Team

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Jorge Santiago Ramirez Nunez

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, University of Guadalajara 2013-2018
Master of Science in Water Management and Hydrological Science, Texas A&M University 2020-2022

PhD in Civil Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder 2022-Present

For his PhD research Santiago is studying urban stormwater management, implementing infiltration-focused infrastructure and rainwater harvesting for a low-impact development approach. He is interested in destigmatizing stormwater in urban environments, raising awareness about the potential value of stormwater as a resource in water-stressed communities. When not thinking about hydrology he likes going out for a walk and cooking with friends.

Nick Guthro

B.S. Environmental Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 2022

M.S. Civil Engineering, University of Colorado. 2022 – Present

Nick’s primary research focus involves quantifying the effects that urban irrigation has on water usage in arid regions. He is interested in sustainable land-use planning, urban water systems, water resources management and policy. Outside of research, he enjoys watching movies, playing sports, travelling, and skiing.

Dixie Poteet

B.S. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2021
M.S. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2021-present

Dixie’s current research monitors a stream channel within a semi-arid rangeland slated for residential housing development. Monitoring efforts will lend insight into the effects of development on the area’s existing hydrology. Dixie is dedicated to developing reliable resources to support future water allocation decisions between rural and urban water users. Outside of work and research, she can be found restoring wooden furniture, growing ghost peppers, or swimming at the CSU Rec Center.

Ben Choat (bchoat@rams.colostate.edu)

B.S. Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 2016
M.S. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2017-2019
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University 2019 – present

For his PhD research, Ben is taking a data-based approach to addressing challenges related to catchment hydrology and land-use planning. He is interested in sustainable development and managing water resources from a systems based approach that integrates urban and rural systems. When he isn’t thinking about the flow of water he enjoys seeing live music, gardening, and spending time in nature with his dogs.

Abdullah Al Fatta (Abdullah.Al_Fatta@colostate.edu)

B.S. Petroleum and Mining Engineering, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, 2017
M.S. Civil Engineering, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, 2019 – 2020
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2021 – present

Abdullah’s primary research involves field sampling for water-stable isotope analysis, experimental watersheds monitoring, and integrated subsurface-surface-land surface hydrologic modeling. He is interested in water resources management, urban water systems, watershed management, and hydrologic modeling to tackle emerging problems related to water resources for achieving water sustainability. Outside of academics, he enjoys playing soccer and cricket, traveling, biking, running, and spending time with family.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Amber Boyle

B.S. Civil Engineering, 2018-Present

This is Amber, she is from South Florida but was originally born in Long island New York. She is a senior studying civil engineering at Colorado State University and is interested in going into consulting and project management specifically focusing on water resourcing. Outside of school some of her favorite hobbies are baking, traveling, and painting. Some of Amber‘s favorite classes at CSU have been hydraulics, fluid mechanics, and civil project management.

Liam Milton

B.S. Ecosystem Science and Sustainability, 2022-Present

 

Liam is interested in the hydrology and future of the Colorado River. When he isn’t studying, Liam enjoys playing soccer, the outdoors, and listening to music.

ALUMNI

GRADUATE STUDENTS

Stacy Wilson (Stacy.Wilson@colostate.edu)

B.S. Environmental Science/Watershed Science, Colorado Mesa University, 2019
M.S. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2019 – 2021
Now Water Resources Engineer, Wright Water Engineers, Denver, CO

Stacy’s research is focusing on the characterization of the hydrology of an arid rangeland pre-development.  The goal of this research is to provide a benchmark for urban water systems that seek to mimic or retain beneficial characteristics of the natural hydrology.  Stacy is interested in the sustainable management of water as it pertains to innovative urban water design and strategies to improve water use efficiency.  In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, reading, and spending time with her three kids.

