Soil Scientist/ Hydrologist

I am a soil scientist studying the hydrological applications of soil moisture data. Soil moisture controls many important hydrological variables, including the amount of water which becomes groundwater recharge, how much runoff an area experiences after a rainfall event, plant water use, and many other important processes.

Briana Wyatt
Soil Scientist
Oklahoma State University
Academia

I consider myself a: Soil Scientist

My Highest Degree: Doctorate

I received my degrees from: I received all three of my degrees from Oklahoma State University.

I received my degree(s) in: My B.S. degree is in Environmental Science (Natural Resources), my M.S. degree is in Plant and Soil Sciences, and my Ph.D. is in Soil Science with an emphasis on soil physics and hydrology.

What was your career path to your current position?
I became interested in Environmental Science after taking the course in high school. I completed my B.S. in Environmental Science, then changed directions a little bit to work under my graduate advisor, a soil physicist. My M.S. research dealt with estimating groundwater recharge, and I was hooked. Now I'm completing my Ph.D. in Soil Science and I love it!

What projects are you working on now? What interesting projects have you worked on/led in the past?
I've worked on many interesting projects in the past few years. As mentioned above, I spent several years estimating groundwater recharge and validating those estimates using some computer model simulations. Currently, I'm working on estimating soil moisture under different vegetation types using data from several NASA satellites and from weather data collected on the ground. These data will provide new insight into soil moisture dynamics under vegetation types such as croplands and forests, which are currently unmonitored in most places. I'm also working on developing a method of forecasting seasonal streamflow to help inform surface water managers and potentially improve water management decisions.

What do you find most interesting about your work (either currently or a story of a past experience)?
I love that the field of soil science is so diverse. There are so many applications, which keeps things interesting. There is always something new to learn.

What do you like best about your job and/or what do you like best about being in your profession?
Perhaps the best part of my job is the relationships that I have been able to build with colleagues and students. I also enjoy being able to get out of the office occasionally to do fieldwork.

What do you like doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our dog. We enjoy hiking, camping, bike riding, and throwing a baseball around in the backyard.

If you have more questions about my career, feel free to contact me at:

Briana Wyatt
Assistant Professor
Oklahoma State University
College Station, TX
918-706-9261