G
To publicly present the results of the Great Lakes modeling framework and utilize them in the Great Lakes Coastal Resiliency Study (GLRCS), USACE must subject the model development and findings to technical peer review.
Dr. David Watkins, PE, a Distinguished Professor of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering at Michigan Technological University, is uniquely qualified to fulfill this role. He has extensive experience in hydrologic modeling, water resources planning, and climate adaptation in the Great Lakes region. Dr. Watkins has previously worked on modeling tools directly applicable to this framework and possesses deep familiarity with the lake level regulation models used in Great Lakes forecasting. Additionally, his academic and applied research in regional weather impacts and water level dynamics ensures he brings a high level of expertise to the peer review process.
Given his domain knowledge, prior experience with similar modeling efforts, and familiarity with both the region and methodology, Dr. Watkins is the only known expert capable of conducting the level of review required. Competitive alternatives were not identified that possess equivalent technical understanding, regional expertise, and credibility.