Greater Bismarck Area
Over two decades at U.S. Geological Survey, I became a nationally recognized expert in hydrology, environmental statistics, flood-frequency analysis, and water-quality trends. My work bridged rigorous science, team development, and public mission—revitalizing teams, mentoring emerging scientists, and delivering actionable research that shapes policy and protects public safety. I’ve authored 60+ peer-reviewed publications, taught statistics to hundreds of scientists, and published widely on pesticide trends in rivers and streams. My work has been cited in the New York Times, and I co-authored the Northern Great Plains Chapter of the 5th National Climate Assessment and a widely used textbook on statistical methods. I’ve turned around struggling teams, accelerated hiring to meet critical needs, boosted morale, and championed colleagues and mission. I'm valued as a mentor, coalition-builder, and someone who tackles tough challenges. As Supervisory Hydrologist and Deputy Center Director, I led multi-state hydrologic operations, managed large budgets under tight constraints, and served as a trusted voice in national initiatives on climate, flooding, and water quality. Highlights: • Quoted in the New York Times for pesticide trend research • Co-Author, Northern Great Plains Chapter, 5th National Climate Assessment • Co-Author, Statistical Methods in Water Resources textbook • Associate Editor, Hydrological Sciences Journal • Delivered national statistics training for USGS since 2011 • STAR and Unit Awards for Excellence of Service • Distinguished Toastmaster and Division Governor of the Year Key Areas: Environmental Statistics | Research Leadership | Employee Mentoring | Budget Management | Interagency Collaboration | Trend Analysis | Surface-Water Studies | Flood-Frequency Analysis | Hydrologic Network Operations | Water-Quality Monitoring
Hydrological Sciences Journal (HSJ) is the official Journal of the International Association of Hydrological Sciences (IAHS) and provides a forum for original papers and for the exchange of information and views on significant developments in hydrology worldwide. It is published by Taylor & Francis. The scope of the journal includes: The hydrological cycle Surface water, groundwater, snow and ice, in all their physical, chemical and biological processes, their interrelationships, and their relationships to geographical factors, atmospheric processes and climate, and Earth processes including erosion and sedimentation Hydrological extremes and their impact Measurement, mathematical representation and computational aspects of hydrological processes Hydrological aspects of the use and management of water resources and their change under the influence of human activity Water resources systems, including the planning, engineering, management and economic aspects of applied hydrology.
Taught MATH 110 Math in Society This course covers a broad range of mathematics that a person would encounter in their daily life. Topics include statistical interpretation, data visualization, probability, growth models, finance, politics and voting, logic and sets, and the intersection of mathematics and the arts.
Led the hydrologic studies section in early 2025, overseeing research for surface water, groundwater, and water quality projects across local, regional, and national scales Appointed by the International Joint Commission of Canada and the United States to serve as a U.S. member of the International Red River Watershed Board, 2025 Led data collection operations (hydrologic networks) Supervised and mentored hydrologists and data scientists Applied change management principles to improve processes Guided strategic program development to obtain external funding Represented the Science Center in meetings with cooperating State, Federal, Tribal, and local agencies Maintained a program of public information and education by networking with colleges and universities, speaking at conferences, writing social media posts, and maintaining knowledge of USGS communications guidance Focused on performance management, recruitment, and workforce planning, enhancing staff capabilities Published an invited News & Views article in Nature Served as the principal investigator for a nine-state, four USGS Water Science Center nonstationary flood-frequency project
Deputy Director for Hydrologic Networks Managed multiple scientific projects Represented the Science Center in meetings with cooperating State, Federal, Tribal, and local agencies. Oversaw performance management, recruitment, and workforce planning, enhancing staff capabilities.
As an environment data scientist, led statistical modeling, data mining, and hydrologic analysis for regional and national water resources research Developed and implemented advanced statistical methodologies to improve hydrologic data interpretation and decision-making Taught and coordinated statistical courses at the USGS National Training Center, mentoring hydrologists and environmental scientists in data analysis techniques Contributed to the 5th National Climate Assessment, providing expertise on climate-related hydrologic trends and risks Co-author of two USGS Techniques and Methods reports that provide foundational guidance for hydrologic research: Harden, T.M., Ryberg, K.R., O’Connor, J.E., Friedman, J.M., and Kiang, J.E., 2021, Historical and paleoflood analyses for probabilistic flood-hazard assessments—Approaches and review guidelines. Helsel, D.R., Hirsch, R.M., Ryberg, K.R., Archfield, S.A., and Gilroy, E.J., 2020, Statistical methods in water resources. Served as Associate Editor for the Hydrological Sciences Journal Published numerous USGS reports and scientific journal articles, including two USGS Techniques and Methods Reports
Taught Applied Statistics, MAT204, during spring semesters. Taught Business Statistics in accelerated MBA program.