Friday, April 4, 2008, 2 PM
Olsson Hall 120

Beyond the Stone Age: The Role of Vegetation in Stream
Morphology

Theresa M. Wynn, Ph.D.

Abstract

Over the last decade, watershed scientists have advocated the establishment of forested riparian buffers along headwater streams to improve streambank stability and aquatic habitat, and to reduce nutrient loading from nonpoint source pollution. Dr. Wynn will descuss the role of vegetation in stream morphology and how ongoing research at Virginia Tech is quantifying the influence of vegetation on stream physical processes.

Biography

Dr. Tess Wynn is an assistant professor in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. The recipient of both an NSF Graduate Fellowship and an EPA STAR Fellowship, she earned degrees in agricultural and civil engineering. As an undergraduate, she was selected as the 1992 Virginia Tech Woman of the Year. Prior to starting her PhD program, Dr. Wynn has worked as an engineer in state government, private consulting, and for USAID. Dr. Wynn's research focus is in watershed management with an emphasis on stream and wetland restoration and low impact development. She teaches courses in hydrology, watershed management, and stream restoration. She has published over 30 publications and has been a frequent invited speaker on streambank erosion and low impact development.

The Civil Engineering seminar series is open to the University community.
Civil Engineering undergraduate students are especially invited to attend.