We study the human dimensions of engineering, water policy and governance, and science-policy interactions and decision making.
We aim to understand the experience of water/wastewater/stormwater managers navigating internal/external stress and change to understand decision making around adopting new technologies, mitigation/adaptation to climate change, and building resilience. We also study water governance and policy, especially in navigating non-stationary, and emerging contaminants. And, we are committed to the production of actionable knowledge and aim to work in partnership with governments, boundary organizations, and water/wastewater/stormwater managers to generate usable science.
Affiliated Researcher, Penn State Institute of Energy and the Environment (IEE)
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Contact:Associate Professor and Associate Director
Law Policy & Engineering Program at Penn State University, School of Engineering, Design and Innovation Associate Professor, Civil & Environmental Engineering E: [email protected] Gratis Appointment, University of Connecticut Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering and School of Natural Resources and Environment E: [email protected] |
Awards / Accomplishments
Dr. Kirchhoff received a prestigious NSF CAREER award in 2020. My research advances theory and methods for assessing human dimensions of resilience. In particular, I aim to advance thinking about how to not only bounce back from disruption, but also bounce forward and build resilience to future hazards and surprise. The research is conducted with state agencies and wastewater managers. Ultimately, both academic and practical outputs will emerge to help improve infrastructure resilience to present and future hazards.
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Dr. Kirchhoff was awarded the School of Engineering Castleman Professorship in Engineering Innovation! Effective January 1, 2020.
Cristina Mullin was officially awarded her doctorate in May 2020! Congratulations Dr. Mullin!
Lily Michaud completed her MS in Natural Resources & the Environment in May 2022! Congratulations Lily!
Lily Michaud completed her MS in Natural Resources & the Environment in May 2022! Congratulations Lily!
Media Coverage
Our research is in the news!
Excited to work with Hannah Teicher and colleagues on our recent MURI award
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Communities are becoming more resilient by preparing for climate change and investing in a sustainable future. Read the Greater Hartford Resilience Players story in the Hartford Magazine!
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Kirchhoff and Dilling (2016) article in Water Resources Research was highlighted as an EOS Research Spotlight! Find the media story and link to our article at right.
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National Media Interviews
Read these stories written by terrific environmental journalists and investigative reporters
National Geographic - Dr. Kirchhoff interviewed by Alissa Greenberg for her July 2023 article "Here's what worries engineers the most about U.S. infrastructure, www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/article/most-dangerous-infrastructure-problems
USA Today - Dr. Kirchhoff among the experts interviewed by Dinah Voyles Pulver in her December 2021 article, "'We need giant steps': Experts on Impacts of extreme rainfall, drought", www.usatoday.com/story/news/2021/12/02/experts-rainfall-climate-change/8590489002/
Grist - Dr. Kirchhoff interviewed by María Paula Rubiano, Environmental Justice Fellow, in September 2021 about the resilience of water systems in the Gulf Coast. Read her story here: grist.org/equity/ida-left-behind-a-water-crisis-in-the-gulf/
NBC News CT - Dr. Kirchhoff interviewed twice in August 2021 by Dan Corcoran anchor for NBC CT 7pm News about the state of our stormwater infrastructure. Read and watch the stories here: www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/qa-how-can-we-adapt-our-infrastructure-for-future-severe-weather/2575343/
NPR - Dr. Kirchhoff interviewed by Tegan Wendland and Austin Ramsey for their story Known for its floods, Louisiana is running dangerously short of groundwater. Read the story here: www.npr.org/2021/03/19/975689866/known-for-its-floods-louisiana-is-running-dangerously-short-of-groundwater
NPR - Dr. Kirchhoff interviewed by Brian Gimmett for story on drinking water. Read his story here: www.kmuw.org/post/environmental-group-says-almost-all-kansas-tap-water-too-contaminated
New York Times - Dr. Kirchhoff asks and Naomi Oreskes, Professor of the history of science at Harvard, answers! www.nytimes.com/2019/11/05/opinion/climate-change-economics.html