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).
Ian Markovich, a biologist with the Jacksonville District, was chosen to participate in this 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 February 27 through March 2 at ERDC headquarters.
“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. “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.”
With specialties as an invasive species biologist, Markovich is working with a cadre of Environmental Laboratory experts and mentors, Drs. Ben Sperry, Bradley Sartin, Kurt Getsinger and Nathan Harm. His six-month ERDC-U project focuses on aquatic plant management, particularly on Hydrilla management techniques and mechanisms to improve operational treatment efficacy.
At the Jacksonville District, Markovich leads treatments on USDA-NRCS (Natural Resources Conservation Service) easements. Additionally, he contributes to vegetation management operations on Lake Okeechobee, the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP) projects and Aquatic Plant Control (APC) program.
The program is co-sponsored by ERDC’s Directorate of Human Capital (DHC) through an application and selection process. Program funding is split between the selectee’s Division or District for choice of labor costs or travel with the other funded by ERDC.
“Mr. Markovich has been an exceptional employee who continually exceeds expectations. His dedication and hard work will be an asset to any project and his unique skill set and knowledge base would make him a highly qualified and a valuable participant in this program,” said Col. James Booth, commander of the Jacksonville District. “I also believe the knowledge and information he gains from this experience would be a great asset to him, the Jacksonville District, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. I enthusiastically support his 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 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 Direct Program Managers.
In his welcome to the new class, 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