Laura Norman
About Laura Norman
Laura Norman is a Supervisory Research Physical Scientist at the USGS, specializing in watershed management and environmental science. She has a diverse background in hydrology and has contributed significantly to research on water quality and wildfire impacts.
Current Role at U.S. Geological Survey
Laura Norman has served as a Supervisory Research Physical Scientist at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) since 1998. In this role, she utilizes coupled ecosystem, urban growth, and watershed models to analyze the fate and transport of pollutants in surface waters. Her work focuses on identifying solutions to arid-land challenges, particularly in the Mexican Highlands subarea of the Madrean Region along the US-Mexico border. With over 26 years of experience at USGS, she has established herself as a key contributor to research in hydrology and environmental science.
Educational Background
Laura Norman has a diverse educational background in environmental science and programming. She earned a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forestry from Oregon State University from 1990 to 1994. She then pursued a Master of Science (M.S.) in Watershed Management at the University of Arizona from 1998 to 2000, followed by a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Watershed Resources at the same institution from 2003 to 2005. Additionally, she studied Programming in Visual Basic at Pima Community College from 2000 to 2002, where she achieved a Computer Programming Specialist Certificate.
Previous Work Experience
Prior to her current position at USGS, Laura Norman held various roles that contributed to her expertise in environmental science. She worked as a Kayak Guide for Outside Hilton Head in 1994 for four months, where she gained practical experience in outdoor education. In 1995, she served as a Parks and Recreation Leader for the City of Phoenix for 11 months, further enhancing her leadership and community engagement skills.
Research Contributions and Focus Areas
Laura Norman's research contributions include a focus on water quality and the impacts of wildfires on hydrology. She has been involved in studies related to post-wildfire hydrologic modeling and has worked to correlate location, spatial relationships, and regional characteristics to address complex water issues. Her efforts aim to promote healthy watersheds and sustainable development, particularly in arid regions.
Recognition and Awards
Laura Norman has been recognized for her significant contributions to science and research. She received the Outstanding Alumnus Award from the University of Arizona, highlighting her achievements and impact in the field of environmental science. Her work has been acknowledged for its relevance to water quality and sustainable practices, particularly in challenging ecological contexts.