Posted on September 11, 2023
Researchers from 10 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts have been selected for the 2023 session of the Engineer Research and Development Center University (ERDC-U).
Jose Paredez, a civil engineer with the Los Angeles District, was chosen to participate in the detail program, now in its eighth year.
Selectees were announced by ERDC-U Program Manager Antisa Webb, who serves as Chief of the Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT), Technology, Knowledge and Outreach (TKO) Division. The Class of 2023 orientation session was held February 27 through March 2 at ERDC headquarters.
Paredez is a senior hydrologic engineer for his district with experience ranging from computing discharges for small urban catchments to developing watershed-scale rainfall-runoff models for Dam Safety Modification Studies (DSMS). He also conducts post-fire hazard assessments to mitigate flood risks following wildfires.
Working with ERDC’s Coastal and Hydraulic Laboratory (CHL) mentors Nawa Pradhan, Ian Floyd and Steven Brown, Paredez will research ways to better understand and quantify wildfire effects on USACE projects. Additionally, a goal for his six-month project at CHL is to improve the knowledge base in the field of post-fire hydrology for scientists and researchers.
“ERDC-U offers partnerships between USACE Division and District participants and relevant laboratory mentors for six-month research projects, resulting in technical solutions benefitting their workplace, the Corps and the Nation,” Webb said.
“Working with these subject-matter experts from ERDC’s seven state-of-the art laboratories, participants will focus on real-world solutions, as they also develop leadership skills for their home organization.”
The program is co-sponsored by ERDC’s Directorate of Human Capital (DHC) through an application and selection process. Program funding is split between the selectee’s Division or District for choice of labor costs or travel with the other funded by ERDC.
“Mr. Paredez serves the District Mission through his excellence in technical aptitude and a natural capacity for management, organization, and collaboration,” said Col. Julie Balten, commander of the Los Angeles District. “He regularly performs work that is both advanced in the field of hydrology, but also work that requires a broader water resources engineering skillset as he demonstrates both depth and breadth within the field. His ability to communicate with multiple disciplines and conduct highly technical work make him an excellent candidate for this opportunity.”
“ERDC-U experiences build a collaborative and continuing partnership with ERDC team members as an investment in the future of the Corps, along with career-long problem-solving contacts,” Webb said.
The ERDC University Program specifically seeks individuals with interest and experience in general scientific and engineering fields encompassing one of the following areas:
- Civil Works and Water Resources
- Environmental Quality and Installations
- Geospatial Research and Engineering
- Information Technology
- Military Engineering
Participants serve as a member of the interdisciplinary Research and Development team reporting to Lead Project Managers and/or Research and Development Direct Program Managers.
In his welcome to the new class, ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman said selectees will “have the opportunity to make great relationships that can help you the rest of your career, and we can learn about District needs from you.”
For program questions, contact Antisa.C.Webb@usace.army.mil Applications for the 2024 program will open October 1 for GS-7-13 team members through the “Opportunities” icon at: https://wiki.erdc.dren.mil/ERDC_University
