As a water resources engineer, Vicki Scharnhorst leads the firm’s work on several large, complex infrastructure projects. This work currently includes the Comprehensive Flood and Stormwater Master Plan the purpose of which is to “improve the management of stormwater to help protect people, places, property, and ecosystems in the City of Boulder in a way that builds resilience and is consistent with community values”. Another notable assignment was serving as the Deputy Program Manager for the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Program on an $12B program resulting in environmental restoration and a sustainable south Florida.
She has a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Kansas State University and a master’s degree in Public Administration and Policy from American University.
Abstract
Resilient Infrastructure in a VUCA World
It’s a crazy world out there! In the past, engineers and scientists could use historical climate conditions to predict future conditions. This made it possible to design, construct and operate long-lasting infrastructure systems with confidence, knowing that the systems could withstand nearly anything that Mother Nature had in mind. This presentation will discuss what considerations, policies and tools may be used to increase the pace of climate adaptation, design with less ambiguity, build appropriate infrastructure, and reduce maintenance and the cost of climate-related disasters.