Experience

Utah Department of Environmental Quality

• United States
• Environmental Services
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Hydrogeologist/ Geochemist

  • Sep 2016 - Present

  My responsibilities with the Division of Water Quality are to assess the fate and transport of metals from the Gold King Mine release on August 5, 2015 as it relates to long-term and historic loading from background soils, bedrock, mining activities, and anthropogenic sources. This research includes forecasting daily water quality changes from historical and recent datasets collected from multiple jurisdictional entities to better understand spatial and temporal trends, historic loading, and source contributions. My responsibilities also include interrogating UTDEQ water quality and sediment data for evaluation against our screening limits, spatial and temporal metals load analysis, and potential source identification. The multi-jurisdictional entities that I work closely with include: Utah DEQ, New Mexico Environmental Department, Navajo Nation EPA, Ute Mountain Ute tribe, White Mountain Ute tribe, Colorado Department of Health and Environment, USEPA, USGS, and a number or regional, county, and municipal stakeholder groups. My relationship with the agencies increases data sharing, development of multi-state aquatic, agricultural, human health, and sediment standards, and promotes continued watershed-based planning of the San Juan River and Lake Powell. I am actively pursuing additional funding for long- term monitoring at existing stations, high spatial density monitoring for human health and aquatic risk assessment, and the collection of multiple sediment cores in Lake Powell with the USGS. These cores will be used to evaluate changing natural and mining impacted source contributions and to determine deposition rate with geochemical, age dating, and grain size analysis. Due to limited state-based monitoring resources, I am also developing GIS-based algorithms to predict the statistical probability of mine discharge and water quality impacts from potential mine drainage locations across the landscape, allowing for more focused assessment.



U.S. Geological Survey (USGS)

• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Hydrologist - Surface Water Specialist

  • Sep 2012 - Sep 2016

  Recruited into the USGS Utah Water Science Center (UTWSC) in September 2012 to support integrated groundwater and surface water assessment from local to regional watershed-scale. The Utah Water Science Center is a leader in dissolved gasses and environmental tracers, water quality analysis, and groundwater assessments. I have analyzed spatio-temporal salt and water balance and uncertainties to and within the Great Salt Lake. We used dissolved gas and environmental tracers for groundwater residence times and flowpaths to springs throughout the Upper Colorado River Basin (UCRB) as a proxy for groundwater baseflow. This led to research identifying baseflow contributions and flowpath distributions for snowmelt dominated locations in the UCRB. I have characterized the water resource availability in Eastern Utah to support management decisions for the BLM and investigated salinity source loading along the Colorado River. More recently, I am developing multiple watershed models to predict the fate of salinity contributions to streams during peak flow events based on plot-scale erosion experiments in the rangelands of Utah. Within NAWQA, I have been developing an analysis of redox conditions and geochemical indicators throughout Central WI for predictive purposes throughout the glacial principle aquifer. I am also characterizing oxygen reduction and denitrification rates using age tracers at different spatial scales as a predictor of susceptibility using multiple explanatory variables. I am also on a team developing several MODFLOW groundwater flow and transport models at different scales in an effort to capture information loss as a function of scale, resolution, and observational density. We are attempting to fully automate the model construction, calibration, and validation using Python scripts.



University of Utah John and Marcia Price College of Engineering

• United States
• Higher Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Adjunct Faculty

  • Apr 2014 - Aug 2014

  Taught Surface Water Quality Prediction and Assessment Taught Surface Water Quality Prediction and Assessment



University of Bayreuth

• Germany
• Research Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Post-Doctoral Researcher

  • Dec 2009 - Sep 2012

  Focused on field experiments and integrative ecosystem computational modeling for a South Korea catchment . I facilitated data exchange between agencies, faculty, and students in disciplines ranging from meteorology, plant ecology, agroecology, zoology, soil ecology, soil physics, hydrology, and population and social geography. The data was used to inform a SWAT model to compare dynamic interactions between hydrology, land use changes, regulatory and social behavior, and economic incentives to quantify resilience and ecosystem services sustainability. I implemented a rainfall-runoff model (HBV) for historic and future river discharge in a forested subcatchment to estimate nitrate and DOC export. I analyzed transient meteorological data throughout the catchment, collaborated with plant ecologists to develop multiple crop physiology and growth parameters, and constructed a multi-site, multi-objective model for extreme event discharge dynamics and hydrologic flow partitioning. I led a 12 person research and teaching hydrologic field campaign in 2012 to develop teaching experiments and analyze hydrologic parameters. I also taught several graduate short courses (Scientific Manuscript Design, Watershed Modeling with the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT)). Top Accomplishments - Organized weekly seminar series and exchange between a unique and diverse international and interdisciplinary team. - Developed international collaborations with over 20 universities and institutes in more than 15 countries, resulting in more than 9 co-authored manuscripts in 2012 alone. - Developed a multi-method approach to compare weighted river discharge variations due to aggradation/degredation processes.



