Dr. Katherine Skalak studies landscape dynamics and fluvial geomorphology, focused on understanding and predicting changes in the patterns and functions of landforms in response to human impacts and restoration efforts. In particular, dynamics of fine sediment and particle associated nutrients and contaminants on varying temporal and spatial scales, and management effects on fluvial systems.
Dr. Skalak received her undergraduate degree in environmental science from St. Joseph’s University. She received her master's degree in Geology from University of Delaware in 2004. A National Science Foundation GK-12 fellow, she completed her Ph.D in Geological Sciences from the University of Delaware in 2009. She started as a post-doctoral researcher at U.S. Geological Survey in 2009 and became a Research Hydrologist in 2011.
EDUCATION
University of Delaware, Newark, DE. Ph.D. in Geological Sciences, August, 2009
Dissertation Title: "Fine-grained channel margin deposits in a typical gravel bed river: Spatial and temporal controls on the distribution, quantity, and residence time and implications for Centennial-scale Sediment and Mercury Cycling." Adviser: Dr. James E. Pizzuto
University of Delaware, Newark, DE. M.S. in Geology, August, 2004
Thesis Title: “The effects of dams on downstream channel characteristics in Pennsylvania and Maryland: assessing the potential consequences of dam removal.” Adviser: Dr. James E. Pizzuto.
St. Joseph's University, Philadelphia, PA. B. S. in Environmental Science, May, 2001
RESEARCH AND WORK EXPERIENCE
USGS National Research Program. Research Hydrologist, 2011 to present
USGS National Research Program. Post-doctoral research fellow in the Hydroecology of Flowing Waters Project, National Research Program, 2009 to 2011
University of Delaware, Department of Geological Sciences
- Visiting scholar, The Johns Hopkins University, 2006 to 2009
- Research Assistant, January 2005 to June 2006
- Research Assistant, September 2002 to September 2003
- Environmental Management Group, Media, PA. Environmental Consultant, January to August 2002
Biological Treatment Systems, Bala Cynwyd, PA. Lab Coordinator, September 2001 to January 2002
Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA. Research Internship, May to September 2000
TEACHING EXPERIENCE
University of Delaware, Department of Geological Sciences
- Fellow, National Science Foundation’s GK-12 program, June 2006 to 2008
- Teaching Assistant, 2003 to 2004
Science and Products
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
Science and Products
- Science
Integrated Water Science (IWS) Basins
The U.S. Geological Survey is integrating its water science programs to better address the Nation’s greatest water resource challenges. At the heart of this effort are plans to intensively study at least 10 Integrated Water Science (IWS) basins — medium-sized watersheds (10,000-20,000 square miles) and underlying aquifers — over the next decade. The IWS basins will represent a wide range of...Integrated Water Prediction (IWP)
The USGS Integrated Water Prediction science program focuses on the development of advanced models for forecasting multiple water quality and quantity attributes including water budgets and components of the water cycle; water use; temperature; dissolved and suspended water constituents, and ecological conditions. It is also developing the cyberinfrastructure and workflows required to implement... - Data
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