Integrative Watershed Modeling and Sustainable Water Management

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My research focuses on understanding and addressing the complex interactions between human activities and natural processes within coastal watersheds. I specialize in watershed modeling, hydrological analysis, and the development of sustainable water management practices, aiming to mitigate the impacts of climate change, agricultural practices, and policy changes on water quality and ecosystem health. Utilizing advanced tools like SWAT+ (Soil and Water Assessment Tool Plus) and HEC-HMS (Hydrologic Engineering Center's Hydrologic Modeling System), I develop models to simulate and predict the dynamics of flow, nutrient cycling, and ecological processes in watersheds. During PhD, my research has been particularly concentrated on the Tar-Pamlico River basin in North Carolina, a nutrient-sensitive watershed facing challenges like nitrate pollution, sea-level rise, and the impact of climate change on groundwater. Through socio-hydrological modeling, I evaluate the effectiveness of agricultural policies and best management practices (BMPs) in reducing nutrient runoff and improving water quality.Currently, as a Postdoctoral Research Associate at The Ohio State University, I am expanding my research to include watershed and water quality modeling in the Great Lakes region. Here, I am developing and calibrating hydrological models to evaluate the performance of various conservation practices under different climate scenarios. My work involves studying the impacts of climate change on groundwater flow, sea-level rise, and the resulting implications for water resources and ecosystem health. My approach is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with experts in economics, biology, geology, and agriculture to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing water resources. This interdisciplinary work extends beyond modeling to active stakeholder engagement, where I collaborate with local farmers, environmental agencies, and policymakers to integrate real-world perspectives into my research and to develop actionable solutions for sustainable water management.My previous work includes the development of a multivariate integrated drought monitoring index (MIDMI) during my master's research, which provided enhanced assessment and management strategies for drought conditions in the Warangal region of India. Additionally, I have explored the use of satellite-based rainfall datasets and autocalibration techniques to improve the accuracy of hydrological models. This ongoing research continues to contribute valuable insights into the development of more effective policies and practices to preserve water quality, protect groundwater resources, and promote ecosystem health in the face of climate change and sea-level rise.