Paige in the field for her dissertation work after installing equipment along a headwater stream in Oregon.
The Upper Colorado Basin's Research and Modeling group is thrilled to welcome a remarkable new member to the team: Paige Becker. With a doctorate in water resources engineering from Oregon State University, Becker is the first to fill a unique role as a research hydrologist. Notably, she will be working at the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (CBRFC) while serving Reclamation.
This innovative position was championed by Jim Prairie, the supervisory civil engineer for the research and modeling group. He collaborated with the CBRFC and the Colorado River Climate and Hydrology Work Group, which consists of several agencies, to secure a position within the CBRFC dedicated to this role. This strategic move allows Reclamation to have a dedicated employee embedded within the CRBFC, focused on applying and testing research findings within their forecast models.
The CBRFC plays a crucial role in generating streamflow forecasts and is continuously busy producing valuable streamflow outputs. Recognizing the need for tailored research capabilities, Reclamation sought to hire someone with a research background to specifically analyze and enhance the available data. This includes leveraging existing models to improve operational effectiveness in the future.
“Bringing Paige onboard is a significant step forward for our team,” said Prairie. “Her expertise will not only enhance our forecasting models but also ensure that we can better meet the needs of our stakeholders.”
Historically, Reclamation has relied on CBRFC's general models, which serve a variety of stakeholders, for forecasting stream flows and the consequent operational needs. With her expertise, Becker will focus on refining these models seeking to improve forecast accuracy and ensure state-of-the-art data and methods are advanced by the CBRFC when possible.
Becker hails from Colorado, where her deep-rooted connection to water resources began in her childhood along the Front Range. Throughout her years of academic pursuit, including her doctorate and post-doctoral work, she envisioned the opportunity to contribute as a research hydrologist for the federal government.
“I am excited to take on this unique role and contribute to enhancing water management practices in the Colorado River Basin,” said Becker. “My goal is to leverage research to meet the specific needs of Reclamation and ultimately support our communities who depend on these vital resources.”
As she develops a test bed that mirrors the CBRFC model, Becker will have the flexibility to modify variables and extract data tailored to Reclamation's specific requirements without disrupting ongoing operations. Her efforts are expected to bring significant advancements to the region's water management processes.
We are excited to see the contributions that Paige will bring to our team and the positive impact her work will have on the future of water resources management in the Upper Colorado Basin. Welcome aboard, Paige!
