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Brandon Sansom, PhD

Dr. Brandon Sansom is a Research Engineer at the Columbia Environmental Research Center.

Brandon has extensive experience in biophysical hydrodynamic transport phenomena. His academic background combines Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in biology with a Doctorate in water resources engineering. His most recent job was with the US Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo, New York. He will be working initially on several projects including the collaboration on eDNA transport related to native mussels and aspects of pallid sturgeon age-0 dispersal.

Professional Experience

  • 2020 Hydraulic Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo, NY

  • 2020 Hydraulic Engineer, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Buffalo, NY

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University at Buffalo - SUNY, 2019

  • M.S. Biology, University of Oklahoma, 2013

  • B.A. Biology, Washington and Jefferson College, 2011

Science and Products

link
image of eco-flume pump system

CERC Eco-flume

The CERC Eco-flume is a continuous-loop, racetrack style flume. It is housed in a 1,350 square-foot laboratory at CERC and will be used to study transport phenomena and biophysical processes in river environments.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

CERC Eco-flume

The CERC Eco-flume is a continuous-loop, racetrack style flume. It is housed in a 1,350 square-foot laboratory at CERC and will be used to study transport phenomena and biophysical processes in river environments.
Learn More
link
Female pallid sturgeon, PLS11-007, is released back into the Missouri River after an ultrasound evaluation

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2018

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2018

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

Learn More
link
Hydrologic technician Brian Anderson prepares to launch the Z-boat on the Current River

Physical Stream Dynamics and Native Mussel Habitats

Freshwater mussel conservation efforts depend on identifying habitat characteristics that are suitable for mussel reintroduction and restoration. CERC scientists are conducting research to understand how physical habitat dynamics affect the distribution of mussels and suitable habitat in streams and rivers.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Physical Stream Dynamics and Native Mussel Habitats

Freshwater mussel conservation efforts depend on identifying habitat characteristics that are suitable for mussel reintroduction and restoration. CERC scientists are conducting research to understand how physical habitat dynamics affect the distribution of mussels and suitable habitat in streams and rivers.
Learn More
link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2021

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2021

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
Learn More
link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2020

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2020

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
Learn More
link
USGS

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2019

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2019

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
Learn More
link
The rhodamine-WT dye is injected in the river uniformly across the channel.

River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics

River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics research seeks to improve the scientific basis for ecological restoration of large rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding how hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics combine to create dynamic habitats for native and exotic fauna and flora.
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics

River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics research seeks to improve the scientific basis for ecological restoration of large rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding how hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics combine to create dynamic habitats for native and exotic fauna and flora.
Learn More
link
USGS

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2016

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

 

link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2016

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

 

Learn More
link
Female pallid sturgeon, PLS11-007, is released back into the Missouri River after an ultrasound evaluation

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2017

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

link

Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2017

The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

Learn More
link
Animation showing three multibeam echosounder surveys of the Missouri River on July 15, 2015

Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Dynamics

CERC scientists apply advanced measurement and modeling approaches to quantifying habitats in large rivers. Our research has been applied to improving the understanding of the reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River.
By
Species Management Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
link

Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Dynamics

CERC scientists apply advanced measurement and modeling approaches to quantifying habitats in large rivers. Our research has been applied to improving the understanding of the reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River.
Learn More

Supporting files for particle tracking simulations of the May 5, 2021 dye release experiment on the Missouri River at Searcys Bend, near Columbia, Missouri

This project contains data and supporting files from hydrodynamic and particle tracking models of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend developed in conjunction with an experimental dye release at the study site on March 5, 2021. The main objectives of this effort were to develop a hydrodynamic model using topographic and flow data collected in the field for subsequent use in a particle tracking mode
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

2017 Yellowstone River Dye-Trace Experiment

Data consist of geolocation, temperature, turbidity, time, and dye concentrations collected at four downstream locations from Rhodamine WT dye injection point on Yellowstone River in June 2017
By
Columbia Environmental Research Center

Performance evaluation of a channel rehabilitation project on the Lower Missouri River and implications for the dispersal of larval pallid sturgeon

In the Lower Missouri River, extensive channel modifications have altered hydraulic and morphologic conditions and reduced the river's ecological integrity. One species that has been adversely affected by these changes is the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Mainstem dams on the Missouri River restrict the upstream migration of adults and limit the downstream dispersal of larvae. Channeliza
Authors
Brandon James Sansom, Bruce Call, Carl J. Legleiter, R. B. Jacobson
By
Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

Remote sensing of visible dye concentrations during a tracer experiment on a large, turbid river

Understanding dispersion in rivers is critical for numerous applications, such as characterizing larval drift for endangered fish species and responding to spills of hazardous materials. Injecting a visible dye into the river can yield insight on dispersion processes, but conventional field instrumentation yields limited data on variations in dye concentration over time at a few, fixed points. Rem
Authors
Carl J. Legleiter, Brandon James Sansom, R. B. Jacobson
By
Water Resources Mission Area

