Scholarship & Career Opportunities for Engineering Students

USSD is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing the role of dam and levee systems and building the community of practice.  USSD provides a forum for industry leaders and members to exchange knowledge and experiences that impact current and future issues for the dam and levee industry. For optimal knowledge exchange there must be representation not only from those that currently serve in the industry, but also the next generation.

As such, a key component of USSD’s strategic plan focuses on Recruitment and Growth. USSD strives to utilize various methods to attract students and recent graduates to the industry, engage young professionals, and support their growth throughout their careers. One of the methods we seek to accomplish this is through the Kim de Rubertis Student Scholarship Program. This program awards undergraduate and graduate students in the field of dams, levees, and water resources; and provides opportunities in professional organizations. Scholarships up to $10,000 are awarded annually to students whose academic program and plans have the potential to develop practical solutions to design and construction challenges related to dams, levees, and other water resources. We are currently accepting applications through February 1, 2024. These prizes will be awarded at USSD’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition.

Additionally, this year we will be hosting a Career Fair during our upcoming Annual Conference. This event will provide students with an opportunity to engage with potential employers, as well as connect with various industry professionals. The attached flyer provides additional information on the event.

As mentioned, the scholarship awards and the career fair will be held during USSD’s 2024 Annual Conference and Exhibition scheduled for April 22-26 in Seattle, WA. This conference, which draws more than 800 dam and levee professionals, will feature more than 130 technical sessions, a plenary session, a Legacy lecture, and a variety of workshops.

The Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship Program

The Hazel M. Johnson Fellowship Program is a 10-week paid climate internship program that focuses on increasing opportunities for emerging leaders of color to learn about, engage with, and enter the environmental and climate sectors with adequate funding, mentorship, and community building. The Fellowship is designed to attract and support Black women and gender-expansive rising juniors, rising seniors, and recent college graduates with demonstrated interest in pursuing a career in the environmental and/or climate sectors. 

Our inaugural cohort will place 12-15 fellows at organizations within the U.S. working across a diverse set of sectors including (but not limited to): policy, clean energy, art, environmental justice, climate tech, and fashion. Black Girl Environmentalist will provide fellows: a $5,000 living & wellness stipend, weekly (virtual) professional development workshops, and an in-person end-of-summer retreat. Partner organizations will cover the fellow’s hourly wage and a modest program fee. I’ve attached an info document below. 

Seminar: Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari on “Building Resilient Sustainable Smart Cities”

“Dear All

As the organizer of the Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Water Resources (EFMWR) seminar, my goal is to provide a holistic perspective to our students, fostering a comprehensive understanding of various disciplines including, but not limited to, oceanography, astrophysics, extreme climate, fluid mechanics, machine learning, dynamical systems, applied math, neuroscience and the arts. 

We are excited to announce the 2nd  seminar of the series  featuring

Dr. Rouzbeh Nazari

Associate Professor & Director, Sustainable Smart Cities Research Center

Department of Civil, Construction, and Environmental Engineering

University of Alabama, Birmingham

 “Building Resilient Sustainable Smart Cities: a Multidimensional Approach to Flood

Damage and Community Resilience

Elasticity” Umberto Boccioni (1912)

Time: Jan 26, 2024 12:30 PM (ETC time)

Venue: Mason 3132  or Zoom 

Attend in person at our seminar venue in Mason 3132 and have the opportunity to meet with the speaker, or join virtually via Zoom:

Join Zoom Meeting

https://gatech.zoom.us/j/94319275409

Meeting ID: 943 1927 5409

We look forward to your active participation and insightful discussions during this engaging seminar. Should you have any questions or require further information, please feel free to reach out.”