Katie Knight (Katie.Knight@colostate.edu)

B.S. Civil & Environmental Engineering, University of Washington, 2018
M.S. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2018 – 2020
Now Water Resources Engineer, Wright Water Engineers, Denver, CO


Katie is researching and modeling the impacts of green stormwater infrastructure on urban watersheds and localized flooding. The goal of this research is to model a larger range of green stormwater infrastructure scenarios than has previously been studied and the impacts on roadway flooding and traffic disruption. Katie is interested in studying hydrology and the interactions between man-made and natural water systems. Outside of engineering, Katie enjoys rock climbing, trail running, mountain biking, backpacking, yoga, and reading a good book.

Noelle Fillo (n.k.fillo@gmail.com)

B.S. Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 2013 – 2016
M.S. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2018 – 2020
Now Water Resources Engineer, WEST Consultants, Phoenix, AZ

Noelle’s research utilizes field sampling, water-stable isotope assessment, and statistical analysis to quantify municipal contributions to base flow in urban streams. She is an aspiring water resources professional, and her lifelong goal is to cultivate sustainable development and management of water resources in Australia. Her favorite pastime is playing RPGs such as Pathfinder, Starfinder, and Mutants & Masterminds with her friends.

Nicole Opalinski

B.S. Biological Engineering, Penn State University, 2016
M.S. Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 2016-2018
Now Data Materials Specialist, AMP Robotics, Louisville, CO

Nicole’s research involves using statistical methods to determine the impact of weather on municipal water use for 200+ cities nationwide. She is interested in the interaction between anthropogenic activities and the natural environment, specifically in relation to water resources. Outside the office, she enjoys climbing mountains, creating artwork, and practicing yoga.

Damiano Zampieri

B.S. Environmental Engineering, University of Trento, 2015
M.S. Environmental Engineering, University of Trento, 2015-present

Now Assistant Research Scientist, Libera Università di Bolzano, Verona, Italy

Damiano’s research is focused on the study of runoff production from urban soils. The work starts with soil-rainfall interaction modelling using Richard’s equation, with a following section that investigates the main factors involved in runoff processes with statistical methods. During his free time, he is a passionate ski mountaineer and skyrunner.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

Matt Darrah

B.S. Environmental Science/GIS, Virginia Tech, 2017-Present

Matt is studying different lawn irrigation approaches and their effect on hydrologic partitioning in Fort Collins, CO using a one dimensional simulated finite difference model. Matt is working in the UWIN Undergraduate Research Program remotely from Las Vegas, Nevada. Outside of School, Matt is a Barista. He also enjoys games, reading, hang gliding, rollercoasters, and beach activities.

Amber Pulido

B.S. Civil Engineering, University of California, Davis, 2014-2019
Now a MS student at UC Davis

Amber’s research involves using GIS to compare between multiple cities’ urban water systems in order to promote documentation of storm water control measures and to highlight effective storm water management from cities in various climates and urban forms. On Amber’s free time, she enjoys hikes, listening to music, relaxing with her cat, and exploring new cities.

Constance Dayan

B.S. Watershed Science, Colorado State University, 2015-2019
Now at Denver Parks and Rec

Constance’s research focuses on the relationship between water conductivity (among other water quality parameters) and watershed imperviousness, particularly in three Maryland watersheds. She is interested in urban water management and water treatment. Outside of work, Constance enjoys Sudoku puzzles, video games, and spending time with loved ones.

Wyatt Young

B.S. Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 2015-2020
Now at City of Aspen Engineering Department

Wyatt is interested in water resources, water conservation, environmental impacts of natural resource development, stormwater engineering, sustainable infrastructure, renewable energy, and most water related fields. In addition to academics , Wyatt enjoys biking, hiking, climbing, skiing, photography, travelling, food, sports, and hanging out with friends.

Connor Williams

B.S. Civil Engineering, Colorado State University, 2017-2021

Connor is interested in sustainable roadway design and transportation systems. Outside of engineering, he enjoys anything outdoors, as well as reading and traveling.

Claire McWilliams

B.S. Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University, 2019-present

Claire is passionate about water resources and improving accessibility to STEM for underrepresented communities. When she isn’t studying, you can find her running on a trail or making jewelry!