VICKSBURG, Miss. – Brigida Sanchez, a multimedia specialist with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Jacksonville District, has been selected for the 2025 session of the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center University (ERDC-U).
Now in its tenth year, the professional development initiative designed to encourage collaboration and technology transfer, welcomed participants from five USACE districts with Antisa Webb, chief of the ERDC Office of Research and Technology Transfer within the Technology, Knowledge, and Outreach Division and co-sponsor of the program, announcing the selectees.
"ERDC-U fosters collaboration between participants from USACE divisions and districts and mentors from relevant ERDC laboratories,” said Webb. “The program involves six-month research projects aimed at developing innovative technical solutions that enhance operations at the workplace, support the Corps and benefit the nation."
Michelle Roberts, who serves as chief of Corporate Communications at the Jacksonville District, believes Sanchez is an excellent candidate for ERDC-U.
"I wholeheartedly endorse Brigida for the ERDC-U program,” she said. “Her passion for environmental storytelling, award-winning multimedia work and commitment to personal growth will make her an even greater asset to the Jacksonville District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers."
By collaborating with subject matter experts across ERDC’s seven state-of-the-art laboratories, program participants will tackle real-world challenges while simultaneously honing their leadership skills to benefit their home organization.
Sanchez, a dedicated USACE team member for nine years, currently serves as a multimedia specialist in the Public Affairs Office of the Jacksonville District. In this role, she produces engaging content — including videos, graphics and photography — to promote and educate the public about the USACE mission.
Sanchez plays a critical role in crisis communication, often deploying to cover major events such as hurricanes, wildfires and the COVID-19 response. She works closely with media outlets and stakeholders to ensure timely, accurate and impactful messaging during emergencies.
Beyond crisis response, she develops strategic communication plans, leads recruitment campaigns and produces educational content. One of her standout initiatives is a series of videos focusing on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) designed to engage and inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists.
“As a passionate storyteller and longtime public servant, I’m eager to help communicate USACE’s innovative research and environmental stewardship,” said Sanchez. “ERDC-U offers a unique opportunity to deepen my understanding of soils and wetlands while amplifying the voices of the scientists behind that work.”
In March, Sanchez joined her fellow selectees at an ERDC-U orientation session held on ERDC's campus in Vicksburg, Mississippi, to meet their mentors and familiarize themselves with their planned projects. Sanchez will be mentored by Debbie Quimby, director of ERDC’s Corporate Communications Office, and Jason Berkowitz, a research soil scientist with ERDC’s Environmental Laboratory.
Her study will focus on strengthening her knowledge of Ecology by participating in and documenting Wetland Ecosystem functions and process. She will learn about the development and application of Rapid Wetland Assessment Methodologies, the collection and analysis of soil and vegetation data/samples and a broad understanding of wetland ecology across diverse landforms and environmental settings.
Emphasis will be placed on ensuring Sanchez gains experience effectively communicating technical information to stakeholders and the public in support of project alternatives analysis, impact assessments, determination of mitigation requirements and the outcomes of USACE restoration efforts.
Upon completion of ERDC-U, Sanchez, along with the four other selectees, will attend a graduation ceremony in September. During the ceremony, she will present a comprehensive overview of her ERDC-U experience, detailing her work with wetland assessment, data analysis and communicating complex ecological information.
Applications will open in October for the 2026 ERDC-U session. For information on ERDC-U and how to apply, visit: https://wiki.erdc.dren.mil/ERDC_University.