Kristen Underwood

Kristen Underwood is a Research Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Vermont (UVM), affiliated with the College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences. Her work bridges water resources engineering, aquatic ecology, and advanced computational methods to address environmental challenges. She holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering and an M.S. in Geosciences from UVM and Penn State University, respectively.

• Education: Ph.D., Environmental Engineering (UVM); M.S., Geosciences (Penn State)

Her research focuses on applying machine learning, Bayesian inference, and geostatistical tools to study catchment dynamics, fluvial geomorphology, and sediment-nutrient flux in rivers. She explores sustainable infrastructure design and floodplain restoration to mitigate hazards and enhance ecological compatibility.

Recent work emphasizes floodplain functionality, including sediment deposition patterns and phosphorus retention in restored wetlands. She collaborates on projects like the Functioning Floodplain Initiative and Vermont’s Water Resources Monitoring Network.

Publications highlight innovative applications of AI in turbidity forecasting, flood routing models, and snow hydrology using LIDAR data. She also investigates the impact of climate change on water systems and interdisciplinary approaches to Critical Zone science.

Dr. Underwood teaches courses in Applied River Engineering and Data Analytics for Water Resources, reflecting her commitment to integrating theory and practical solutions in environmental engineering.