Please join us in congratulating David C. Curtis, Ph.D., F.EWRI, Vice President at WEST, for being presented the 2021 Special Recognition Award from the California Extreme Precipitation Symposium (CEPSYM). This award highlights and honors the outstanding contributions of individuals and institutions that have supported and advanced the professions of meteorology, flood hydrology, and flood risk management. Each honoree contributed to making the people of California safer from flood events over their many years of service.

CEPSYM recognized Dr. Curtis for contributions spanning over 45 years, including his role in helping the National Weather Service in New England to launch the ALERT automated flash flood warning system program in partnership with local communities. He also developed ALERT systems for several New England communities and supported development and implementation in other eastern states. Over his career, Dr. Curtis has contributed to the design, development, and implementation of award-winning innovations in over 50 automated environmental and flood monitoring systems across the U.S. and in 18 other countries. His efforts resulted in the first statewide flood warning system in the U.S. in Connecticut.

Dr. Curtis’ visionary and innovative thinking has advanced the public safety connections between hydrometeorology, flood risk management, and water resources management in California, nationally, and internationally, resulting in a legacy of saved lives and reduced property damage realized at the community level.

Accepting the award, Dr. Curtis focused his comments on his mentors, colleagues, and the future of the field, saying:

In reality, my journey wouldn’t even be possible without the friends and colleagues that I’ve enjoyed and been inspired by over the years. When I mentor staff and early career professionals, I emphasize the need for lifelong learning. I’m excited about the future and the pipeline of new, enthusiastic young scientists coming into our profession.

 

Most of you probably aren’t aware of the profound impact that you’ve all had on me and on my career. But without those seeds of inspiration that you’ve gifted me, I simply wouldn’t be here today. So to all of you, thank you very much.

Learn more

For more information on CEPSYM and the Special Recognition Award and to listen to the award presentation, visit: https://cepsym.org/awards/curtis.php

To read more about Dr. Curtis’ career, see: https://www.westconsultants.com/about-us/david-curtis/