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Hydraulics and Environment Department Hydraulics and Environment Department

Fernanda Sousa Rocha

Fernanda Sousa Rocha
Phone: 218 443 623

Professional Situation

Research Officer at the Water Resources and Hydraulic Works from the Hydraulics and Environment Department of LNEC

Academic and Scientific Degrees

  • Degree of Researcher in Civil Engineering, by LNEC, 1998. Thesis "Eutrophication modelling in rivers. Use of heuristic techniques for the calibration of a simulation model”.
  • Master of Science in "Water Resource Systems Engineering" by Newcastle upon Tyne University, UK, 1988
  • Degree of Civil Engineering, Hydraulic branch, by Instituto Superior Técnico of Lisbon, 1984

Functions and Relevant Public Offices

  • May 2014 - present:    Research officer / Water Resources and Hydraulic Structures Division, Hydraulics and Environment Department of National Laboratory of Civil Engineering (LNEC).
  • Jan. 2012 – Apr. 2014:    Head of Water Resources Planning and Management Division / Water Resources Department of Portuguese Environment Agency (APA).
  • Jun 2007 – Dec. 2011:    Coordinator of Quality of Transitional and Coastal Waters / Resources Monitoring and Information Systems’ Department of Portuguese Institute for Water (INAG).
  • Jun 2003/ Mai 2007:    Head of Water Quality Division / Water Resources Department of INAG.
  • Jun 99/ May 2003:    Head of the Natural Hazards Division / Prevention and People Protection Department of National Service for Civil Protection (SNPC).
  • 1985/98:            Trainee & Research assistant, Hydrology and River Hydraulic Division and Hydraulic Structures Division, Hydraulics Department, LNEC.

Areas of Research / Interest

Water quality modelling; Water resources planning and management; Climate changes impacts, Risk management; Natural hazards; Water Information Systems Development and Management.

Research and Professional Activity

  • In the National Laboratory of Civil Engineering, between 1985 and 1999, developed activity in the field of mathematical modelling of water quality of rivers and lakes and in the area of water management and application of clean technologies, based on applied research projects funded by national and international scientific bodies, which were the basis for obtaining academic degrees. For this purpose also obtained several scholarships funded JNICT (National Council of Scientific and Technological Research) and FLAD (Luso-American Development Foundation) for the UK (University of Newcastle upon Tyne) and the United States (Manhattan College, NY).
  • At INAG  and later at APA, coordinated the implementation in Portugal of several water quality European directives as well as the implementation of the Water Framework Directive, in various aspects (monitoring; ecological and chemical superficial water bodies status classification; impact of anthropogenic activities on water resources; institutional coordination research projects - EEMA, RECITAL, MONAE); restructured the architecture of the National Information System of Water Resources INAG (SNIRH) for inclusion of biological elements and sediment quality; collaborated in the national transposition of Marine Strategy Framework Directive; coordinated the elaboration of hydrographic region management plans, among other activities.
  • In the National Service for Civil Protection (SNPC) coordinated and developed various activities as observation and monitoring, study and emergency planning of natural hazards (floods, droughts, heat waves, cold waves, tornadoes, earthquakes, forest fires and dam safety) as well as emergency management.
  • In this context, also participated in committees and working groups of various kinds, such as the Dam Safety Regulations Review Committee and coordinated institutionally and / or participated in national and international research projects for mitigation of natural hazards.

Relevant Publications

Published work  spread by 150 publications sinthetized in:
  • 1 Research degree thesis (equivalent to PhD thesis)
  • 1 Master Thesis
  • > 15 LNEC Reports
  • > 70 scientific meetings, national and international
  • > 10 papers in scientific journals, national and international
  • > 4 posters presented in scientific meetings
  • > 10 other technical reports

Other scientific and technical Activities

  • Proposals evaluator of 5th and 6th Framework Programmes (FP5 e FP6).
  • Teaching in several courses within civil protection (natural hazards) and water resources management.

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