Science and Products

  • Science
    link
    image of eco-flume pump system

    CERC Eco-flume

    The CERC Eco-flume is a continuous-loop, racetrack style flume. It is housed in a 1,350 square-foot laboratory at CERC and will be used to study transport phenomena and biophysical processes in river environments.
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    CERC Eco-flume

    The CERC Eco-flume is a continuous-loop, racetrack style flume. It is housed in a 1,350 square-foot laboratory at CERC and will be used to study transport phenomena and biophysical processes in river environments.
    Learn More
    link
    Female pallid sturgeon, PLS11-007, is released back into the Missouri River after an ultrasound evaluation

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2018

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2018

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

    Learn More
    link
    Hydrologic technician Brian Anderson prepares to launch the Z-boat on the Current River

    Physical Stream Dynamics and Native Mussel Habitats

    Freshwater mussel conservation efforts depend on identifying habitat characteristics that are suitable for mussel reintroduction and restoration. CERC scientists are conducting research to understand how physical habitat dynamics affect the distribution of mussels and suitable habitat in streams and rivers.
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Species Management Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Physical Stream Dynamics and Native Mussel Habitats

    Freshwater mussel conservation efforts depend on identifying habitat characteristics that are suitable for mussel reintroduction and restoration. CERC scientists are conducting research to understand how physical habitat dynamics affect the distribution of mussels and suitable habitat in streams and rivers.
    Learn More
    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2021

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2021

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
    Learn More
    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2020

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2020

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
    Learn More
    link
    USGS

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2019

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2019

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon.
    Learn More
    link
    The rhodamine-WT dye is injected in the river uniformly across the channel.

    River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics

    River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics research seeks to improve the scientific basis for ecological restoration of large rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding how hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics combine to create dynamic habitats for native and exotic fauna and flora.
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Biological Threats and Invasive Species Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics

    River-Corridor Habitat Dynamics research seeks to improve the scientific basis for ecological restoration of large rivers. Emphasis is placed on understanding how hydrologic and geomorphic characteristics combine to create dynamic habitats for native and exotic fauna and flora.
    Learn More
    link
    USGS

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2016

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

     

    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2016

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

     

    Learn More
    link
    Female pallid sturgeon, PLS11-007, is released back into the Missouri River after an ultrasound evaluation

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2017

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

    link

    Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project Blog - 2017

    The USGS Comprehensive Sturgeon Research Project is a multi-year, interdisciplinary research study to determine factors leading to spawning and survival of the endangered pallid sturgeon and the closely related shovelnose sturgeon. 

    Learn More
    link
    Animation showing three multibeam echosounder surveys of the Missouri River on July 15, 2015

    Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Dynamics

    CERC scientists apply advanced measurement and modeling approaches to quantifying habitats in large rivers. Our research has been applied to improving the understanding of the reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River.
    By
    Species Management Research Program, Columbia Environmental Research Center
    link

    Pallid Sturgeon Habitat Dynamics

    CERC scientists apply advanced measurement and modeling approaches to quantifying habitats in large rivers. Our research has been applied to improving the understanding of the reproductive ecology of the endangered pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus) in the Missouri River.
    Learn More
  • Data

    Supporting files for particle tracking simulations of the May 5, 2021 dye release experiment on the Missouri River at Searcys Bend, near Columbia, Missouri

    This project contains data and supporting files from hydrodynamic and particle tracking models of the Missouri River at Searcys Bend developed in conjunction with an experimental dye release at the study site on March 5, 2021. The main objectives of this effort were to develop a hydrodynamic model using topographic and flow data collected in the field for subsequent use in a particle tracking mode
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center

    2017 Yellowstone River Dye-Trace Experiment

    Data consist of geolocation, temperature, turbidity, time, and dye concentrations collected at four downstream locations from Rhodamine WT dye injection point on Yellowstone River in June 2017
    By
    Columbia Environmental Research Center
  • Publications

    Performance evaluation of a channel rehabilitation project on the Lower Missouri River and implications for the dispersal of larval pallid sturgeon

    In the Lower Missouri River, extensive channel modifications have altered hydraulic and morphologic conditions and reduced the river's ecological integrity. One species that has been adversely affected by these changes is the pallid sturgeon (Scaphirhynchus albus). Mainstem dams on the Missouri River restrict the upstream migration of adults and limit the downstream dispersal of larvae. Channeliza
    Authors
    Brandon James Sansom, Bruce Call, Carl J. Legleiter, R. B. Jacobson
    By
    Ecosystems Mission Area, Columbia Environmental Research Center

    Remote sensing of visible dye concentrations during a tracer experiment on a large, turbid river

    Understanding dispersion in rivers is critical for numerous applications, such as characterizing larval drift for endangered fish species and responding to spills of hazardous materials. Injecting a visible dye into the river can yield insight on dispersion processes, but conventional field instrumentation yields limited data on variations in dye concentration over time at a few, fixed points. Rem
    Authors
    Carl J. Legleiter, Brandon James Sansom, R. B. Jacobson
    By
    Water Resources Mission Area