Can you tell a little bit about yourself?
I am from the United States where I am currently building a home in Maine. Prior to VU Amsterdam I received Bachelor degrees in Biology, Environmental Science, and Religion from Saint Michael’s College in Vermont.
Why did you choose to study Hydrology?
When I was a young kid, I became obsessed with understanding more about water and how it plays an integral role in society and the environment. From learning to identify macroinvertebrates in the rivers as a kid to revolting against the popular rise of plastic water bottles as a teenager, and to studying international water conflicts as a young adult, I always found a thread relating back to water. After university I worked as a fisheries biologist for a few years and became enamoured with studying the role of water from the biological side.
While searching for hydrology programs in Europe, I became attracted to VU’s approach to Hydrology which contained a mixture of both the technical and sociological sides of the field. On an international level, the Dutch have always been quite famous for its integration of society and hydrological engineering. I really appreciate studying hydrology from the Dutch because it forces me to critically assess water management within my home country.
What do you like about the master?
As someone who didn’t come from an earth science background, I really appreciated the progression of courses in the first year which helped me gradually train my brain to think as a hydrologist. The first year also allows you to dip your toes into the various fields of hydrology and the second year you are able to choose your specializations.
How would you describe the atmosphere?
Our small niche program fosters a strong comradery between the students and professors. Since the first year of courses are mandatory for all students, I was able to build strong relationships with fellow students which has benefited me greatly as an international student.
Is there any project you have worked on that you want to to highlight?
Due to covid measures in the first year (2021) the field trip to Luxembourg was cancelled, however we were allowed to choose our own field work locations. My group of four decided to study the coastal region of Egmond aan Zee, where we analysed the calcium gradient and its impact on the infiltration of water and vegetation.
This year I will also begin my Master thesis in which I will return to the US to analyse the vulnerability of salt-water intrusion into groundwater drinking wells. For this project I am also joining the CoastMOVE team with IVM, in which I will build a global vulnerability model for groundwater drinking well salinization which will be used in their global coastal migration study.
What are your future plans?
I aspire to start a career within the realms on hydrological climate research and to work with local governments to assess impacts and manage future risks such as salt-water intrusion and floodplain management.
