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Â鶹ÊÓƵ doctoral candidate Aalok Sharma Kafle secured second place at the Texas Water 2024 conference for his presentation titled "Advancing Flood Risk Management - Integrating Physics-Based Machine Learning with Multi-Criteria Decision Making." 

The conference, held in Fort Worth from April 9 to 12, is a collaborative effort between the Texas Sections of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and the Water Environment Federation (WEF), attracting prominent figures from the Texas water industry. 

Kafle's research project aims to enhance flood risk management by merging physics-based machine learning with multi-criteria decision-making techniques. 

"Our work involved ranking Texas coastal watersheds for flood hazards, providing valuable insights for flood risk managers and policymakers," Kafle said. "We aimed to create a more effective, data-driven approach to managing flood risks, crucial for protecting communities and ensuring sustainable development in vulnerable areas." 

His achievement stood out in a competitive field featuring participants from major and minor educational institutions across Texas, including UT, A&M, Texas Tech, and others. 

"To be acknowledged in such a distinguished forum among seasoned peers and professionals in the water industry truly felt like a high point in my academic journey. This accolade has bolstered my confidence and enthusiasm to delve even deeper into my research, motivating me to continue developing innovative solutions to the complex challenges in flood risk management,” Kafle said. 

Reflecting on his experience at Â鶹ÊÓƵ, Kafle emphasized the crucial role it played in preparing him for success in both academic and professional realms.  

"The hands-on research opportunities, guidance from my esteemed advisor Dr. Venkatesh Uddameri, and a rigorous academic program, have equipped me to address complex environmental challenges effectively," Kafle said. “Â鶹ÊÓƵ's commitment to enabling student success with research of relevance directly aligns with my work, which holds significant implications for flood risk managers and policymakers. This synergy has enhanced my ability to contribute meaningfully to the field of flood risk management, reinforcing the practical impact of my academic pursuits.” 

Kafle’s experiences continue to shape his trajectory and fuel his commitment to addressing environmental challenges with innovative solutions. 

“Looking ahead, my aspirations in flood risk management involve advancing my current research while also exploring new avenues that bridge theoretical knowledge with practical applications,” Kafle said. “I aim to enhance the models and tools developed in my current work, making them more sophisticated and accessible for both policymakers and engineers.”