree objective and advisor’s name?
I am working towards an MS in civil and environmental engineering and my advisor is Witold Krajewski.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose SWD program for the faculty who truly care about my goals and are happy to personalize my education. I loved being in an environment where people from all backgrounds of education can come together and use their unique skills to work together towards a common goal!
Please briefly describe your current research.
My current research focuses on testing a new near-real-time evapotranspiration model that incorporates remote sensing data. This evapotranspiration model will be used to help improve river forecasts.
What are your plans for the future?
In the future, I would like to work for either the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers or the National Weather Service to help serve my community and keep people safe.
Fun fact?
My passion is science, but there is still plenty of room in my heart for the arts! I played the baritone for 8 years, took nearly every art class in high school, and danced in the styles of tap, jazz, ballet, and hip-hop for 12 years.
My name is Lindsay Otto, and I am from Sacramento, CA. I received a BS in civil engineering from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.
What is your degree objective, and who is your advisor?
I’m working toward a master’s in civil and environmental engineering. My advisor is Witold Krajewski.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose SWD because of the program emphasis on practical outcomes for research, a well-rounded education, and the ability to tailor the program to meet my future career goals.
Please briefly describe your current research.
I am investigating flood frequency estimations and how climate change among other factors challenge traditional methods.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are still flexible for the moment. I hope to work in water resources for either an engineering consulting firm or the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Geological Survey, or a state agency upon completion of my degree.
Fun fact?
I have gone on three 2000+ mile road trips in the span of one year.
My name is Robyn Williams and I am originally from Dallas, Texas but I have spent the past 5 years living in beautiful Austin, Texas. I received a BS from Texas State University where I majored in biology and minored in biochemistry.
Degree objective and advisor’s name?
I am a master’s student in the SWD program and my advisor is Dr. Allen Bradley.
Why did you choose the SWD program?
I chose the SWD program because I love that it is career driven. I want to be a global engineer so I like that the program provides training opportunities abroad. I was also attracted to the program’s innovative and interdisciplinary approach to graduate school. Of course, math and science are important, however, they also understand that policy and supporting communities are equally as important to the future of environmental engineering. I just really wanted to be a part of a program that supports those ideals.
Please briefly describe your current research.
My research is focused on nutrient cycles in Iowa watersheds. Tracing nutrients is important in Iowa because it is a top state for agricultural production. Fertilizer runoff in containing nitrogen eventually flows from Iowa down to the Gulf of Mexico causing hypoxia. Therefore, I will be building a hydrologic model of a creek in Northern Iowa to trace the nitrogen flow. This will help researchers better determine which conservation practices they can use to denitrify the water before it reaches the Gulf of Mexico.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans are to complete my degree then find a job at an innovative engineering firm that thinks critically about the challenges that we will face with sea level rise and water scarcity in the future. I really want to work somewhere that pushes the boundaries of what our water and community infrastructure systems look like. I also want to travel the world to see for myself the problems facing communities impacted by water resource stresses and collaborate with innovators that are pushing to change these problems. I also have a personal goal to write a book about water infrastructure systems through the ages and into the future.
Fun fact?
I really love to read! Just another reason why Iowa City is the perfect place for me since it is a UNESCO World Heritage site for literature. For the past year I have a reading list that I have been sticking to and that has been extremely rewarding. My favorite reads this year have been The Count of Monte Cristo, How We Are Hungry, Utopia, and the 1st SWD book club selection: The Water Will Come. The next book on my list is Infinite Jest.
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