About Me¶

I'm a geographer and researcher at the U.S. Geological Survey with over a decade of experience developing innovative tools, technologies, and applications using remote sensing to address real-world water resource challenges.

My development work focuses on the operational deployment and standardization of image velocimetry and near-field remote sensing technologies within USGS — a domain where I have developed the first successful operational implementation at national scale and continue to lead as the agency's primary subject matter expert.

What I Do¶

My work is national in scope and cross-disciplinary, spanning:

• Hydrologic remote sensing — using cameras and video to measure river flow
• Software development — building operational tools for field scientists
• Cloud infrastructure — designing scalable systems for imagery data
• Training and capacity building — teaching non-contact methods to 170+ USGS staff
• Policy and standards — authoring the first USGS procedures for image velocimetry

I operate independently, leading projects from concept through deployment and often serving as principal investigator, lead developer, project manager, and trainer across multiple concurrent projects.

Background¶

• Ph.D. in Geography — University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (2014)
  • Research: Fluvial dynamics and geomorphology of compound meander bends
• M.S. in Geography — Texas State University (2007)
• B.S. in Physical Geography — Texas State University (2005), Minor in Music

Recognition¶

• DOI Superior Service Award (2025) — "innovative research that significantly advanced USGS capability for using field cameras"
• DOI Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aviation Safety (2019) — Kīlauea volcano emergency response
• Unit Award for Excellence of Service (2023) — NIMS team
• Invited speaker: WMO HydroHub, International Hydrometry Working Group, AGU, multiple universities
• Pending patent: Under-ice discharge measurement using edge computing (DI-1215)

Contact¶