• Home
  • Job Announcements
• The Academy
  • About
  • Diplomates
  • CEC
  • Related organizations
  • Sponsorship
• Requirements
• Application
• Certification FAQs
• News Room
  • Interviews
• Renewal
• Continuing Ed
• Contact

Interview with John W. Nicklow, Ph.D., P.E., P.H., D.WRE

March 2010

Dr. John W. Nicklow, Ph.D., P.E., P.H., D.WRE received B.S. and M.S. degrees in civil engineering from Bucknell University, located in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania in 1993. He was then commissioned as an Environmental Engineering Officer with the U.S. Public Health Service and became involved in the design and construction of water supply and waste disposal facilities for American Indian communities on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation. In 1998, he earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering from Arizona State University. In the same year, he joined the College of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC) as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. He was promoted to the rank of Associate Professor in 2003, served as Acting Chair of the Department in 2005, and began serving as Interim Associate Dean in 2006. He was promoted to Professor and assumed the position of Associate Dean on a permanent basis in 2007.

Since arriving at SIUC, Dr. Nicklow has been recognized by the College of Engineering, the American Society of Civil Engineers, and the industry for teaching excellence. He has attracted funding for both education-related initiatives and for research activities in water resources systems management. His technical interests focus on the optimal control of water resources and environmental systems, hydraulic and hydrologic modeling, and the analysis of sediment transport in rivers and streams. Through his service on ASCE Committees, he has helped increase the visibility of evolutionary computation and its potential benefits in civil engineering applications. Dr. Nicklow has authored or coauthored 4 books and over 75 other technical publications.

Dr. Nicklow is a registered professional engineer in Arizona and Illinois, a certified professional hydrologist (American Institute of Hydrology), a Diplomate of water resources engineering (American Academy of Water Resources Engineers), and a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He is a native of Berlin, Pennsylvania.

Please tell us where you were born and where most of your childhood was spent? Can you tell us about the area?

JN: I was born and raised in Berlin, a small, rural town in southwestern Pennsylvania. The town is best known for its potato chip factory (Snyder's), and is strongly influenced by the coal industry. It located near Johnstown, Pennsylvania, the site of the Great 1889 Flood, which is potentially what drew my early interest in water resources engineering.

When did you know and what were the main influencing factors for you to study civil and environmental engineering?

JN: As with every young boy, I loved Superman, whether it was in the comics, television shows, or movies. When I learned at an early age that I could not be Superman, I decided I would build a 'Superman' and that being an engineer would help me in that pursuit. As I matured, the Superman dream faded, but I continued to enjoy building, hands-on activities, and understanding how and why things worked. Engineering seemed to be a natural fit. It wasn't until my high-school years that I learned about the differences in engineering disciplines. My love of nature and the outdoors influenced me to choose civil and environmental engineering. Ultimately, the courses I took during College, especially fluid mechanics and open channel hydraulics, helped reinforce my decision. My passion for civil and environmental engineering continues to grow today.

We know that you worked on design and construction of water supply and waste disposal facilities for American Indian communities on the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation early in your career. Where is the Tohono O'odham Indian Reservation located and can you share with us more about this project and your learned experience from it?

JN: The Tohono O'odham reservation occupies the majority of southern Arizona and borders Mexico. Appropriately, the words Tohono O'odham literally mean People of the Desert. I was an Environmental Engineering Officer, commissioned through the United States Public Health Service. This was a wonderful opportunity for me to apply a broad set of civil engineering skills. I performed soils analyses, was active in surveying planned construction projects, designed water distribution and wastewater collection facilities, oftentimes for homes that previously had no running water, and oversaw construction of those facilities. The position showed me the benefits of having a broad civil engineering education. It also taught me how to work closely with the public, particularly on sensitive engineering projects and issues, and to be respectful of local culture and traditions.

You received the award for best paper for the Dean Juh Wah Chen and best research for Dean Kenneth E. Tempelmeyer College of Engineering Outstanding Faculty Awards at Southern Illinois University (SIUC) in 2001. What were your research topics on and can you tell us more about it?

JN: The research associated with both of these awards focused on the application of evolutionary algorithms to water resources systems. Those algorithms were used as optimization tools to determine the best manner in which to operate a network of rivers and reservoirs. Later, I applied the same methodology to prescribe strategies for improving water quality and reduce flooding in large-scale watersheds. In both cases, though, we found that using some advanced computational tools and computer simulation of water resources systems, we could vastly increase our ability to reach defined and preserve environmental quality.

You have worked on many research projects and papers. Can you tell us which research project(s) stand out to you for being most fun to work on and most challenging?

JN: Honestly, the most challenging and the most fun have been those focused on engineering education. I understand hydraulics and hydrology, but understanding the dynamics that draw students to engineering and understanding the keys to student success are especially difficult tasks that have forced me to expand my skill set. At the same time, these projects have provided the opportunity to work closely with large groups of students. I have really enjoyed helping students overcome challenges in order to graduate and become successful engineers.

We understand that SIU has funded projects by the National Science Foundation for "Engineering and Technology Talent Expansion Program" and "Leadership development program in engineering and technology". Can you tell us more about the projects and what are the main goals are for these projects?

JN: The goal of both projects is to increase the number of engineering graduates entering the workforce. The Talent Expansion Program focuses on increasing the retention rates (rate at which students return for subsequent semesters), primarily for first- and second-year students. We do this through a series of academic and non-academic programs such as an Engineering Residential College, an innovative, hands-on Introduction to Engineering Course, and a multi-tiered mentoring program. The second project is a mechanism for administering a series leadership seminars and providing select future leaders with scholarships. Both projects have been successful beyond our expectations, and we hope to continue to build upon these efforts to increase student success rates.

