Zachary Little: Graduate Student of the Week

Hometown
Baltimore, Maryland

Undergraduate Degree
Environmental Science and Geography at University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Who is your advisor and what are you studying?
My adviser is Dr. Celso Castro-Bolinaga and I am studying how river channels respond to dam removal and sediment pulses. One goal of our current research involves adapting a numerical model that describes the different stages of sediment transport as the once-impounded sediment travels downstream of the original dam site.

What first made you interested in this field?
I grew up playing in random streams and shorelines near my home, which initially drove my interests towards environmental science. After learning more about geomorphology and river design from my undergraduate advisor, I wanted to continue gaining knowledge and experiences in stream science, restoration, and management.

What do you like most about BAE as a field or the department?
The BAE department has been supportive as I transition from an environmental science undergraduate program to an engineering graduate program. The department is giving me the resources I need to continue pursuing my interest in fluvial geomorphology.

What is a little known or fun fact about you?
I was awarded the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program Award.