Rafael Muñoz-Carpena of the University of Florida, Gainesville, has been named the recipient of the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) 2015 Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS) Soil and Water Engineering Award. The ADS-sponsored award recognizes his research, methodology and educational contributions in the development and advancement of integrated hydrologic and water quality modeling.
Muñoz-Carpena has established an internationally recognized research program that focuses on different aspects of hydrology processes including chemical fate and transport, water management for environmentally sustainable agricultural systems, plus the development and application of hydrologic and water quality computer simulation technologies. He has also been an active member of ASABE for 22 years, and elected a fellow this year.
"Mr. Muñoz-Carpena's work in storm water runoff control is widely-used as an industry best practice around the world," said Bob Klein, executive vice president, sales at ADS. "His work has been and continues to be extremely important for natural resource management, which mirrors one of our company priorities."
His numerical model for evaluation and design of vegetative filter strips (VFS) is a common best management practice used for surface runoff pollution control. The model, used by environmental managers in the U.S. and abroad, provides objective engineering-based design criteria for VFS implementation. He also developed modeling tools for the systematic analysis of complex environmental problems.
Muñoz-Carpena has authored or co-authored more than 350 peer-reviewed journal articles, research technical publications and a book, and is frequently sought worldwide as a speaker. He has built an active and successful graduate and post-graduate program as a major advisor to Ph.D. and M.S., as well as postdoctoral students. He regularly hosts international scholars and has taught graduate level short courses in Spain, France, Belgium, and Mexico. He is also a member of four honorary societies.
Sponsored by ADS/Hancor since 1966, the ADS Soil and Water Engineering Award is given annually in recognition of noteworthy contributions to the advancement of soil and water engineering in teaching, research, planning, design construction, management or materials development.
"Our long-term partnership as the sponsor of this award gives us an opportunity to honor exceptional contributions to water quality and water management solutions,” Klein said. “We are pleased to recognize Mr. Muñoz-Carpena and his many accomplishments in this important field.”
Source: Advanced Drainage Systems Inc.
