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Ira A. Fulton College of Engineering
Civil and Construction Engineering
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Rob Sowby

Assistant Professor
Full-Time Faculty
Email: rsowby@byu.edu

430C EB - Brigham Young University
701 E University PKWY
Provo, Utah 84602-2401

Biography

Dedicated to advancing sustainable water supply, Dr. Robert B. Sowby has contributed to over 200 civil engineering projects throughout North America. He is a licensed professional engineer with particular expertise in the planning, design, construction, and operation of drinking water systems. He teaches and studies environmental engineering, urban water infrastructure, and sustainability.

Dr. Sowby studied civil engineering at Brigham Young University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and the University of Utah and practiced for 10 years in industry before coming to BYU. His other interests include classical music, mountaineering, business, German literature, and travel (50 states + 27 countries and counting). He was the 2020 recipient of ASCE’s Daniel W. Mead Prize for Younger Members.

Research Interests

• Drinking water planning, design, construction, and operation
• Urban water sustainability
• Water–energy nexus
• Water system resilience and emergency preparedness

Education

  • Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering , University of Utah (2018)
  • M.Eng., Civil and Environmental Engineering , Environmental and Water Quality Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2013)
  • B.S., Civil Engineering (primary), German Studies (secondary) , Brigham Young University (2012)

Licenses and Certifications

  • Envision Sustainability Professional (ENV SP) (2017 - Present)
  • Professional Engineer (PE - CA, MA, UT) (2016 - Present)

Honors and Awards

  • Peak Performance Award, American Water Works Association (2025 - 2025)
  • Daniel W. Mead Prize for Younger Members, ASCE (2020 - 2020)
  • A. Ivan Johnson Award for Young Professionals, AWRA (2019 - 2019)
  • Young Professional Award, AWWA Intermountain Section (2019 - 2019)

Memberships

  • American Water Works Association (2012 - Present)
  • American Society of Civil Engineers (2009 - Present)
  • National Geographic Society (2008 - Present)

Courses Taught

Publications

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