Articles

Technical Sessions- GI and EWRI Februarys 2022

GI INSTITUTE SESSION @ 11:00 AM

Topic: The Role of Machine Learning and Data Analytics in Advanced Simulations of Geotechnical Systems

Speaker: Usama El Shamy, Ph.D., P.E 

Dr. Usama El Shamy received his PhD in Civil Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in August 2004. He joined the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Southern Methodist University as an Assistant Professor in August 2007 and was promoted to Associate Professor in September 2013. Dr. El Shamy’s research is mainly funded by the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. He has published more than 90 papers in peer-reviewed journals and conferences. He is also a registered Professional Engineer in the States of Florida, Louisiana and Texas as well as a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Dr. El Shamy’s expertise is in the area of multiscale computational modeling of geotechnical systems. Extensive effort is being carried out using state-of-the-art computational modeling techniques to provide a scenario-based predication tool of the impact of severe loading conditions on geotechnical systems. These include stability analyses of earthen dams and levees subjected to earthquakes and intense rainstorms. It also enables analyzing phenomena such as scour around bridge piers and coastal erosion induced by wave action or tidal currents.

EWRI INSTITUTE SESSION @ 1:10 PM

Topic: The InFRM Watershed Hydrology Assessments:  Using Multiple Lines of Evidence to Estimate Flood Risk

Speaker:Helena Mosser, P.E.

Helena is a Team Leader in the Water Resources Branch of the Fort Worth District, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE).  She is a professional engineer with over 20 years of experience in hydrology and hydraulic engineering. 

Helena has worked on a wide range of water resource related studies, including flood risk management, dam and levee safety, reservoir forecasting, water supply, and environmental issues.  She is also an experienced modeler, knowledgeable in simulating complex water resource systems using the latest hydrologic, hydraulic and geospatial software programs.  Prior to her current position, she has also served as Chief of H&H Studies in USACE’s Fort Worth District and as a Hydraulic Engineer in USACE’s Kansas City District.