VICKSBURG, Miss.— Researchers from five U.S. Army Corps of Engineer (USACE) Districts have been selected for the 2022 session of the Engineer Research and Development Center University (ERDC-U).
Environmental Engineer Jesseca Alexander of the Northwest Division’s Kansas City District was chosen as a participant for this detail program, which is now in its seventh year.
ERDC-U Program Lead Antisa Webb, Chief of the Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT), Technology, Knowledge and Outreach (TKO) Division and the program’s co-sponsor, announced the six 2022 selectees.
“ERDC-U offers partnerships between USACE Division and District participants and relevant laboratory mentors for six-month research projects, resulting in technical solutions benefitting their workplace, the Corps and the Nation,” Webb said.
Alexander works in the District’s Geotechnical/Processing Engineering Section, conducting Hazardous, Toxic, and Radioactive Waste (HTRW) investigations and design services.
A graduate of University of Missouri’s School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Alexander uses her technical expertise in the fields of civil, environmental, chemical, geotechnical and hydrogeological engineering.
She provides impacts’ analysis of different complex contaminates on the environment and risks to human health and safety, as well as facilitates interdisciplinary team discussions exploring creative treatment strategies.
Alexander’s mentor is Dr. Paul Schroeder with the Environmental Engineering Branch, Environmental Processes and Engineering Division at the ERDC Environmental Laboratory, one of four laboratories on the Vicksburg campus, which will be featured in orientation tours.
The program is co-sponsored by ERDC’s Directorate of Human Capital through an application and selection process. The session will run from March through August session. Program funding is split between the selectee’s Division or District for choice of labor costs or travel with the other funded by ERDC.
Commander’s Recommendation
“I am pleased to submit the nomination of Ms. Jesseca Alexander, E.I.T. as an exceptional candidate for selection. Ms. Alexander serves as an Environmental Engineer in the Environmental Branch, Geotechnical and Process Engineering Section within the Kansas City District,” Col. Travis Rayfield, Kansas City District Commander, said in his ERDC University candidate endorsement letter. “She has excelled in her first years with the program and has shown intentional engagement. She demonstrates excellent communication of ideas and is extremely innovative. Ms. Alexander works efficiently and effectively as an individual and with a team, can take on greater responsibility and is an excellent candidate for this opportunity. I enthusiastically support her nomination.”
“ERDC-U experiences build a collaborative and continuing partnership with ERDC team members as an investment in the future of the Corps, along with career-long problem-solving contacts,” Webb added about the benefit of the program.
The ERDC University Program specifically seeks individuals with interest and experience in general scientific and engineering fields encompassing one of the following business areas:
- Civil Works and Water Resources
- Environmental Quality and Installations
- Geospatial Research and Engineering
- Information Technology
- Military Engineering
Participants serve as members of interdisciplinary research and development teams, reporting to lead project managers and/or R&D direct program managers. The incumbent supports and possibly leads any number of activities to develop R&D.
“Selectees will have the opportunity to make great relationships that can help you the rest of your career, and we can learn about District needs from you,” ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman said about the program.
For program information, contact Antisa.C.Webb@usace.army.mil. Applications for the 2023 program will open October 1, 2022, for GS-7-13 team members through the “Opportunities” icon at:
https://wiki.erdc.dren.mil/index.php?title=ERDC_University.