USGS Hydrologic Technician Heather Bragg collects suspended-sediment sample from a cableway downstream from Fall Creek Reservoir. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
Steven Sobieszćzyk
Steven Sobieszćzyk is a scientist and spokesperson. While "Sobie" spent most of his career researching landslide hazards, flooding, sediment transport, and stream ecosystems, he now focuses on science communication and promoting scientific literacy. Steve is a multihazard first responder and has spoken extensively about seismic, wildfire, landslide, flooding, and volcanic hazards.
CURRENT WORK
- Media Lead for the USGS Natural Hazards Mission Area
- Public Information Officer for DOI Office of Wildland Fire
- Hydrologist for National DOI Burned Area Emergency Response (BAER) Team
Professional Experience
Public Affairs Specialist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2020 – Present
Develop, create, and execute national-level Bureau communication content (e.g., news releases, social media posts, videos), events (e.g., open houses, press conferences), and media & science communications training. Writer. Illustrator. Videographer. Webmaster. Instructor. Public Speaker.
Public Information Officer & Hydrologist • U.S. Department of Interior • 2017 – Present
Multi-incident first responder. Create talking points, press releases, videos, social media content, and online story maps. Coordinate community meetings and press conferences. DOI Burned Area Emergency Response hydrologist.
Co-founder • Association of Science Communicators • 2016 – 2023
Founding member and executive officer of an international non-profit science communication organization. Help guide internal/external communication and community marketing strategies, including graphic design, branding, and conference development.
Geographer & Hydrologist • U.S. Geological Survey • 2001 – 2020
Study debris flow, flooding, and sediment transport-related issues. Professional background in GIS, including runoff modeling and bathymetric surveys. Advised Leadership on strategies and methods to achieve better public understanding of science content.
Adjunct Professor • Portland State University • 2011 – 2017
Taught Hydrology (GEOG 4/514), GIS for Water Resources (GEOG 4/594), River Restoration, Part II: Ecological Processes (EPP 222), and Site Evaluation and Assessment Tools (EPP 223).
Research Assistant • NASA • 1999
Mapped, analyzed, and compiled a database of crater impacts on Ganymede, the largest moon of Jupiter, using Galileo and Viking satellite images.
Education and Certifications
Portland State University • M.S. • 2010
Landslide Engineering Geology and Hydrology
Portland State University • GISP • 2005
Licensed Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Professional
University of Wisconson - Oshkosh • B.S. • 2000
Geology, minor in Geography
Science and Products
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
USGS Hydrologic Technician Heather Bragg collects suspended-sediment sample from a cableway downstream from Fall Creek Reservoir. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
Muddy, or turbid water, caused by suspended-sediment released during Fall Creek Reservoir draw down. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
Muddy, or turbid water, caused by suspended-sediment released during Fall Creek Reservoir draw down. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
In this episode, high school students from Rosemary Anderson High School in Portland, Oregon, visit the USGS Oregon Water Science Center for a ‘Science Career Day‘ event. Scientists work with the students and try to promote the appeal and benefits of a career in science.
In this episode, high school students from Rosemary Anderson High School in Portland, Oregon, visit the USGS Oregon Water Science Center for a ‘Science Career Day‘ event. Scientists work with the students and try to promote the appeal and benefits of a career in science.
View of Clackamas River, OR.
USGS Safety Training Video for cableway pre-use inspection. Training guide for new field personnel to safely and effectively inspect cableway structure and components prior to operation.
USGS Safety Training Video for cableway pre-use inspection. Training guide for new field personnel to safely and effectively inspect cableway structure and components prior to operation.
In this episode, we talk about organic carbon. The benefit of studying carbon extends to many issues, including tracing mercury contamination or investigating disinfection by-products in drinking water treatment. It is amazing what can be discovered by monitoring the volume and flux of carbon through the environment.
In this episode, we talk about organic carbon. The benefit of studying carbon extends to many issues, including tracing mercury contamination or investigating disinfection by-products in drinking water treatment. It is amazing what can be discovered by monitoring the volume and flux of carbon through the environment.
In this episode, we follow a group of students from the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School on a class trip to Pintail Marsh at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. There they join USGS ecologist Tara Chestnut to investigate and sample for the amphibian chytrid fungus.
In this episode, we follow a group of students from the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School on a class trip to Pintail Marsh at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. There they join USGS ecologist Tara Chestnut to investigate and sample for the amphibian chytrid fungus.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS CoreCast.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS CoreCast.
USGS hydrologist surveying channel depth across Fanno Creek, OR
USGS hydrologist surveying channel depth across Fanno Creek, OR
In this episode we explore how scientists for the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program investigate the ecological health of rivers and streams across the United States. Focusing on a recent sampling effort along the Minam River in northeast Oregon, this video highlights USGS sampling methods for fish, macroinvertebrates (bugs), algae, and habitat.
In this episode we explore how scientists for the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program investigate the ecological health of rivers and streams across the United States. Focusing on a recent sampling effort along the Minam River in northeast Oregon, this video highlights USGS sampling methods for fish, macroinvertebrates (bugs), algae, and habitat.
USGS scientist meaures how much light is transmitted into the Wallowa River, near Minam, OR.
USGS scientist meaures how much light is transmitted into the Wallowa River, near Minam, OR.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
Today on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
Today on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
In this month’s episode we discuss how 3-D modeling is used to examine groundwater in the Columbia Plateau. USGS hydrologist Erick Burns describes how his team modeled the 53,000 mi2 plateau, how this information is currently used, and what implications it has for the future.
In this month’s episode we discuss how 3-D modeling is used to examine groundwater in the Columbia Plateau. USGS hydrologist Erick Burns describes how his team modeled the 53,000 mi2 plateau, how this information is currently used, and what implications it has for the future.
