Mary Katherine Watson

Dr. Mary Katherine Watson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at The Citadel School of Engineering. She holds a PhD from Georgia Institute of Technology and BS/MS degrees from Clemson University. Her research focuses on engineering education, sustainability, and biological waste treatment. She leads the environmental and water resources curriculum and advises ~40 students in the College Transfer Program. Dr. Watson has secured over $1M in NSF grants and is a recipient of the 2022 Civil Engineer Educator of the Year Award (ASCE-SC) and the 2022 Excellence in Research Award. Her work emphasizes advancing sustainable engineering practices and improving student development through innovative pedagogy.

Education: PhD in Civil & Environmental Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2013), MS in Environmental Engineering (Georgia Tech, 2011), MS in Biosystems Engineering (Clemson, 2009), BS in Biosystems Engineering (Clemson, 2007).

Research Interests: Sustainable engineering, environmental education, student cognitive development, and curriculum innovation. Notable projects include concept mapping for sustainability knowledge, pandemic-era learning readiness, and mentorship impacts on student efficacy.

Awards: Over 10 accolades include ASCE Educator of the Year, ASEE paper awards, and Clemson’s Outstanding Young Alumni recognition. Active in NSF-funded diversity initiatives and program leadership roles.