Virginia Tech Ph.D. student Md Shadman Sakib selected for 2025 Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute
Md Shadman Sakib, a second-year Ph.D. student in civil and environmental engineering at Virginia Tech, has been selected to join the 2025 Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute, a competitive and prestigious program organized by the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI).
Held in collaboration with the University of Alabama, the seven-week program brings together graduate students, researchers, and professionals from across the country to tackle real-world challenges in water prediction and flood forecasting.
As part of the program, Sakib will work in a small, interdisciplinary team mentored by university faculty and federal scientists. Together, they’ll take on a self-contained research project focused on topics like streamflow forecasting, surface water analysis, pluvial flood prediction, and low-flow estimation. Teams may also explore the use of advanced machine learning models to improve forecasting accuracy or develop new tools for visualizing flood risks. The program wraps up with a final presentation and project report — some of which have even led to published papers.
“I’m honored to have been chosen,” said Sakib. “This opportunity recognizes not only my technical skill set but also my passion for advancing solutions to complex water challenges.”
Each year, applications are reviewed by a panel of experts, and acceptance into the program is highly competitive. Sakib’s selection reflects his strong academic background, research experience, and commitment to addressing urgent water-related issues.
Sakib earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology. Now at Virginia Tech, he’s part of the CoRAL Lab led by David F. Muñoz, where his research blends physics-informed and data-driven modeling to better understand extreme events in coastal environments. Sakib’s work explores compound flooding, sea level rise, cascading hazards, and broader climate change impacts — all with the goal of supporting risk-informed decision making and improving resilience in vulnerable communities.
Long term, Sakib plans to pursue a career as a water resources professional, where he hopes to turn research into actionable strategies for policymakers and communities alike.
“The Summer Institute represents more than just a research opportunity,” he added. “It is a platform that fosters teamwork, networking, and the development of lasting professional relationships.”