VCASE Director Robert Traver Receives Prestigious ASCE Award

Robert G. Traver, PhD, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and director of the Villanova Center for the Advancement of Sustainability in Engineering (VCASE), as well as Villanova Urban Stormwater Partnership (VUSP), has received the 2014 William H. Wisely American Civil Engineer Award. Presented annually by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), the award recognizes individuals who have exhibited continuing efforts to better the technical and professional activities of the Society.

A nationally recognized expert in stormwater management, Dr. Traver is cited for his work in spearheading the ASCE report “Flood Risk Management – Call for a National Strategy.” The report is a continuation of Dr. Traver’s ASCE work, which started with an investigation into Hurricane Katrina and was continued as a report summed up in Dr. Traver’s words as, “Five years later. Had anyone listened?” The report itself is described by the ASCE as a “must-read” for key decision makers and for anyone living near or on the water. The Philadelphia Water Department and ASCE are teaming to convene a workshop in Philadelphia on the subject of the report.