headshot of Jessica Baker

Jessica D. Baker (BSCE 2004)

 

Oct. 24, 2014

Established in 2003, the Outstanding Young Alumnus/Alumna award recognizes a graduate of the Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering department under the age of 40 who has distinguished himself or herself with outstanding service and contributions to the engineering profession and community.

The department’s 2014 Outstanding Young Alumna is Jessica Baker (BSCE 2004). She serves as the Water Resources Department Manager at Halff Associates in Richardson, TX, where she is involved in hydrologic and hydraulic studies and focuses on floodplain and stormwater management projects. Her team is focused on developing innovative solutions to solve complex flood problems for communities throughout Texas.

screenshot of map showing flood depths in neighborhood area

Jessica has extensive experience with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) mapping programs, including the nationwide update of Digital Flood Insurance Rate Maps (DFIRMs) and FEMA’s Risk Mapping Assessment and Planning (Risk MAP) program focused on delivering quality data that increases public awareness and leads to mitigation actions to reduce flood risks.

She serves as the Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM) Region VI Director on the national Board of Directors representing Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana.

Jessica Baker standing at front of classroom giving presentation

She also serves as the Texas Floodplain Management Association (TFMA) Vice President. Through this role she teaches flood safety courses throughout Texas. She is passionate about the education of community officials, media, and citizens, and works to provide outreach and training to ensure that all communities understand the risks associated with flooding.

For more information about this award or to read about past recipients, please visit our Outstanding Young Alumni page.

Questions? Please contact Alumni Coordinator This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. via email or at (512) 471-1279.