Watershed Science

Meet Our Alumni

Julia (Giesen) Prokopec

Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, with emphasis on geohydrology

Bemidji State in Minnesota

Education and experience
I have a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies, Emphasis on geohydrology from Bemidji State in Minnesota. I have 3 years of experience as a hydrologic technician, and 4 years hydrologist with the USGS.

Current employer
U.S. Geological Survey, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Lansing, Michigan

Position
I am a hydrologist with the U.S. Geological Survey, Water Science Division. My focus is surface water hydrology and flood-inundation mapping. My responsibilities are to plan, conduct, and report on assigned parts of hydrologic interpretive studies which typically adhere to established techniques and conventional methods of investigation. I also collect and analyze hydrologic data, relating to surface water, groundwater, or water quality, and determine apparent reasons for data anomalies, and correlate the wide variety of factors that affect the information presented. I also work with other government, State and local communities to address problems, scientific needs, and to obtain data that is relevant to current project needs.

Favorite Vermilion memory
All the lifelong friends I met, Water Science Club (bowling and ice fishing contest), Trap Shooting club and building a paddle (which I still use every time I am out in a canoe!)

Patrick Farrell

Degree in Watershed Science

Minnesota North - Vermilion

Education and experience
I was hired as a SCEP (Student Career Experience Program) student intern for the USGS during the summer between year 1st and 2nd year at VCC. This position led to my career with the USGS today.

Current employer
U.S Geological Survey

Position
Hydrologic Technician. I maintain and operate a number of remote stream-gaging stations on rivers around the state. The stream gages have sensors that monitor and record surface water elevations, which we relate to streamflow or discharge (total volume of water) using a model. We verify the model by taking streamflow measurements on site every 4-6 weeks using acoustic doppler devices that track the river’s depth, width, and water velocity. Each stream gage transmits to a satellite every hour, and the data can be viewed by the public in near real-time on the web. The sensors and instruments at all sites require maintenance and calibration which we perform in the field to ensure the public is getting the most accurate and up to date data. I am also responsible for creating reports for each stream gage in which we review and analyze the data before it is published in its final form and it becomes available to the public as such.

Favorite Vermilion memory
Fish…lots of fish! Specifically the Water Club BWCA trips.

Additional Information