Lucy Citrine, BA 2021: From Fluvial Geomorphology Research to Mapping Underground Utilities

While at CU, I had the opportunity to work with the Fluvial Geomorphology Research Group. My work with the group started in the summer of 2021 in Capitol Reef National Park, where I assisted with research on the influences of hydrogeomorphic processes on floodplain dynamics and vegetation along the Fremont River corridor (channel and floodplain). The Fremont River is unique for how it was straightened by the Utah Department of Transportation for the construction of Utah State Route 24. The straightening of the river created a knickzone with a knickpoint (waterfall) in an area underlain with soft Navajo sandstone bedrock. The knickpoint has increased/amplified the rate of incision into the soft bedrock, thereby deepening the channel and altering flood inundation patterns. 

We conducted topographic surveys, vegetation surveys, and calculated discharge at transects along the river corridor to evaluate how straightening the river impacted the riparian vegetation and river morphology. In the fall, I created 1D steady flow models using ArcGIS and HEC-RAS to analyze the topographic data collected from the summer. The flood inundation models were used to assess how channel morphology affects lateral hydraulic connectivity in the Fremont River corridor. 

I have always had a deep interest in hydrology (specifically anthropogenic impacts) and topographic mapping. Through working with the Fluvial Geomorphology Research Group, I explored and strengthened these interests. In addition to learning new technical skills, I learned that I have a passion for surveying. Developing these skills while still an undergraduate student prepared me for the workforce and helped when looking at various career paths. 

I currently work at Harris Kocher Smith in the subsurface utility engineering department where I create maps of underground utilities using AutoCAD Civil 3D, where I am able to apply the cartography and surveying skills that I acquired from my time at the geography department.