Richard D. Kuchenrither

Richard D. Kuchenrither is a Research Professor and Scholar in Residence in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. He directs the Water Engineering and Management Program, focusing on leadership development, utility financial management, and communication skills for water professionals. His career spans over three decades in global water and wastewater projects, particularly specializing in biosolids management and renewable energy integration.

Education:

• B.S., Civil Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder (1972)
• M.S., Environmental - Civil Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder (1981)
• Ph.D., Civil Engineering (Environmental Health Engineering), University of Kansas (1992)

Research Interests: Dr. Kuchenrither’s work emphasizes wastewater treatment innovation, biosolids utilization, renewable energy recovery from wastewater systems, and improving Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) in emerging economies. He actively explores leadership paradigms to enhance the water sector’s capacity for sustainable decision-making.

Awards:

• 2019 Water Environment Federation Fellow
• 2014 Water For People Robert W. Hite Award
• 1998 Black & Veatch N.T. Veatch Excellence Award

Teaching & Grants: He teaches advanced courses on water utility management and leadership, including CVEN 5584 (Leadership & Management) and CVEN 5564 (Communication & Finance). His research has been supported by the Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) and industry collaborators like Black & Veatch.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Water Engineering & Management Program, collaborating with global partners to advance practical solutions for water infrastructure challenges.