Lexington, Kentucky, United States
Research - I was involved in projects related to runoff management in agricultural and urban settings, water quality, and low impact development (LID). My doctoral research explored ways for nurseries to reduce pesticides and nutrients in runoff through implementation of engineered structures and modification of management strategies. This involved extensive field- and bench-scale experiments as well as modeling of transport processes. I was responsible for managing water quality sampling and data collection at multiple constructed wetland sites. Extension and applied experience - responsible for design, construction, and construction management of constructed wetlands and bioretention cells to manage runoff in agricultural and urban settings. I worked with agricultural producers, contractors, regulators, and homeowners to implement field-scale projects for demonstration and research purposes. I have organized and presented at multiple extension workshops for agricultural professionals. I also organized and co-led a one day design charrette attended by water management professionals from six states. Teaching - I was a TA for Fluid Mechanics with Dr. Glenn Brown and Applied Water Resources Statistics with Dr. Dan Storm. Service - President of the Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Graduate Student Association (BAEGSA) 2014-2016. Co-wrote and received grants for over $8,000. Sponsored stream cleanups, held sustainability socials, tours, and awareness events, hosted Chad Pregracke, the 2013 CNN Hero of the Year, to speak to an audience of over 250 members of the campus community. Active in the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and serve in the Streams, Reservoirs, and Wetlands group and on the Nomenclature committee.
Research - I performed research regarding the hydrologic effectiveness of a raingarden located in Central Kentucky. I collected inflow data and stage data at a raingarden. After surveying the raingarden, I developed a topographical profile using GIS and then again used GIS to develop a stage-storage curve. I analyzed flow and level data to determine water storage times and drawdown periods to determine the effectiveness of this rain garden. This led to design recommendations for rain garden builders in Central KY. Course Work - My studies centered around water. I have taken advanced fluid mechanics classes that looked briefly at theory behind open channel flow as well as pipe flow. I have looked at fluid flow in natural settings in stream restoration, fluvial geomorphology, and fluvial hydraulics. I have also taken courses dealing with water quality of surface waters as well as watershed management. Teaching Assistant - I had the opportunity to TA a section of the BAE 103 class under Dr Larry Wells. I led 20 students in a recitation section. I worked out examples and answered questions regarding lecture material and homework problems. I developed quizzes with the other TA and graded quizzes and homework for the students of my section. Other Activities - I gather information from scholarly articles and expert interviews related to bioretention and other Low Impact Development practices. I have recorded, edited, and produced video footage for an online Stream Restoration course. I assist other graduate students with their research.
Led the recitation section for BAE 103. Worked through examples of engineering problems. Wrote and graded quizzes. Graded homework.
Assisted in engineering design of water treatment facilities. Proofread engineering drawings and reports. Wrote engineering preliminary reports.