VICKSBURG, Miss.— Researchers from 10 U.S. Army Corps of Engineer Districts have been selected for the 2023 session of the Engineer Research and Development Center University (ERDC-U).
Dr. Kyle Tidwell, fish biologist with the Portland District has been chosen as a participant for detail program, now in its eighth year.
The 12 selectees were announced by ERDC-U Program Manager Antisa Webb, who serves as Chief of the Office of Research and Technology Transfer (ORTT), Technology, Knowledge and Outreach (TKO) Division. The Class of 2023 orientation session was held at ERDC headquarters Feb. 27-March 2, 2023.
As an operations division team lead for Portland District’s Fisheries Field Unit, Tidwell uses the traditional disciplines of animal behavior and ecology to understand and inform management of natural resources. With a Ph.D. in biology, his recent work focuses on dynamic predator-prey interactions of Threatened and Endangered fish, marine mammals and birds as it relates to civil work projects on the Columbia River.
Tidwell will work with his ERDC Environmental Laboratory mentors Drs. Jacob Berkowitz and David Smith to research how civil work programs in the Columbia River can support endangered salmon recovery. He will investigate how shallow water placement of dredge materials can benefit fish, as well as how fish interact with and navigate through pile dike systems.
“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. “While working with these subject-matter experts from ERDC’s seven state-of-the art laboratories, participants will focus on real-world solutions as they also develop leadership skills for their home organization.”
The program is co-sponsored by ERDC’s Directorate of Human Capital (DHC) through an application and selection process for the 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.
As Portland District Commander Col. Michael Helton said in his endorsement letter, “I am pleased to submit the nomination of Dr. Kyle Tidwell as an exceptional candidate for selection. Dr. Tidwell recently completed the District’s Leadership Development Program. I had the opportunity to interact and engage with Kyle during this rigorous two-year program and am confident that he possesses the technical skills and personal aptitude to contribute and enhance the ERDC–U program. He has served the Portland District for more than seven years and is an excellent and apt candidate to the ERDC–U program. I endorse his nomination and if selected, look forward to hearing of his anticipated success.”
“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 said.
The ERDC University Program specifically seeks individuals with interest and experience in general scientific and engineering fields encompassing one of the following areas:
- Civil Works and Water Resources
- Environmental Quality and Installations
- Geospatial Research and Engineering
- Information Technology
- Military Engineering
Participants serve as a member of the interdisciplinary Research and Development team reporting to Lead Project Managers and/or Research and Development (R&D) Direct Program Managers. The incumbent supports and possibly leads any number of activities to develop R&D.
In his welcome to the new participants, ERDC Director Dr. David Pittman said 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.”
For program questions, contact Antisa.C.Webb@usace.army.mil Applications for the 2024 program will open October 1 for GS-7-13 team members through the “Opportunities” icon at:
https://wiki.erdc.dren.mil/ERDC_University