Faces of Reclamation
Every day, those who work at Reclamation dedicate themselves to bringing water and power to the people of the West. We see their commitment to their work but it can be fascinating to look behind the scenes - to get a glimpse into their achievements and interests. This section of ETA will give you that glimpse and introduce you to some of the faces of Reclamation.
| Amy Stephenson joined Reclamation in 1998. She manages the Lower Colorado Region Soils Laboratory, one of only two labs in Reclamation, and is the only chemist who performs soil analysis. When not wearing a lab coat, she might be found in Mediterranean costume, teaching bellydancing. |  |
“Chemistry has always fascinated me and my career at Reclamation allows me to provide technical support for a variety of projects that positively affect how we manage resources.” Amy Stephenson, Regional Chemist |
| Levi Brekke, a Hydraulic Engineer in the Denver, Colo. Technical Service Center, is studying climate change and its effect on operations at Reclamation’s facilities. He is finishing a report that will provide information on the effect of climate change on operations at Reclamation’s facilities in Northern Calif. |  |
“I enjoy working on climate information applications and providing information from those applications to Reclamation managers so they can incorporate it into their planning process.” Levi Brekke, Hydraulic Engineer |
| Sonja Norton, a civil engineer in the Pacific Northwest Region, has been with Reclamation for nine years. She has a tool chest of experience from the private sector and the US Forest Service. When Sonja isn’t hanging over the face of a dam or inspecting the stability of a bridge, this Boise, Idaho resident enjoys cross country skiing, mountain biking, running and hiking. |  |
“I think it’s important to keep up with technological advances and being versed in the different construction products. Civil engineering is a great job because it allows you to work in small towns or large cities, but I would say that the first priority is education.” Sonja Norton, Civil Engineer |
| Blair Greimann, a hydraulic engineer at the Technical Service Center. Currently, he is working with the US Army Corps of Engineers on the removal of Matilija Dam on the Ventura River in Calif. Through this work, he will be able to better understand river sediment loading and what is needed to protect structures and diversion capability while improving river and riparian habitat. |
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“By having a better understanding how water and sediment interacts in a river, Reclamation will have the necessary tools to optimally operate a river to benefit the natural ecosystem and water users.” Blair Greimann, Hydraulic Engineer |
Last updated: 12/17/07