Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Alison Appling, PhD

Alison Appling, Ph.D., is a data scientist and ecologist who applies machine learning and other data-driven methods to predict and understand water resources dynamics.  

Current Roles

  • Project Manager: Nutrient Prediction Innovation and Evaluation (NPIE)
  • Project Manager: Predictive Understanding of Multiscale Processes (PUMP)
  • Task Lead: Advancing Machine Learning and Data Assimilation, within the PUMP Project

Alison studies the movement of energy, carbon, and nutrients through rivers, lakes, and floodplains to better predict and understand variations in water quality over space and time.

As a machine learning modeler and biogeochemist, Alison seeks modeling advances that bring together scientific knowledge and data-driven models, using approaches including process-guided deep learning and differentiable hydrology.

As a data scientist, Alison conducts analyses in ways that are reproducible, efficient, and transparent, and Alison has developed tools and workflows to support others in these goals.

In leadership roles, Alison plans projects and organizes teams to deliver relevant, timely, high-quality products; challenges individuals to excel in their projects and careers; and coordinates across projects to realize the Water Mission Area’s vision of fit-for-purpose, integrated tools for modeling water quantity and quality across the nation.

Alison is a member of the Analysis and Prediction Branch in the Integrated Modeling and Prediction Division in the Water Resources Mission Area. Alison is on the USGS career track called Equipment Development Grade Evaluation (EDGE).

Was this page helpful?