AIH Award Winners

The American Institute of Hydrology (AIH) recognizes the following individuals for their outstanding accomplishments in the fields of groundwater, surface water, and water quality:

  • Vicki Kretsinger Grabert, PH (Luhdorff & Scalmanini Consulting Engineers) – Charles V. Theis Award for Contributions to Groundwater
  • Dr. Phil Bedient (Rice University) – Ray K. Linsley Award for Contributions to Surface Water
  • Dr. Ying Ouyang, PH (U.S. Forest Service) – Robert G. Wetzel Award for Water Quality

These awards are named after prominent scientists and engineers, who have made numerous lasting contributions to the hydrologic sciences. Join us in congratulating Vicki Kretsinger Grabert, PH, Dr. Phil Bedient, and Dr. Ying Ouyang, PH!

Charles V. Theis Award for Contributions to Groundwater - Vicki Kretsinger Grabert, PH

Vicki has more than 30 years of experience in regional groundwater resource management and groundwater quality assessments. Additionally, she has played key leadership roles in promoting technical collaboration, education, and training of groundwater hydrologists, and in development and implementation of legislation and key polices, regulations, and management strategies for sustainable groundwater resources management. Her technical contributions and achievements during her career supported improved groundwater resources management across California for agriculture, industrial, and municipal beneficial uses.

Ray K. Linsley Award for Contributions to Surface Water - Dr. Phil Bedient

Dr. Bedient has been a long-time leading applied researcher in watershed flooding, storm-surge impacts, flood early warning systems, and surface water quality. He formed the Severe Storm Prediction Center (SSPEED) at Rice University in 2009 consisting of a team of seven universities and 15 investigators from Gulf coast universities dedicated to improving storm prediction, education, and evacuation from disaster. He has also spent the majority of his career at Rice University where has become one of the most notable national figures in surface water hydrology, especially as it relates to flooding and stormwater runoff.

Robert G. Wetzel Award for Water Quality - Dr. Ying Ouyang, PH

Dr. Ouyang has made transformative contributions to hydrology, soil physics, and water resources. He is a world-renowned hydrologist in developing STELLA models. Additionally, he served as associate editor for the Journal of Environmental Quality of Soil Science Society of America for 15 years.

Learn More About AIH Awards

AIH Executive Committee Vacancies

Call to all members interested in taking on a leadership role to support the advancement of hydrology and promotion of certified hydrologists and hydrologic technicians in the United States. The American Institute of Hydrology (AIH) is seeking nominations for members to join its Executive Committee in the position of either Secretary-Membership Liaison or Vice President for Policy and Advocacy.

Secretary-Membership Liaison

The Secretary-Membership Liaison shall serve as the Executive Committee’s liaison to AIH members; support timely processing and review of membership applications by the Executive Office and Board of Registration, respectively; coordinate with the President, Executive Director, and Executive Committee members to identify agenda items for Executive Committee meetings in advance of each meeting; prepare meeting summary with action items for Executive Committee meetings; manage and monitor status of action items from Executive Committee meetings; support the President and President-Elect with preparation of an annual report for the Institute; manage elections adminsitered by the Executive Committee, aside from elections for the Secretary-Membership Liaison postion; lead maintenance of AIH historical records; perform duties as requested by the Executive Committee; and serve as a member of the committees.

The term for this position will begin once nominations are reviewed and election results are verified. The duration will be for four (4) years, with the option for reelection to have a maximum of two (2) periods for this elected Executive Committee position.

Vice President for Policy and Advocacy

The Vice President for Policy and Advocacy shall have the responsibility of leading advocacy and policy development for the Institute in coordination with the Executive Committee. Specific duties may include investigating and reviewing state and federal legislation, regulations, and policies related to certification of professional engineers and scientists; engaging with advocacy, labor, and/or policy groups to support federal and state requirements for professional hydrologist licensure for certain career positions and job functions or roles, including development of policy papers and/or draft legislation; coordinating with the President and Executive Committee on strategic initiatives in these matters; and report to the Executive Committee on findings and provide recommendations on advocacy and policy development initiatives.

The term for this position will begin once nominations are reviewed and election results are verified. The duration will be for four (4) years, with the option for reelection to have a maximum of two (2) periods for this elected Executive Committee position.

AIH invites and encourages its members to consider nominating themselves or other members for these exciting roles.

Please submit your nomination to admin@aihydrology.org before Friday, July 30, 2021. In the subject line indicate either: “AIH Executive Committee Nomination – Secretary-Membership Liaison” or “AIH Executive Committee Nomination – Vice President for Policy and Advocacy”.

In your submission, please include a statement of interest (maximum 150 words), contact information, and a professional biography (maximum 150 words).