Christopher Thornton

Christopher Thornton is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Engineering Research Center and Hydraulics Laboratory at Colorado State University. He leads the US Army Corps of Engineers Full Scale Wave Overtopping Simulation project, studying wave impacts on levees and erosion control systems. His expertise includes hydraulic modeling for river mechanics, dam safety, flow measurement, and environmental aspects of rivers.

Education includes:

• B.S. Civil Engineering, Hydraulics (Colorado State University, 1993)
• M.S. Civil Engineering, Hydraulics (Colorado State University, 1995)
• Ph.D. Civil Engineering, Hydraulics (Colorado State University, 1999)

Research focuses on hydraulic engineering, bio-engineering, river mechanics, erosion control, and sediment dynamics. Technical capabilities encompass open-channel flow, riprap design, bank stabilization, tailings management, and interdisciplinary erosion frameworks.

As Director of the Hydraulics Laboratory, Thornton oversees experimental simulations and provides technical consultation to communities. He maintains professional memberships in ASCE, ASTM, AWRA, ECTC, EWRI, and IECA.