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Graduate
fellowships and assistantships are available to qualified
students for work toward the M.S. or Ph.D. in Environmental
Engineering or the M.S. or Ph.D. in Civil Engineering at MTU.
Research Topics
 Watershed
Restoration and Management. MTU has formed a partnership
with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the
Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps to implement watershed
restoration projects in two watersheds in Michigan’s
Upper Peninsula. These projects include erosion/sediment control
and fish habitat features that help to mitigate anthropogenic
impacts on the watershed. MTU faculty and graduate students
provide expertise in hydrology, ecology, and construction
management.
Application of Geographic Information System
(GIS) & Remote Sensing Technologies. A recent
project used gamma radiation measurements from airplanes,
along with ground measurements, to estimate spatially varying
snow water equivalent in the Lake Superior basin. Next, we
plan to use that information, in conjunction with a snow hydrology
model, to improve forecasts of inflows to Lake Superior. The
Army Corps of Engineers uses such forecasts to determine the
release schedule from Lake Superior that is expected to optimize
lake levels for navigation, hydroelectric power generation,
water supply, and prevention of shoreline erosion.
Applied Decision Analysis. We are developing
techniques for using historical climate data with climate
forecasts (such as ENSO) to derive hydrology scenarios that
can be used in water resources optimization models (linear
or linear/integer programming models). These models can help
to identify management decisions that appropriately hedge
against unfavorable or even catastrophic scenarios. We have
also proposed to develop a simulation model to evaluate the
probabilistic impacts of increased water consumption on Great
Lakes water levels.
The Graduate Program. Graduate students working in water resources can
pursue degrees in Environmental Engineering or Civil Engineering,
along with more than 50 other graduate students engaged in
water resources and environmental engineering research. The
MTU Department of Civil & Environmental
Engineering has active research programs in hydrology and
water resources, water chemistry and microbiology, environmental
fate and transport, and physical and chemical treatment. Collaborating
faculty in the Departments of Geological Engineering & Sciences, Social Sciences, and Forestry provide a broad
range of coursework and research expertise in areas such as
earth systems modeling, environmental decision making, and
natural resource management. Students using GIS or remote
sensing technology are also affiliated with the MTU Remote
Sensing and Ecosystem Science Institute.
Location:
Michigan Tech is located on the scenic Keweenaw Peninsula
of Lake Superior, the world’s largest freshwater lake.
The surrounding countryside offers numerous recreational opportunities,
including backpacking, mountain biking, downhill and cross-country
skiing, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. There is easy access
to many wilderness settings, including Isle Royale National
Park and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The Pine
Mountain Music Festival is one of the many cultural events
held each year in the local area.
For
more information, contact Prof. David W. Watkins
dwatkins@mtu.edu,
or see
http://www.cee.mtu.edu
Michigan
Technological University
Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
1400 Townsend Drive
Houghton, Michigan, 49931 - 1295, USA
Department Phone: 1-906-487-2520
Department Fax: 1-906-487-2943
Department E-mail: cee@mtu.edu
6/03/2007
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