View of Mount Hood from Pittock Mansion, Portland, OR.
View of Mount Hood from Pittock Mansion, Portland, OR.
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.
Science and Products
When it comes to talking to others, especially when explaining science, the key is consequences outweigh precision. You should always be honest, tell the truth, but don't sweat the small stuff. People care about relatability, not the mundane. Knowing what information isn't worth sharing is hard. There are professionals out there who can help. Like me.
USGS Hydrologic Technician Heather Bragg collects suspended-sediment sample from a cableway downstream from Fall Creek Reservoir. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
USGS Hydrologic Technician Heather Bragg collects suspended-sediment sample from a cableway downstream from Fall Creek Reservoir. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
Muddy, or turbid water, caused by suspended-sediment released during Fall Creek Reservoir draw down. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
Muddy, or turbid water, caused by suspended-sediment released during Fall Creek Reservoir draw down. Reservoir was drawn down to purge sediment and trapped fish from behind dam in December 2012.
In this episode, high school students from Rosemary Anderson High School in Portland, Oregon, visit the USGS Oregon Water Science Center for a ‘Science Career Day‘ event. Scientists work with the students and try to promote the appeal and benefits of a career in science.
In this episode, high school students from Rosemary Anderson High School in Portland, Oregon, visit the USGS Oregon Water Science Center for a ‘Science Career Day‘ event. Scientists work with the students and try to promote the appeal and benefits of a career in science.
View of Clackamas River, OR.
USGS Safety Training Video for cableway pre-use inspection. Training guide for new field personnel to safely and effectively inspect cableway structure and components prior to operation.
USGS Safety Training Video for cableway pre-use inspection. Training guide for new field personnel to safely and effectively inspect cableway structure and components prior to operation.
In this episode, we talk about organic carbon. The benefit of studying carbon extends to many issues, including tracing mercury contamination or investigating disinfection by-products in drinking water treatment. It is amazing what can be discovered by monitoring the volume and flux of carbon through the environment.
In this episode, we talk about organic carbon. The benefit of studying carbon extends to many issues, including tracing mercury contamination or investigating disinfection by-products in drinking water treatment. It is amazing what can be discovered by monitoring the volume and flux of carbon through the environment.
In this episode, we follow a group of students from the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School on a class trip to Pintail Marsh at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. There they join USGS ecologist Tara Chestnut to investigate and sample for the amphibian chytrid fungus.
In this episode, we follow a group of students from the Jane Goodall Environmental Middle School on a class trip to Pintail Marsh at the Ankeny National Wildlife Refuge. There they join USGS ecologist Tara Chestnut to investigate and sample for the amphibian chytrid fungus.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS Oregon Science Podcast.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS CoreCast.
In this episode, we are going to investigate more than just the substance "water." We are going to examine what is in our nations' water, how we at the U.S. Geological Survey monitor it, and what tools we have developed to aid those who want to explore more about our planet's most abundant resource. This is the USGS CoreCast.
USGS hydrologist surveying channel depth across Fanno Creek, OR
USGS hydrologist surveying channel depth across Fanno Creek, OR
In this episode we explore how scientists for the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program investigate the ecological health of rivers and streams across the United States. Focusing on a recent sampling effort along the Minam River in northeast Oregon, this video highlights USGS sampling methods for fish, macroinvertebrates (bugs), algae, and habitat.
In this episode we explore how scientists for the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program investigate the ecological health of rivers and streams across the United States. Focusing on a recent sampling effort along the Minam River in northeast Oregon, this video highlights USGS sampling methods for fish, macroinvertebrates (bugs), algae, and habitat.
USGS scientist meaures how much light is transmitted into the Wallowa River, near Minam, OR.
USGS scientist meaures how much light is transmitted into the Wallowa River, near Minam, OR.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
Raw interview footage of hydrologist Kurt Carpenter discussing algae in the Minam River near the town of Wallowa, in eastern Oregon. Footage shot in August 2011 as part of the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program hydrologic benchmark study.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
This is a data graphing utility that allows the user to build graphs of data from selected USGS stations.
Today on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
Today on the USGS CoreCast we explore what impact emerging contaminants have on the health and development of aquatic wildlife.
In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
In this episode we take to the water and accompany a USGS field crew as they collect largescale suckers (Catostomus macrocheilus) along the lower Columbia River. Using a boat equipped with specialized shocking equipment, researchers stun nearby fish, allowing them to be easily collected and examined.
In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
In this episode we sit down with USGS wildlife biologist Joan Hagar and discuss her recent study on songbirds in the Pacific Northwest. New research indicates a possible relationship between reductions in the abundance of some species of songbird and reductions in the amount of deciduous trees in evergreen forests.
In this month’s episode we discuss how 3-D modeling is used to examine groundwater in the Columbia Plateau. USGS hydrologist Erick Burns describes how his team modeled the 53,000 mi2 plateau, how this information is currently used, and what implications it has for the future.
In this month’s episode we discuss how 3-D modeling is used to examine groundwater in the Columbia Plateau. USGS hydrologist Erick Burns describes how his team modeled the 53,000 mi2 plateau, how this information is currently used, and what implications it has for the future.
View of Mount Hood from Pittock Mansion, Portland, OR.
View of Mount Hood from Pittock Mansion, Portland, OR.
Steven is interested in landslide hazards, sediment transport, water quality, and stream ecosystems and has published numerous scientific reports, journal articles, and data sets on these topics (see subject links below for respective publications).
Non-USGS Publications**
**Disclaimer: The views expressed in Non-USGS publications are those of the author and do not represent the views of the USGS, Department of the Interior, or the U.S. Government.