We also read that SIU had a funded project by the Illinois Dept. of Transportation last year for a project called "Summer Transportation Institute: Connecting today's students to tomorrow's transportation opportunities." Can you explain more on this and how the project turned out?

JN: This project was designed to engage middle-school students and facilitate the exploration of civil and environmental engineering as a potential career path. We brought roughly 25 youngsters to SIU, where they designed and built bridges, mixed concrete for highway construction, built an all-terrain hovercraft, and more. Students learned about the opportunities that exist in the civil engineering while having a lot fun. It's truly exciting to watch these youngsters get excited about their future and our profession.

How important do you think it is for today's students to get involved with the transportation/infrastructure issues for a better tomorrow?

JN: At the risk of stating the obvious, these students need to understand the issues because our future depends on it. The more they understand, the more prepared they will be to handle tomorrow's problems and the less likely they are to repeat mistakes of the previous generation. It is vitally important.

What do you personally feel are the biggest challenges that are on the horizon for civil engineering?

JN: I see multiple challenges. One is sustaining our massive and rapidly aging infrastructure under limited financial resources. Another is sustainability; designing and building in a way that preserves our environment for future generations. The latter will become more difficult as we encounter new pollutants from advances in digital technology and nanotechnology. The next generation of civil engineers are faced with significant challenges, but also significant opportunities.

What would be your personal pitch to kids in school to get them excited about the field of civil engineering?

JN: I would tell them that there are few professions that allow you to simultaneously use your imagination and creativity, your analytical skills (the same ones that you often use in puzzles and video games), and your inquisitive nature, all the while gaining public respect and financial security. The civil engineering profession does exactly this. Likewise, I would convey my own story: I personally have never viewed my job as work; rather, I'm simply lucky enough to be paid for doing something I love to do.

You are one of the founding Diplomates of AAWRE- how did you hear about the program and why did you want to become a D.WRE?

JN: I first heard about AAWRE through our flagship professional organization, the American Society of Civil Engineers. I decided to become a Diplomate because I see the benefit of specialized certification for both engineers and their clients. The program recognizes significant experience and advanced education in the field, and when the public requires the services of a water resources engineer, they merely need to refer to AAWRE list of Diplomates.

What types of services or initiatives would you like to see AAWRE pursue?

JN: I hope that AAWRE continues to offer its sessions on engineering ethics; I find these genuinely interesting and beneficial. In terms of new initiatives, I would like to see the Academy pursue a presence in undergraduate civil engineering programs. Developing an early relationship with future water resources engineers is a foundation for growing the Academy. Furthermore, I would like to see them develop a web-based outreach program that current Diplomates could use when the speak to youngsters specifically about water resources engineering.

You have been actively involved with ASCE and other professional organization Committees. Can you tell us about your current professional and community service activities and roles?

JN: I am most proud of my involvement with ASCE and the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE). Although I belong to various other organizations, these are the flagship groups that truly serve our profession well. I have been a member and chair of various ASCE task committees, and I have taken a lead role in organizing corresponding sessions at the annual World Water and Environmental Resources Congress. In our local community, I have been involved with a local school board, and I have coached kid's football, basketball, and baseball teams.

You have been the recipient of some noteworthy awards and recognitions for your research and work: College of Engineering Excellence Through Commitment Outstanding Teaching Award, SIUC; ASCE ExCEEd New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award; Dean Thomas B. Jefferson College of Engineering Outstanding Teaching Award for SIUC; Distinguished Faculty Award, Undergraduate Student Government at SIUC; and Honorable Mention for Universities Council on Water Resources Outstanding Dissertation Award. Which of these meant most to you and can you share with us your personal formula for success and achievement?

JN: The award that has meant the most to me personally is the ASCE Excellence in Civil Engineering (ExCEEd) teaching award. This is a national teaching award and considered evaluations by my peers, students, and ASCE generally. This and other teaching awards are not necessarily something for which a person strives. Rather, I think we simply aim to be good teachers and mentors. My formula for teaching focuses on (1) a well organized presentation that focuses on specific goals we want students to achieve and (2) establishing a strong, interpersonal rapport with students. The extent to which I can accomplish these two items often determines how much and how well students learn.

Which aspect of the profession, would you say you enjoy most if you could only choose one: teaching, research, or writing? And why?

JN: It is difficult to choose one of these aspects because, in my mind, they depend on one another so strongly. Teaching is more effective when new and exciting research is brought into the classroom, writing is typically based on topics from one's own teaching and research, and research involves mentoring and teaching students in the art of research. If I had to choose one, however, I'd say teaching. Teaching simply makes my day. The interaction with students keeps me young, and there's nothing better than witnessing that "ah ha!" moment when a student finally and truly understands.

What are some of your personal hobbies and interests?

JN: I love reading, both fiction and non-fiction. I also enjoy watching and playing most sports, especially football, basketball and baseball. Football would have to top that list. I played football in college at Bucknell University, and I now chair the University's Intercollegiate Athletics Advisory Board. My love of athletics continues to grow.

What are some of your personal goals for the next year?

JN: Professionally, my goals are to successfully take on new and additional responsibilities at the University and to come closer to understanding issues related to student retention and success. Personally, my goal is to continue to spend lots of time with my son and my wife and to give more to those in need.

American Academy of Water Resources Engineers
1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA 20191 USA
Phone:703-295-6414 Fax:703-295-6415
E-mail:[email protected]

AAWRE Privacy Statement