Degrees
- Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 2006. "Dynamic Stream Temperature Modeling: Understanding the Causes and Effects of Temperature Impairments and Uncertainty in Predictions."
- M.S., Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, UT, 2001. "Critical Assessment of Guidance and Technical Support, and Bayesian Decision Networks for Total Maximum Daily Loads."
- B.S., Environmental Engineering, Utah State University, Logan, Utah, 1998.
Professional Experience
- Current: Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT.
- 2006 - 2007: Research Assistant Professor, Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT.
- 2001 - 2006: Research Engineer, Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University, Logan, UT.
- Summer 2006: Research Scientist, Under Dr. Steven C. Chapra, Tufts University, Medford, MA.
Teaching
- CEE 6930/4930 Surface Water Quality Modeling
Short Courses:
- Iraqi Agriculture Extension Revitalization Workshops
- BASINS/HSPF Workshops (2003-2007)
- BASINS Workshops (1999-2004)
Research Interests
Water Quality Data Collection and Modeling
- Developing data collection strategies for quantifying solute and heat transfer in streams and rivers.
- Developing, testing, and calibrating instream models based on detailed process data.
- Determining the role of groundwater/surface water interactions in mass and heat transport in mountain streams.
- Researching data analysis and surface water quality modeling approaches for TMDL development.
- Researching the use of optimization procedures for parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis for instream water quality models.
- Developing new and implementing available surface water quality models to understand the fate and transport of point and nonpoint source pollutants.
- Testing and developing new monitoring technologies.
Watershed Modeling and Training
- Developing general water quality training materials to assist in improving watershed management strategies in developing countries.
- Implementing available watershed models (e.g., HSPF).
- Developing and conducting training on the use of EPA endorsed watershed management tools (e.g., BASINS, HSPF, QUAL2E).
Integrated Watershed Management
- Researching the integration of policy and science in TMDL decision-making and quantification of the uncertainty associated with watershed management decisions through the use of Bayesian Decision Networks.
- Researching the utility of watershed modeling tools to assist in meeting requirements of the Clean Water Act through water quality trading.
Awards/Honors
- Recipient of "2007 UCOWR Ph.D. Dissertation Award in Natural Sciences and Engineering."
- Outstanding Student Paper - AGU Fall Conference 2005.
- Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellowship 2003-2006.
Other Activities
- 2008–Current –Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) Delegate.
- 2007-Current - American Geophysical Union Water Quality Technical Committee.
- 1998-Current - Co-Director Environmental Research Management Group, Utah Water Research Laboratory, Utah State University.
- 2007-Current - Water Initiative Advisory Committee.
Professional Societies
- 2006-Current - American Geophysical Union.
- 2006-Current - American Water Resources Association.
Publications
Book Chapters/Sections:
- Neilson, B.T. and R. Kinerson (2003). "The Role of Models" and portion of "Tools for Developing and Implementing Watershed Plans and TMDLs." In: Jarrell, W.M. Water Quality Monitoring for Watershed Planning and TMDLs. YSI Incorporated.
- Neilson, B.T., D.K. Stevens, J.S. Horsburgh (2005). TMDL Development Approaches", Total Maximum Daily Load: Approaches and Challenges. PennWell. Tulsa, OK.
Refereed Journals
-
Neilson, B.T. and S.C. Chapra (Jan. 2003). Integration of Water Quality Monitoring and Modeling for TMDL Development. Water Resources Impact, 5(1):9-11.
- Ames , D.P., B.T. Neilson, D.K. Stevens, and U.L. Lall (2005). Using Bayesian networks to model watershed management decisions: an East Canyon Creek case study. Hydroinformatics, 7(4):267-282 .
- Neilson, B.T. and D.K. Stevens (2002). Issues Related to the Success of the TMDL Program. Water Resources Update, 122:55-61.
Updated: September 16, 2008