Bibek Acharya

Developed a machine learning tool to predict post-fire future land cover recovery, shifts, and transitions under climate variability, enabling scenario-based projections to support long-term watershed resilience assessments. Developed a novel UAV and Landsat-based integration method for generating a burn severity map immediately after a wildfire for streamflow prediction, achieving less than a 6% discrepancy in annual streamflow predictions. Assessed the hydrologic performance of the National Water Model retrospective, identifying biases and performance differences that informed model reliability under different land cover types. Performed hydrologic modeling using DHSVM to simulate post-fire impacts on streamflow under climate change impacts alone and coupled wildfire-climate impacts, quantifying changes in peak flow timing and magnitude to inform watershed management decisions. Conducted 1D/2D HEC-RAS modeling to evaluate culvert, bridge hydraulics, and scour, supporting infrastructure vulnerability assessments under extreme flow conditions. Assessed the hydrologic impact of development by modeling runoff and infiltration changes using HEC-HMS, demonstrating increased runoff volumes and reduced infiltration under urbanized scenarios to support stormwater planning. Executed UAV image data collection and field-based soil sampling for wildfire impact assessments, generating ground truth datasets used to calibrate and validate hydrologic models. Prepared and published conference papers and research articles in peer-reviewed journals, contributing to the dissemination of wildfire-hydrology research to scientific communities. Tutored 50+ undergraduate students on the hydraulic modeling tool (EPANET), improving student proficiency in network modeling and hydraulic analysis. Guided 200+ undergraduate students as a Teaching Assistant for the courses - Hydraulics, Hydraulics Lab, and Computer Tools, supporting student learning.

Designed drinking water systems, including detailed construction drawings and bills of quantities, supporting reliable infrastructure for community-scale projects. Coordinated with the client, consultant, and contractor to optimize project delivery and resolve design or construction challenges, reducing delays and improving constructability through effective stakeholder coordination.

Supervised construction projects, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and schedule requirements, contributing to on-time project delivery, and adhering to engineering standards. Prepared daily and monthly progress reports to support management decisions, enhancing project tracking and informed decision-making.

Executed construction projects, focusing on quality control and compliance with engineering standards, ensuring structural integrity. Prepared engineering drawings using AutoCAD, bar bending schedules, and bills of quantities for construction projects, improving the accuracy of material estimation and construction planning.