SEMINAR: This seminar series is part of the CWR at UWA.

James will be presenting on two recent studies that reflect his range of interests and diversity of experience in the water resources field.

The first presentation is based on his PhD research on the dynamics of benthic algae growing in the meltwater streams of the McMurdo dry valleys and how this relates to our understanding of the factors controlling the management of stream ecosystem, particularly with regards to the requirements for flushing flows from reservoirs. The second study is in support of the economic assessment of the potential impacts of climate change in South Africa.

He will be focusing on the biophysical modelling and in particular the use of a hybrid frequency distribution (HFD) to model the range of potential risks associated with climate change both on catchment runoff, but also on water supply in a highly integrated and engineered water supply system such as is present in South Africa.

He is also happy to discuss more general issues related to water resources management in Africa and his research experience in the US and UK.

BIO:

Dr James Cullis is a water resources engineer specialising in water resources planning and management in Africa. He is currently an associate in the water resources group at Aurecon, based in Cape Town, South Africa. After graduating with a BSc. In civil engineering from the University of Cape Town James spent three years as a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford University in the UK. During this period he obtained a second degree in Politics, Philosophy and Economics and an MSc. in Environmental Change and Management.

His MSc. thesis looked at the concept of water poverty mapping. James returned to South Africa and started work as an engineer in the water resources group of Ninham Shand consulting engineers. He worked on a number of projects including engineering design, water resources studies, and the development of water related policy for the Department of Water Affairs. After five years, James moved with his family to the USA to complete his PhD at the University of Colorado. His research focused on eco-hydraulics and in particular the interaction between river dynamics and the growth and removal of benthic algae in high gradient streams.

During this time James spent six weeks in the McMurdo dry valleys of Antarctica. In 2011, James returned to South Africa as an associate at Aurecon. He is currently involved in a number of water related projects in Africa including feasibility studies, water resources planning, and the evaluation of climate change impacts and the potential for adaptation and sustainable development. James is a registered professional engineer and is married with three children living in Cape Town, South Africa.

PS* This seminar is free and open to the public & no RSVP required.

****All Welcome****