Civil Engineering Graduate Student Awarded USSD Scholarship

Photo Submitted

Civil Engineering Doctoral Student Julia Loshelder

Civil engineering doctoral student Julia Loshelder has been awarded a scholarship from the United States Society on Dams at its 2021 virtual conference. Loshelder’s research presentation entitled, “Remote Sensing Methods to Monitor the Change in Water Content in Dams” was presented along side student presentations from the University of Texas, University of Colorado, and the University of California Davis.  The goal of Loshelder’s research is to use different wavelengths of light (visible, near-infrared, or microwave) to determine the moisture content of the soil in earthfill dams during construction and as a tool for monitoring dams after construction.  Current methods are time and labor intensive and/or destructive, therefore this method would be rapid and non-destructive.

“I am thrilled to be awarded this scholarship which recognizes my past accomplishments but also my future potential as a researcher within the field of dams,” Loshelder said. “Through the application process, I gained experience writing a research proposal and by being selected as a finalist, I presented my research at the USSD conference. Both experiences (writing a research proposal and presenting my research) will serve me well as I pursue my academic career, as these are both skills that I will continue to use and improve.”

Loshelder, a native of Flower Mound, Texas, received her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in May of 2020; graduating with honors while also minoring in mathematics and physics. She is also a Fellow in the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships Program and an Arkansas Distinguished Doctoral Fellow. Her post education plans are to pursue an academic career by seeking a position as a professor at a research university. For more in formation about the United States Society on Dams, please visit their website.