Stream Corridor Improvements for Tom’s Creek Tributary
Project Overview
There is currently a double barrel culvert stream crossing on the driveway into a private neighborhood two miles northwest of Blacksburg on an unnamed tributary of Tom's Creek. This crossing structure is experiencing embankment erosion and structural failure. The structure is also causing disruption in sediment transport and fish passage. We aim to design a replacement for this existing culvert, that will alleviate the current site issues.
For further information about our Problem Statement, Goals and Objectives, and Constraints and Criteria please explore the links below.
Meet the Team!
Ben Smith
Ben Smith is a senior in Biological Systems Engineering with minors in Environmental and Wetland Science. After graduating in 2020, he is pursuing a Master's degree at Virginia Tech focused on Stream Restoration. Ben is a BSE ambassador and part of the Virginia Tech Soil Judging Team.
Sara Freix
Sara Freix is a senior in Biological Systems Engineering with a Green Engineering minor. She is graduating in May 2020, pursuing a Master's degree at Virginia Tech in Educational Psychology. Sara is a Cross Country and Track and Field athlete at Virginia Tech which keeps her actively involved in the community.
Shawn Johnson
Shawn Johnson is a senior in Biological Systems Engineering with a minor in Entomology. After graduation, he wants to work for a engineering consulting company or non-profit focusing on freshwater bio-monitoring, stream restoration, or environmental engineering.
Valeria Martinez
Valeria Martinez is a senior in Biological Systems Engineering with a Green Engineering minor. After graduating in May 2020, she wants to pursue a Master's Degree in Water Science and Engineering in Europe. In a few years, Valeria hopes to be working with Humanitarian Engineering projects related to water quality and distribution.
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Tess Thompson
Dr. Thompson is an Associate Professor in Biological Systems Engineering at Virginia Tech. She is also the department's Assistant Department Head for Undergraduate Studies, and serves as the faculty advisor for Virginia Tech's ASABE student branch. Her research focuses on the protection and restoration of stream and wetland systems, investigating the interaction between stream channel stability, and stream-side vegetation.
External Adivsor:
Dr. Sharyl Ogle, PE
Dr. Ogle is an Area Engineer working for USDA-NRCS office in Christiansburg, Virginia. As our eternal advisor, Dr. Ogle has been a bridge between the team and the client's needs and interests facilitating our communication with the landowners.