Prof. Tricia Stadnyk
Positions
Chair: NSERC Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Hydrological Modelling
Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
Full Professor
Schulich School of Engineering, Department of Civil Engineering
Affiliations
Professor
Adjunct Professor
Department of Civil Engineering, University of Manitoba
Contact information
Phone number
Office: 1.403.220.6586
Location
Office: ENE210
For media enquiries, contact
Joe McFarland
Media Relations and Communications Specialist
Cell: +1.403.671.2710
Email: Joe.Mcfarland@ucalgary.ca
Preferred method of communication
I prefer to be contacted by email. I am available to discuss water supply (flooding/drought), water management and climate change with media.
Background
Credentials
Professional Engineer, Association for Professional Engineers and Geoscientists, 2019
Educational Background
Ph.D. Civil Engineering, University of Waterloo, 2008
B.A.Sc. Environmental (Civil) Engineering, University of Waterloo, 2002
Biography
Dr. Stadnyk’s interdisciplinary research combines engineering, environmental, and earth and planetary sciences to understand large-scale, continental water resource supply. She has developed a unique hydrologic modelling system that combines isotope tracers with continuous, distributed hydrologic simulation to improve long-term projections of continental runoff. Her research includes pan-Canadian water supply projection; advances in Canadian hydrologic forecasting; tracer-aided modeling; and data and monitoring networks. Together, they contribute to improving hydrological knowledge and forecasting and understanding how climate change will impact water availability. Dr. Stadnyk is leading paradigm shifts in hydrology and pan-Arctic systems modelling.
Research
Areas of Research
I study the impact of climate change on hydrologic systems, water supply and water management
I use stable water isotopes to examine changes in hydrologic process behaviour and contributions
My focus is on the numerical simulation of water supply at continental and regional scales
Participation in university strategic initiatives
Courses
| Course number | Course title | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| ENSC 505 | Special Problems in ENSC | W2021, W2022 |
| GEOG 408 | Meteorology and Hydrology | W2021, W2022 |
| GEOG 59619 | Directed Independent Study | W2021, W2022 |
| GEOG 508 | Watershed System Science | F2022 |
| ENCI 402 | Fluids & Hydraulics | |
| SUST 403 | Research Methods in Sustainability | |
| SUSE 401 | Remote & Northern Communities | |
| GEOG 483 | Ways of Knowing | |
| GEOG 391 | Field School |
Projects
Crucial to the Canadian economy and water security is understanding climate change impacts on future water availability. I develop models of long-term water supply at continental scales that are used by industry, municipalities, and the Federal Government. Model developments have focused on probable maximum flood estimation for Canadian dam safety, design peak flow estimation for infrastructure, and flood/drought hazard mapping. Modelling of the pan-Arctic basin freshwater cycle has shown that dynamic freshwater (from rivers) alters ocean circulation, which in turn impacts global weather patterns.
I develop tools (models) and standards to support forecasters and hydrologic forecasting centres to improve flood and drought preparedness and early warning systems. I have supported the development and testing of Canadian Precipitation Analysis (CaPA) – Canada’s operational precipitation reanalysis dataset. I contribute to new design standards for incorporation of climate change into peak flow estimation, and flood frequency analysis that aim to standardize practice and promote jurisdictional consistency.
I have specific expertise in hydrograph separation using water isotope tracers for source detection, landscape variability assessment, and early climate change detection. An innovative aspect of my work is the cutting-edge development of coupled isotope-hydrologic simulation tools designed to leverage new sources of data and improve model calibration (reduce uncertainty) in data sparse regions, which is critical for Canada as many watersheds are poorly gauged (below WMO standards) and hydrologically complex. I am working with international modelling agencies to implemented tracer-aided methods to improve global water balance simulation and model accuracy.
I invest in new data networks at regional and national scales that improve hydrologic knowledge. I have worked with ECCC to optimize the Canadian hydrometric network across the Canadian Prairies, and in developing a national isoscape (isotopes in precipitation map) for Canada. I am co-lead the national operational isotope network for the Water Survey of Canada, a new source of operational data for Canadian rivers. I also run high-altitude, high-resolution monitoring sites where stable water isotopes are collected, collaborating with Global Water Futures Observatories (GWFO) to support model process improvement and early climate change detection. We support sample analyses in our stable water isotope laboratory at the UCalgary.
I am a strong advocate of equity and fairness in academia and beyond and dedicate both time and resources to supporting new policy and guidelines, publishing, and developing training around communication over equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility for all in academia. I place considerable effort on the recruitment and retention of trainees, with an emphasis on young women and under-represented groups in STEM. Within my lab, resources are devoted to supporting professional development and training around allyship, EDIA principles, and computing equity principles. Our team collaboratively maintains an EDIA Blueprint that defines our core philosophy, principles, and charter of actionable items to work towards continual improvement.
Awards
- Hydrol. Eng. Best Case Study, ASCE J.. 2023
- Teaching Excellence Award: Faculty of Arts, Student's Union . 2023
- Killam Emerging Research Leader, Killiam Laureates. 2020
- Arts Outstanding Researcher (Established Scholar), Faculty of Arts. 2020
- Research Sustainability Award, UCalgary Sustainability Office. 2020
Publications
In the News
- A Heat Wave during flood season? They’re connected. The Sprawl. (2021)
- Churchill River and its changing hydrology. Radio: CFNK Minahik Achimowin. (2021)
- Changing Climate. Breaking Hearts. Winnipeg Free Press. (2021)
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