RESTORING RIVERS

In most of her research, biological and ecological engineering professor Desiree Tullos collaborates with people all over the planet – from Klamath Falls, Oregon to Yunnan Province, China.

“Almost all of the research involves me, as an engineer, working with ecologists, economists, sociologists, and others,” says Tullos, who has degrees in civil engineering as well as biological and agricultural engineering. “Interdisciplinary collaboration is probably the greatest blessing and burden for river restoration.”

The common thread that runs through her work is water. She studies how the restoration of waterways, such as wetlands and rivers, affects sediment flow and erosion, flora and fauna, people and commerce. When a new dam is proposed, who will be impacted – from arthropods to humans to zebra fish? When an old dam is removed, what happens to the sediment built up behind it? When a wetland is restored from agricultural overuse, how does phosphorous flow impact algae blooms in nearby lakes that harm endangered fish?

“Our research aims to enrich the measurement and understanding of biophysical, socioeconomic, and geopolitical influences and outcomes of river restoration. Current computer and math tools offer sophisticated applications in the engineering and restoration of natural systems, so there’s great opportunity for improving the science and practice of river management.”