Desert Research Institute

• United States
• Environmental Services
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant

  • May 2003 - Dec 2009

  My research focused on spatiotemporal hyporheic exchange between a fluvial island, the streambed, and the adjacent streambanks using heat as a tracer. The long-term field experiment showed that antecedent moisture conditions and near-stream aquifer storage significantly influence complex multi-dimensional groundwater and surface water exchange. I installed deep wells and piezometers, completed intensive bathymetric and topographic field surveys, monitored river discharge using multiple methods including ADCP, collected and analyzed geochemical and biogeochemical samples, micrometeorological analysis, thermal infrared surveys (TIR), and distributed temperature sensor (DTS) instrumentation. I utilized numerically models including TOUGH2 (non-isothermal flow and transport), MODFLOW/MT3D (steady-state flow and transient transport), and WASP (SW quality modeling). I examined implications of restoration activities through terrestrial and aquatic ecological investigations of benthic macroinvertebrates, fish, periphyton distribution, and streambed structure and sedimentation. Team member to a number of inter-disciplinary groups throughout Northern NV and CA, including managing the long-term monthly Truckee River water quality monitoring and analysis from Lake Tahoe, CA to Vista, NV. I assisted on in-stream hyporheic studies throughout the Truckee River and Carson River study with flow measurements, dye and heat tracer investigations, water quality analysis, and geomorphic characterization. Top Accomplishments - Developed a 3D GW/SW model optimized through heat transport to quantify temporal storage and baseflow contributions. - Intensive experimental design and instrumentation of large fluvial island for detailed hydrology of pre- and post-restoration. -Developed a SW Quality Modeling class using several analytic and numerical tools for water resource evaluation. -Applied previous experiences and examples to create a unique Chemistry class at the Community College.



Montana Technological University

• United States
• Higher Education
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Graduate Research And Teaching Assistant

  • 2001 - 2003

  Focused on near-stream flow and transport patterns and in-stream diel biochemical interactions with intensive field analysis. I installed piezometers and wells, performed aquifer tests, conducted synoptic water quality campaigns, and completed long-term diurnal sampling experiments to examine in-stream water quality equilibrium conditions. I conducted much of the laboratory analysis using chromatography, XRD, ICP-MS, spectrophotometry, and SEM. Some of the samples were typically streambed cobbles with Mn, Zn oxide crusts and algal material. The results quantified the role of aquatic plants and algae, pH, and temperature on diel heavy metal fluctuations and further identified that (ad-, de-) sorption processes are highly dependent on pH and temperature. I also conducted a multi-day aquifer pumping test for a proposed subdivision water supply well, constructed a MODFLOW groundwater flow model for dewatering and subsequent infiltration of a mine in Idaho, and a MODFLOW/MT3DMS flow and transport model to estimate hydrocarbon contaminant transport patterns and residence times for a petroleum facility. I was part of a USGS led field-sampling program at Fisher Creek in Cooke City, MT examining diel cycling of heavy metals in an acidic mine drainage. I examined water quality at the Ontario Mine drainage in Elliston, Montana and completed a phosphate and nitrate sensitivity analysis for a proposed subdivision in Lolo, Montana. I led a multi-parameter water quality analysis of the Butte Metro Storm Drain, including a significant storm event, which implicated mine restoration activities on event-driven runoff water quality exceedences. Finally, I was also part of an international team investigating trends in rare earth element (REE) concentrations at a volcano in Patagonia, Argentina. Top Accomplishments - Developed novel study implicating the role of pH, temperature, and aquatic plants on diel heavy metal variability rather than hydrologic redistribution.



Ambient Engineering Inc

• United States
• Environmental Services

• Senior Hydrogeologist

  • 2000 - 2001

  As a lead Hydrogeologist, I performed multiphase subsurface petroleum investigations at tidally influenced facilities throughout the Boston, Massachusetts harbor. My team routinely monitored and tracked multiple hydrocarbon contamination sources, including depth of product, and quality of liquid. I developed alternative methods to existing compressed air treatment system designs that increased product removal efficiency. I conducted a remedial pilot test utilizing cavitation-induced oxidation on a petroleum contaminated groundwater site. Further, I monitored petroleum and heavy metal contamination at a number of locations throughout eastern Massachusetts. In many cases, I managed personnel, the budget, and subcontractors throughout subsequent remediation activities. I prepared a wide variety of environmental assessments, remedial reports, emergency responses, and site investigation assessments under state and federal regulatory requirements.



