Kristina Hopkins
Krissy Hopkins is a Supervisory Research Physical Scientist for the Watersheds and Fluvial Systems Section at the Washington Water Science Center.
The Watersheds and Fluvial Systems Section conducts studies of watersheds and the rivers and streams flowing through them to understand geomorphic conditions, sediment dynamics, and ecosystem functions. This includes sediment sampling and coring, geospatial analyses, remote sensing, and empirical modeling of biophysical processes.
Krissy’s expertise focuses on understanding the impacts of land use change on hydrologic, geochemical, geomorphic, and ecological functions within freshwater ecosystems. This includes examining the impacts of different types of stormwater management strategies such as rain gardens and other green infrastructure. Her work also focuses on translating ecosystem functions into ecosystem services and values by applying ecosystem services approaches to floodplain systems and green stormwater infrastructure.
Professional Experience
2024 – Present, Supervisory Research Physical Scientist, Washington Water Science Center, Tacoma, WA.
2017 - 2024, Research Physical Scientist, South Atlantic Water Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Raleigh, NC.
2016 - 2017, Research Physical Scientist, Eastern Geographic Science Center, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA.
2014 - 2016, Postdoctoral Fellow, National Socio-Environmental Synthesis Center, University of Maryland, Annapolis, MD.
Education and Certifications
Ph.D. Geology and Environmental Science, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
B.S. Biology/Environmental Science (2nd Major Geography), Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY
Science and Products
Mixed-chemical exposure and predicted effects potential in wadeable southeastern USA streams
A method to quantify and value floodplain sediment and nutrient retention ecosystem services
Floodplains provide critical ecosystem services to local and downstream communities by retaining floodwaters, sediments, and nutrients. The dynamic nature of floodplains is such that these areas can both accumulate sediment and nutrients through deposition, and export material downstream through erosion. Therefore, estimating floodplain sediment and nutrient retention should consider the net flux
Influence of governance structure on green stormwater infrastructure investment
Stormwater management network effectiveness and implications for urban watershed function: A critical review
Research note: Mapping spatial patterns in sewer age, material, and proximity to surface waterways to infer sewer leakage hotspots
Modeling watershed-scale impacts of stormwater management with traditional versus low impact development design
Comparison of sediment and nutrient export and runoff characteristics from watersheds with centralized versus distributed stormwater management
Science and Products
Mixed-chemical exposure and predicted effects potential in wadeable southeastern USA streams
A method to quantify and value floodplain sediment and nutrient retention ecosystem services
Floodplains provide critical ecosystem services to local and downstream communities by retaining floodwaters, sediments, and nutrients. The dynamic nature of floodplains is such that these areas can both accumulate sediment and nutrients through deposition, and export material downstream through erosion. Therefore, estimating floodplain sediment and nutrient retention should consider the net flux