Engineering professor and National Geographic Explorer David Hill will join ϳԹվ – Cascades' Feb. 18 Science Pub to discuss ways scientists and community members contribute to understanding the fresh water potential in mountain snow packs.
The Science Pub, “What’s in Your Snowpack? Snow, Water and the Power of Citizen Science,” will take place in Father Luke’s Room at McMenamins Old St. Francis in ϳԹվ.
Hill is a professor in OSU’s College of Engineering where his research focuses on mountain hydrology, coastal hydraulics and climate change impacts on water resources. He is co-leader of the Community Snow Observations + YOU project, one of six citizen science projects funded by NASA to improve understanding of our physical environment.
In his presentation, Hill will share how experts observe, record and study snow, and how they predict snow and ice melt. He will also introduce citizen science as a valuable way to crowdsource snow depth information and enhance scientists’ snowpack models.
Hill received his Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from the University of California, Berkeley and was twice named an Erskine Fellow at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand. His research has also been funded by the National Science Foundation, National Geographic and the North Pacific Research Board.
Science Pubs take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Networking and food and beverage service begin at 5:30 p.m., and the presentation starts at 6:30 p.m. Science Pubs are free to community members, but reservations are required. Space is limited to 100 guests.
Registration must occur by 5 p.m. the day prior to each Science Pub at osucascades.edu/sciencepubs. For accommodations for disabilities contact 541-322-3100 or events@osucascades.edu.
About OSU-Cascades: ϳԹվ’s campus in ϳԹվ, Ore. features outstanding faculty in degree programs that reflect Central Oregon’s vibrant economy and abundant natural resources. Nearly 20 undergraduate majors, 30 minors and options, and three graduate programs include computer science, energy systems engineering, kinesiology, hospitality management, and tourism, recreation and adventure leadership. OSU-Cascades expanded to a four-year university in 2015; its new campus opened in 2016.