Smart Water Systems: Could Windshield Wipers Help Prevent Floods?

Branko Kerkez, University of Michigan
Friday, June 7

In this era of smart phones, digital assistants, and self-driving cars, can we build autonomy and intelligence into water systems? New low-cost sensors and controllers could reduce flooding impacts and improve water quality. Kerkez will describe the real-world test beds he is developing for smart stormwater systems.

Branko Kerkez an assistant professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department at the University of Michigan. His research interests include water, data, and sensors. His research group is conducting research on smart water systems. Dr. Kerkez is the co-founder of Open-Storm.org, an open source consortium dedicated to freely sharing technologies and lessons for the sensing and control of water systems. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and an M.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, all from UC Berkeley. He was recognized in 2018 by National Academy of Engineering as a Gilbreth Lecturer, presenting on the topic of smart stormwater systems.