Dean, Graduate Studies, UNM
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, UNM
Education
BE, Civil Engineering – Vanderbilt University
MS, Civil Engineering – University of New Mexico
PhD, Civil Engineering – University of Texas at Austin
Business/Research Background
An Albuquerque native, Professor Coonrod has BE, MS, and PhD degrees in Civil Engineering from Vanderbilt University, University of New Mexico, and the University of Texas at Austin (respectively). She consulted for a local civil engineering firm in Albuquerque and Santa Fe for five years prior to her PhD work.
Dr. Coonrod has been with UNM for 19 years, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses related to water resources engineering. She teaches a graduate level course that emphasizes the modeling capabilities of geographic information systems to students seeking a variety of degrees. She has actively participated in interdisciplinary programs including the Water Resources Program and the IGERT Freshwater Sciences Program. Additionally, she recently co-taught Women, Water, & Work with multiple departments.
Particular Knowledge and Skills
Dr. Coonrod’s research has focused on issues relating to the Middle Rio Grande, including bosque evapotranspiration estimates, climate change impacts on stream flow, and the intersection of restoration & flood control goals. She frequently collaborates with faculty in Biology, Earth & Planetary Sciences, and Economics. She directed the Hydraulics Lab for 12 years where physical models of storm water structures for the local flood control authority are continuously built. She has supervised over 30 graduate students. Professor Coonrod is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the American Water Resources Association.
A big Lobo fan, Professor Coonrod frequents basketball, soccer, and football games.