Katherine Schlef

Katherine Schlef serves as Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering at Western New England University, teaching core courses including Computer Programming for Engineers and Fluid Mechanics alongside specialized water-focused subjects such as Environmental Engineering, Groundwater Engineering, and Water Resources Engineering.

Education:

• M.S., Ph.D., University of Massachusetts Amherst
• B.S., Harvey Mudd College

Her research investigates critical water resource challenges including Massachusetts drought restrictions, atmospheric dynamics during extreme floods, and climate-driven changes in flood magnitude using state-wide to global datasets. She employs advanced statistical and process-based modeling techniques to analyze hydrological systems and develop resilience strategies for water infrastructure under climate uncertainty.

Dr. Schlef leads the Water Research Group at Western New England University, focusing on sustainable water management solutions through interdisciplinary analysis of climate-water interactions and infrastructure adaptation.