David Brandes | Photo by Adam Atkinson
What is the focus of your research?
My interdisciplinary research program has two distinct branches: watershed hydrology and hydraulics, and wind energy-related research focused on modeling airflow and raptor flight in rugged terrain, which was the focus of my recent sabbatical with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Colorado. I’m currently part of a team of faculty monitoring the response of lower Bushkill Creek to three dam removal projects, research that began in 2017 and is now continuing through the post-dam removal phase. I’ve also been active in a variety of campus sustainability projects, such as establishing the Lafayette College farm, designing a constructed wetland at Sullivan Park near campus, design and installation of a solar-powered irrigation system and wash station at LaFarm, installing a stormwater bioretention area at Fisher Quad, and studying the effectiveness of window treatments to reduce bird collisions with glass on campus.
What will you be teaching in the fall?
I’ve taught a variety of courses in civil engineering, environmental science and studies, and the new integrative engineering program. This fall I am teaching CE 321: Environmental Engineering and Science (with lab). My courses often involve hands-on projects with local partners, or in some cases international partners. For example, this year in my ES 303: Environment and Energy Systems Engineering class we started a new collaboration with a Brazilian nonprofit focused on revitalizing the water and energy systems for an island off the coast of Guaruja. This sustainable island project was originally the brainchild of Lafayette engineering alumnus Fernando Lee, so we are continuing his legacy of sustainable design.
What does receiving an endowed chair mean to you, and how does this endowed position further your teaching and/or research?
It’s a true honor, as I have such admiration for Seifi as a man whose determination and brilliance brought him great success here in the U.S., from humble beginnings in the oil fields of Iran. He is someone who knows the value of an interdisciplinary liberal arts education, and his ongoing support of interdisciplinary teaching and research at Lafayette is greatly appreciated. For me personally, the endowed position supports my efforts to push my teaching into new areas, to develop new ideas and connections across disciplinary boundaries, and to contribute to multiple departments and programs at the College.
Read more about faculty members newly named to endowed positions.