LFR Levine Fricke, Inc.

• Braintree, Massachusetts

• Senior Geologist

  • 1998 - 2000

  I performed multiple geologic and environmental field investigations throughout New England. A primary responsibility was to organize, plan, and oversee deep subsurface boring and monitoring well installations and subsequent groundwater monitoring and analysis. I managed and performed several 72-hour pumping tests for ‘Transient Non-Community Public Water’ supply purposes. I completed soil gas surveys for residential development contractors throughout New England, which included soil gas probe insertions to delineate methane and oxygen isopleths to model and characterize methane and redox reactions. I consulted on the installation of groundwater recovery well and sump systems to create a dewatered cone of depression for an elevator shaft installation along the Boston harbor waterfront. I performed risk characterization and assessment of a historical electric power generating plant for the development of a gas turbine facility. I conducted a number of building inspections at warehouses, personal properties, office buildings, and industrial settings in support of additional demolition. I managed on-site excavation projects for characterization, mapping, and analysis of subsurface contamination and remediation potential. I designed, installed and operated a granular activated carbon adsorption (GACA) pump and treat system at a former auto facility. I redesigned the system to include amendments for a groundwater influenced oil change pit and car wash unit at the then current facility. I performed regular site characterizations utilizing x-ray fluorescence (XRF) technology for heavy metal characterization to further delineate the contaminated material and limit the volume of soil to be shipped offsite.



Rust Environment and Infrastructure, Inc.

• Burlington, Massachusetts

• Engineer/Project Manager

  • 1996 - 1998

  As a Project Manager, I coordinated, supervised, and assisted field personnel on more than 20 long-term contracted projects, multiple underground and above ground storage tank (UST and AST) closures, and several environmental emergency response contracts. Prepared project submittals and regular progress reports for several different multi-million dollar environmental assessment and waste removal contracts associated with the Central Artery and Tunnel Project throughout Greater Boston. I maintained extensive relationships with lead contractors, sub contractors, shipping agencies, waste facilities, community stakeholder groups, and consulting partnerships. I managed observational field data, laboratory analysis results, financial budgeting, scheduling, and report preparation in accordance with state and federal regulatory requirements. I coordinated transport and disposal of contaminated soil, sediment, industrial material, contaminated liquid, and sludge to appropriate RCRA facilities throughout the United States, including price negotiation and budget management. I conducted several Phase I, II, and III environmental site assessments (ESA) throughout New England as a Field Engineer. I also developed project work plans including, soil gas surveys, Odor and Noise monitoring, T&D of Hazardous and Characteristic Waste, Asbestos Remediation, Soil Excavation Plans, In-Situ UST sampling, and UST cleaning and removal plans, ERPs, SPCCs, and HASPs. I supervised the decontamination, removal, and disposal of a 1.3-million gallon UST, managing up to 12 subcontractors and the disposal of over 10,000 tons of razor blade debris and 800,000 gallons of RCRA classified oil/sludge. I supervised the installation and well development activities of eight 36-inch product recovery wells at a light rail maintenance facility. Operated and maintained a temporary groundwater treatment system which consisted of several fractation tanks, an oil water separator, and two GACA units.



Operational Technologies, Inc.

• Field Office, Massachusetts Military Reservation, Cape Cod, Massachusetts

• Geologist

  • 1996 - 1996

  In support of multi-investigation contaminant plume characterization, I scheduled, organized, managed, collected, inventoried, and analyzed geotechnical borings, well installations, and groundwater samples throughout the Massachusetts Military Reservation Cape Cod aquifer. I supervised a team of up to 6 contractors and assistants that were tasked with well installations using rotary, hollow stem auger, and sonic drilling techniques. I was a team member involved in well development procedures, post installation groundwater sampling and monitoring, and community and home drinking water well sampling. I also personally managed and operated a mobile GACA groundwater treatment system.



Dispersion Analytical and Mobile Laboratories

• Ann Arbor, Michigan

• Driller

  • 1995 - 1996

  As one of two lead drillers, my primary responsibilities included operation and maintenance of a truck-mounted and a track-mounted Geoprobe direct push drilling system, and a hollow stem auger drill rig. Oversight of at least one additional field personnel. I collected and categorized soil, groundwater, soil vapor, and thermal samples. Drilling and sample collection performed at more than 250 individual sites throughout six Midwestern states, including warehouse facilities, gas stations, landfills, ashpiles, commercial properties, USEPA Superfund sites, and a mid-river chemical ash island.