Professor

Donna's research focuses on the development of new computational tools to improve the understanding of human-induced changes on natural systems and the way we make decisions about natural resources. In 1995, she co-founded a small Vermont business to help speed the diffusion of research and new technologies into environmental practice. Since joining UVM in fall 2002, she has worked on a number of computational approaches to multi-scale environmental problems, including using artificial neural networks to 1) develop maps of discrete spatially-distributed fields (e.g., log-hydraulic conductivity and soil lithology), 2) predict local disease risk indicators from multi-scale weather, land and crop data, 3) image and analyze the parameter structure of subcutaneous connective tissue in humans, 4) predict the shrink/swell of soils and 4) develop a watershed classification system using hierarchical artificial neural networks for diagnosing watershed impairment at multiple scales.

Areas of Expertise and/or Research

Primary

  • Environmental
  • Water Resources
  • Environmental & Public Health

Secondary

  • Geotechnical & Geoenvironmental
  • Sustainability & Energy
  • Infrastructure Systems
  • Climate Change & Hazard Mitigation

Education

  • Ph.D., University of Vermont

Contact

Phone:
  • (802)-656-1495
Office Location:

219 Votey

Website(s):
  1. Donna's Website

Courses Taught

  • CE 160 - Hydraulics