Auburn University - Stormwater Research Facility

Our graduate student spotlight of the week is none other than Orlando native, Brian Roche! Brian joined the AU-SRF team in 2021 as a Masters student after earning his B.S. from the University of Florida. His research is focused on large-scale testing of sediment barrier practices to evaluate Nebraska Department of Transportation standard details. He is also modeling the sediment capture effectiveness of vegetated buffers using RUSLE2. His research will be pivotal in increasing the effectiveness of sediment barriers used on Nebraska Highway construction projects, which then works to protect the natural environment surrounding construction projects. Brian says it best: “working at the AU-SFR has been amazing; it has given me experience in public speaking at conferences and in classes, hands-on experience through setting up and running tests and our annual Field Day, and improved me as both a student and a researcher”. We are so grateful to have an amazing team of grad students on our team. Thank you Brian for your continued hard work! War Eagle

Did you know that 39% of state DOTs use flocculants on their construction sites? Check out our recently published paper on the state-of-the-practice in flocculant use on transportation construction sites across the U.S.: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0361198121995192

Spotlight of the week- Kaine Thompson!

"My major is mechanical engineering. I am currently a senior. I am originally from New Market, AL. I am involved with the Auburn Engineering Co-op program and the Engineering Alabama Excellence program. On a day to day basis, I am typically tasked with prepping the testing sites.
This includes:
a. Operating skid-steer to transport dirt
b. Packing, leveling, and grading dirt on slopes
c. Applying hydromulch to the top of slopes
d. Pumping water and sediment from basins
e. Testing sediment samples from previous test

I am currently working with Jamie Schussler to fabricate measuring devices for the new site sediment basin. These devices are designed to measure water and sediment levels in the basin. The fabrication involves using a miter saw to cut material, attaching material with connectors (glue or screws), and installing magnets to stabilize and anchor devices.

The AU-ESCTF provides testing and development services for a variety of stormwater products. Our researchers are working with Flood-Con, LLC to evaluate the water quality performance their patented Automated Outlet Structures. In the most-recent large-scale test, we captured some footage with the drone.

Congrats to Billur Kazzaz, CISEC IT, who recently placed 2nd in the student poster competition at the IECA Annual Conference!

Congrats to Jaime Schussler, AU-ESCTF Ph.D. student, who recently placed 3rd in the student poster competition at the IECA Annual Conference!

Register Now at https://ehub.ieca.org/p/IECAStandardWebinar!