Articles

July 2026 EWRI Technical Session

     

              Engineer                        Water Resources Engineer
                         Freese & Nichols

Ms. Courtney Corso and Ms. Christina Gildea are water resources planning engineers at Freese and Nichols. Both Courtney and Christina have supported the development of multiple regional water plans across Texas, and they also work with various water service providers on long-term planning efforts. This work includes developing population and demand projections, evaluating available supplies, and identifying strategies to meet projected water needs. Courtney specializes in developing demand projections and evaluating surface water availability for planning and permitting purposes. Courtney also leads the technical excellence program for water resources planning at Freese and Nichols. Christina specializes in regional and municipal supply planning, system operation modeling, and GIS applications. With her technical background and focus on collaborative stakeholder coordination, Christina delivers resilient and data-driven water resources solutions.

Senior Transportation Engineer
Tetra Tech

Dr. Natnael T. Asfaw, PhD, P.E., PMP, is a distinguished civil engineering leader and U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps officer with over 18 years of experience delivering large-scale transportation and infrastructure programs. A native of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Dr. Asfaw has built a career defined by technical excellence, strategic leadership, and a commitment to public service across both civilian and military sectors. As an Area Engineer and Project Manager with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), Dr. Asfaw has overseen a multibillion-dollar transportation portfolio, directing multidisciplinary teams of nearly 100 professionals across planning, design, construction, and maintenance. He has successfully led the delivery of complex roadway and infrastructure projects, including major highway corridors and design-build initiatives valued at over $100 million each. His expertise spans the full project lifecycle—from feasibility and environmental studies to PS&E development, procurement, contract administration, and construction execution.

In parallel with his civilian career, Dr. Asfaw serves as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps Reserve, where he has led over 130 personnel as an Officer-in-Charge and managed contingency engineering operations worldwide. He has administered more than $50 million in government contracts and maintains an active Department of Defense Secret Clearance, underscoring his leadership in high-stakes, mission-critical environments. Dr. Asfaw is also deeply committed to education and workforce development. He has served as an Adjunct Professor at Tarrant County College and as a Graduate Teaching Assistant at the University of Texas at Arlington, mentoring future engineers and advancing industry best practices. He is a recognized advocate for innovation and professional development, having contributed as a PMP Bootcamp instructor and university project advisor. His career began internationally in Ethiopia, where he supported major infrastructure development projects and capacity-building programs with global organizations, experiences that shaped his global perspective and collaborative leadership style. Dr. Asfaw holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Arlington, along with multiple advanced degrees in civil engineering. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in Texas and a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). Combining technical expertise, operational leadership, and global experience, he continues to drive impactful infrastructure solutions that enhance communities and support economic growth.

Seema Bardhipur, PE

Civil Engineer IV
Tetra Tech

Mrs. Seema Bardhipur, P.E., is a hydrology, hydraulics, and water resources engineer with 8 years of progressive experience leading technically sound and regulatory-compliant solutions for complex infrastructure and flood risk management challenges. Her expertise includes FEMA LOMR and CLOMR studies, MT-2 reviews, CNMS and NFHL updates, two-dimensional Base Level Engineering, detailed HEC-RAS 1D/2D Modeling, Drainage Feasibility Studies, Erosion Control, SW3P Development, Airport Check Valve Studies, and river basin hotspot analysis. She has extensive experience evaluating complex hydraulic and hydrologic conditions and developing practical alternatives that support resilient infrastructure, floodplain compliance, and long-term community protection.

FORWARD THINKING FOR FLOOD PLANNING

Lissa Shepard, PE, CFM

Senior Bridge Engineer & Floodplain Manager
Dallas County

Mrs. Lissa Shepard serves as the Senior Bridge Engineer and Floodplain Manager for Dallas County, Texas, where she oversees floodplain management and the administration of bridges and culverts within unincorporated areas. She has held this position since 2015, following prior service with the City of McKinney, the City of Dallas, and multiple consulting firms during her career. Ms. Shepard’s professional experience includes floodplain management, land use, and conservation. She serves on the Trinity Regional Flood Planning Group, the Upper Trinity Conservation Trust, and the Board of Directors for Northlake FWSD #1. She and her husband, Charles, have four children.

Stephanie Griffin, PE, CFM

Vice President
Halff Associates

Mrs. Griffin serves as Halff’s Water Resources Director for North Texas. She holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas A&M University and Texas Tech University, respectively. She supports municipal and state clients in the development of regional flood plans, stormwater master plans, stormwater utilities, ordinances, Stormwater Management Programs, and Community Rating System programs. Stephanie served as the Project Management for the Halff consultant team who supported the development of the 2023 Region 3 Trinity Regional Flood Plan and continues to serve as the Project Manager for the Halff consultant team for the development of the 2028 Region 3 Trinity Regional Flood Plan. Additionally, Stephanie serves as the President of the Texas Floodplain Management Association (TFMA).