Abstract

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) Program seeks to intentionally align natural and engineering processes to efficiently and sustainably deliver economic, environmental and social benefits (i.e., “Triple-Win” solutions) through collaboration. Using this approach, EWN is able to expand the value of projects that beneficially integrate engineering and natural systems. With recent advances in the fields of engineering and ecology, there is an opportunity to combine these fields of practice into a single, collaborative and cost-effective approach when striving to increase resilience for communities and infrastructure. In fact, the approach to developing more resilient and sustainable projects includes the following EWN elements: science and engineering that produces operational efficiencies; using natural process to maximum benefit; broadening/extending the benefits provided by projects; and applying a science-based, collaborative processes to organize and focus interests, stakeholders, and partners. In recent years, EWN has grown in size and scope, and this has resulted in several advancements within the portfolio. This presentation will offer examples of the many EWN collaborative initiatives and projects. It will also highlight example R&D efforts that support the development of natural infrastructure.

Presenter Bio

Jeff King serves as Program Manager and Deputy National Lead for the US Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) Engineering With Nature® (EWN®) Program. In addition to leading and managing a broad array of EWN activities and collaborative efforts, Jeff is also advancing R&D projects within the EWN portfolio. Current projects and research interest include: incorporation of EWN techniques/designs into traditional infrastructure; design and application of natural and nature-based features (NNBF); promoting landscape architecture concepts/practices in pursuit of nature-based solutions; and fostering collaborative partnerships to achieve innovative outcomes that are aligned with elements of the EWN Initiative.

Prior to serving as the EWN Deputy National Lead, Jeff served as the Acting Director and Deputy Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Hollings Marine Laboratory in Charleston, South Carolina. Earlier in his Federal career, he was also affiliated with USACE – Savannah District, Regulatory Division. Jeff has also served as a research scientist with Westinghouse at the Savannah River National Laboratory and a post-doctoral research fellow with the University of Georgia’s Savannah River Ecology Laboratory. He received a BS degree from Florida State University in biochemistry, an M.S. degree from Johns Hopkins University in clinical/environmental toxicology, and a Ph.D. degree in environmental engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Jeff is also a registered Professional Engineer in Georgia and South Carolina.

Publication Date

1-28-2022

Document Type

Presentation

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