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ASABE Soil and Water Engineering Award presented to Muñoz-Carpena

Sept. 22, 2015, Hilliard, OH – Rafael Muñoz-Carpena of the University of Florida, Gainesville, has been awarded the 2015 Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc. Soil and Water Engineering Award by the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE).

The ADS-sponsored award, given annually since 1966, recognizes Muñoz-Carpena’s outstanding 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 was 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, a book, and is frequently sought worldwide as a speaker. He has built a very 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.

“Our long-term partnership as the sponsor of this award gives us an opportunity to honour exceptional contributions to water quality and water management solutions,” Klein commented. “We are pleased to recognize  Mr. Muñoz-Carpena and his many accomplishments in this important field.”