“I’ve always been that kid who’s interested in science,” said Susannah Erwin, USU graduate student researcher.  “I knew I’d go into some science field, but I just wasn’t sure which one.”

Erwin, who was raised in upstate New York, received her bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and geography and then went to work for the U.S. Forest Service.  After a year there, Erwin moved on to the New York City Department of Environmental Protection’s water division, where she worked in the Catskill Mountains to protect the city’s water supply.

“It was working there that I really got interested in water research,” said Erwin.  “New York is quite proactive in protecting its watershed, so much that they don’t even need to filter their water.  That was really interesting to me.”

To get her graduate education, Erwin sought out Utah State University.

“I liked USU’s reputation, and since I’ve been here, I’ve really enjoyed the diverse community and the collaboration that goes on here,” said Erwin.

While pursuing her PhD on an S.J. Quinney Fellowship, Erwin has been studying sediment movement on the Snake River in Wyoming (see full article) and will begin testing the effectiveness of the river restoration design on the Provo River Restoration Project this year.  Erwin also assists the teaching of USU’s fluvial geomorphology class.

Erwin’s work has been getting notice; she was honored for her research last year by the National Park Service’s Rocky Mountains Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit.  She was selected for the inaugural student award, which recognizes outstanding accomplishments made by students involved in RM-CESU projects.

What’s next for Erwin?

“That’s the question,” she said.  “I hope to work with the U.S. Geological Survey or the Corp of Engineers, but I’d really love to continue teaching and researching.  In all, I’d just love to help solve more critical societal issues.”