Venkatesh Merwade

Venkatesh Merwade, a professor in the Lyles School of Civil Engineering at Purdue University with a courtesy appointment in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, has established himself as a leading authority in surface water hydrology and flood modeling since 2006. His academic credentials include a Bachelor's in Environmental Engineering from Shivaji University, an MSc in Engineering Hydrology from the National University of Ireland, and a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, complemented by industry experience at Montgomery Watson and postdoctoral research at the University of Texas at Austin. His research has significantly advanced flood prediction and mapping through innovative applications of geographic information systems, data-driven techniques, and cyberinfrastructure, resulting in over 80 peer-reviewed publications. His contributions have earned him prestigious recognitions, including the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Indiana Water Resources Association (2018), Excellence in GIS Award (2017), and the Quentin Martin Best Practice Paper (2011). Merwade's impact extends globally through his widely-used online tutorials in GIS and hydrologic modeling, which have educated thousands of students, faculty, and professionals worldwide.