Katie Merriman
About Katie Merriman
Katie Merriman is a hydrologist with extensive experience in inundation mapping and hydrological modeling. She has worked at the U.S. Geological Survey and has a strong academic background in engineering, holding a PhD from the University of Kentucky.
Work at U.S. Geological Survey
Katie Merriman has been employed as a Hydrologist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 2019. Her role is based in Troy, New York, where she has contributed to various hydrological projects. Prior to her current position, she worked at USGS in Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, from 2010 to 2018, gaining extensive experience in hydrology.
Education and Expertise
Katie Merriman holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the University of Kentucky College of Engineering, where she studied from 2019 to 2023. She also earned a Master of Science in Agricultural Engineering from Purdue University, studying from 2007 to 2008, and a Bachelor of Science in Biological Engineering from the University of Arkansas, completed in 2005. Her expertise includes inundation mapping, hydrological modeling using HEC-HMS, GeoRAS, and GeoHMS, as well as water quality modeling with tools like SWAT, APEX, and HSPF.
Professional Experience
Katie Merriman has held various positions in the field of hydrology and environmental engineering. Before joining USGS, she worked as an Environmental Engineer at SAIC for one year in 2009-2010. She also served as a Graduate Assistant at the University of Arkansas in 2006 and at Purdue University from 2007 to 2008. Additionally, she worked as a Civil Engineering Technician at USDA-NRCS in 2005 and as a Co-Op Student at Exxon Chemical in 2003.
Technical Skills
Katie Merriman is proficient in several scripting languages, including Python, R, and shell scripting, which enhance her data analysis capabilities. She utilizes advanced GIS tools such as ESRI, 3D & Spatial Analyst, and ModelBuilder for water resources projects. Furthermore, she has skills in database management and application design using MS Access and VBA programming.