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).
Canda Lorson, a hydrologist with the New Orleans District, was chosen to participate in the 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.”
As a hydrologist for the New Orleans District’s Engineering Division, Lower Mississippi River & Tributaries Water Management Branch, Lorson is responsible for stream gaging, discharge measurements, water quality sampling and analysis for both surface and groundwater, watershed, stormwater and streams assessments. She also conducts contaminated site investigations, site remediation, contaminated soil assessments, sampling and regulatory compliance.
Working with ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory (EL) mentors Jodi Ryder and Luke Gurtowski, Lorson will research new methods to analyze military contaminates and assist in creating accessible models.
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.
“Ms. Lorson has excelled in her duties and has shown intentional engagement. She demonstrates excellent communication of ideas and is innovative,” said Col. Cullen Jones, commander of the New Orleans District. “Ms. Lorson works effectively and efficiently as an individual and with a team, qualities that make her an excellent candidate for this opportunity. I strongly support her nomination…I am incredibly fortunate to have a person such as Ms. Lorson on the New Orleans District Team. She is respected and liked by her colleagues and is always willing to help or provide support when asked. She is a credit to this organization, and I am proud to recommend her for the ERDC University Development Program.”
“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