Russ Dudley
2005-2006 CSIP Fellow

Research Interest:
Civil and Environmental Engineering

I am a graduate student in Civil and Environmental Engineering studying environmental fluid mechanics. My interests focus on sediment transport and experimental techniques. My research utilizes a camera, a lens and two light bulbs to collect data on sediment that has so far been nearly impossible to collect. A simple collection of ordinary items, combined in a new way with some innovative thinking and tweaking, creates a new picture of erosion and sediment-laden flow. Through numerous laboratory and field experiments, our lab has found innovative ways to measure environmental parameters. By refining existing technology and modifying equipment we are able to quantify physical processes in settings never before examined. Accurate measurement techniques are an integral part in establishing a unified picture of our physical environment. By understanding one component fully it is easier to establish the links to other areas of the environment. This can be further expanded until all of the interactions are understood and we can integrate our actions as humans into the analysis. This method works great on the local watershed level, as we have the tools to gather the data in several different settings. This sets the stage to look at biological, ecological, social and cultural issues in a way that is more relevant to daily life.

I am an engineer but I’m also a scientist, a photographer, a writer, a programmer, a boat operator, a teacher and a student; all in one day as a graduate student. By assuming so many roles I am able to pull expertise and ideas from a variety of different sources. This integrated approach is necessary to study a physical world that is connected in so many different ways. It is this idea of an interdependent community that is so valuable to instill at younger levels and I’m excited to get this opportunity.