Interviewed by: Jule Rizzardo, President-Elect
I sat down with Amesha Morris over a virtual cup of coffee. Amesha has submitted her application to obtain her Professional Hydrologist certification with AIH, and she serves on the newly formed AIH Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. Amesha is currently the stormwater program manager for the City of McKinney’s Stormwater Management Program in North Central Texas.
What is the most challenging thing about your job?
The most challenging part of my job is communication. My work requires coordination with 10 different departments and every year our permit has new requirements. It can be hard to juggle communicating with multiple personnel about changing parameters and changing program requirements.
Describe the most fun project team you’ve been part of at work?
Our department has been upgrading our data to be visualized using GIS. I have been nerding out, because we now have so many more options to display and analyze stormwater data.
What’s something people would be surprised to find out about you outside of work?
I started watching kdramas while I was in graduate school. It was the perfect way to forget about my thesis for a few hours.
What is one thing you’re glad you tried but would never do again?
The Portland Saint Patty’s Fest Celebration – the event started with running a marathon and ended with lots of singing, dancing, and people celebrating in green.
What’s your favorite hydrologic feature and why?
Honestly, I enjoy a well-designed bioswale with diverse landscaping. Working in stormwater, I’ve learned that green infrastructure can be functional and aesthetically pleasing.
What is the best vacation you’ve taken?
I’m currently on a getaway vacation in Paso Robles California with my best friends, but the best vacation I’ve ever taken was visiting my dad stationed in Korea.
Where in the world do you want to travel next?
I really want to go to Portugal! It seems like the perfect blend of metro and nature. If I could, I would love to retire there when the time comes.