The FY17 ERDC University (ERDC-U) program provided a unique opportunity for two Jacksonville District participants in the environmental arena. Nicole Fresard from the Regulatory Division and David Lattuca from the Invasive Species Management side of the district have been working with ERDC EL’s Damarys Acevedo and Nathan Harms, respectively, to address specific needs of their district.
Fresard, a graduate of Florida International University with a bachelor’s in Environmental Science, has worked in the regulatory field for 10 years, the last two with the Jacksonville District as a project manager/biologist for the Regulatory Division’s Miami Field Office, where she has processed large scale projects such as installation of utility lines and water management projects in the Everglades National Park.
Fresard focused her efforts with the ERDC-U program, on conducting research on thin-layer placement of dredged material for saltmarsh restoration projects with her mentor, Acevedo. She also worked with Dr. Christine Vanzomeren and Dr. Jacob Berkowitz on a lab experiment on acid sulfate forming soils and is currently finishing a technical note on the research with which she has been involved.
“Meeting with a number of experts in a variety of disciplines was one of the major benefits of the ERDC-U program,” she said. “These contacts have provided guidance, tools, and new ideas that can be used in processing applications for regulated work in South Florida.” From her experience at ERDC, Fresard hopes to assist in initialing and/or implementing new projects that incorporate the beneficial use of dredged material in Florida, including saltmarsh restoration and beach nourishment projects.
While at ERDC, Fresard gained a clearer understanding of the scientific side of research going on in EL. “I was pleasantly surprised to learn all the things ERDC is working on regarding endangered species, dredged material, and such. I have already recommended others in the Jacksonville District to participate in this program.”
While Fresard has been focused on the regulatory side of the district’s needs, Dave Lattuca, Invasive Species Manager, participated in the ERDC-U program to strengthen his technical knowledge of ISM. His focus was to learn the latest economically-efficient technologies, as well as biological, mechanical and chemical control methods of ISM related to various aquatic species.
Lattuca has collaborated on multiple projects with ERDC personnel, but is most excited about working on a project his mentor, Nathan Harms, and Genny Nesslage, University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, have been working on. The project assesses the benefits of research that identified hydrilla resistance to herbicides; the research has led to the rapid adoption of effective treatment. Lattuca’s involvement in the project was in developing invasive plant management cost data sets and conducting laboratory experiments in invasive species ecology and management.
Through ERDC-U, Lattuca obtained a better understanding of the types of research the Aquatic Ecology and Invasive Species Branch is providing the Corps and other stakeholders and can now better communicate the benefits of ongoing ERDC research.
He also has a clearer understanding of the transition from research to operations. “This experience has been worthwhile in closing the gap due to technology transfer, technology infusion, and knowledge sharing,” Lattuca said.
“The collaboration has surpassed my pre-defined goals and opened up many other avenues of thought which can help solve difficulties related to ISM. I would recommend ERDC-U to my colleagues because it is a great opportunity to impact the Corps in a positive manner, by working with great individuals throughout ERDC on a project that is of interest to you.”