Kyle Stark
Tell us about yourself:
I’m a doctoral student at New Mexico Tech originally from Berryville; a small town in rural Virginia! After my undergraduate degree I spent three years working as an environmental consultant on US EPA superfund sites in the mid-Atlantic. When I started to think about graduate school, I wanted something new and ended up in Socorro, New Mexico. I love to spend much of my time exploring my little slice of the world in the rural west.
What is your research about?
I study ephemeral channels in the deserts of New Mexico. Specifically, I aim to understand how much sediment is transported downstream during flash flooding events. These channels flow rarely (typically only 3-5 times per year) but are among the most efficient transport systems ever measured when active. Because of how rare each individual flood event is, we try to measure the flood in as many ways as possible.
What excites you about your research?
I love being present for a flood event. There’s always an excitement (and a little bit of danger) seeing the flood bore coming downstream across a dry channel. These quick changes in the state of the river are fascinating to observe while bores rise and change the entire character of the river in minutes. Don’t worry, we make sure we’re watching safely from a distance!
What broader importance does your research have for society?
These ephemeral channels are often ungauged and unregulated. Although floods are rare, they can be deadly and cause significant damage. We’re adding to the knowledge base of when, how, and how much ephemeral channels are activated.
We’re also considering ephemeral channel sediment contribution to mainstem perennial channels. In New Mexico, one of our largest water resources is the Rio Grande. It provides water to a significant portion of the population and is the habitat for several endangered species. Understanding how and when sediment is transported into the Rio Grande from the surrounding hillslopes (via ephemeral channels) will help river managers along the river provide better access to these resources and protect the diverse ecosystem found in and along the river.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Earth Science?
The community. I had not considered the earth sciences as a career at all until I was encouraged to take an introductory class by a family member. After one class, I took another. After my sophomore year in college, I spent three weeks in Big Bend, Texas where I realized the power of exploring the landscape around me.
What are you looking to do after you complete your PhD or postdoc?
Great question! I’m not sure yet but am actively looking for Postdocs. I’d love to continue my education by broadening my expertise in how river networks develop and change in time. Eventually I’d love to apply my knowledge to monitor and develop our nation’s water resources.
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, what is your dream project that you would pursue? *
In the Southwest, roughly 80% of channels are ephemeral. Almost all of them are ungauged and very little is known about their character. My research focuses on a single channel but what if we were able to monitor dozens or hundreds of these channels? I often wonder how active the entire network of ephemeral channels really is.
What else do you do? Any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I’ve taken up a bunch of different hobbies since moving to New Mexico. I like to weave, making anything from beer koozies to rugs. I also spend a lot of time on my road bike wandering around the desert exploring different parts of small New Mexican towns.
Personal website: https://www.kylestark.com/