Holds M.S. degrees from University of Porto (Portugal) and Oregon Institute of Technology (1990), and a 1993 Ph.D. from University of Washington. Currently serves as Department Head & Distinguished Chair in Civil/Environmental Engineering at UIUC. Former roles include Emeritus/ Distinguished/Professor at Duke University. Research focuses on water resources, environmental fluid mechanics, remote sensing, and natural hazard analysis. Authored book chapters and journal articles. Is a fellow of multiple prestigious societies.