About Paul Rydlund, PS

Paul Rydlund of Rolla, Missouri, earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in geological engineering from Missouri S&T in 1994 and 1996, respectively. He has held multiple roles in the U.S. Geological Survey at local, regional and federal levels. Rydlund is a national leader in hydrologic studies and GPS survey technology used to study flooding and flood inundation mapping across the United States. The federal liaison officer for FEMA Mission Assignments, he works within the USGS Water Hazards Program and Hydrologic Networks Branch in advisory and technical roles among USGS national programs. Rydlund oversees flood studies and activities for the USGS Central Midwest Water Science Center in Illinois, Iowa and Missouri, and he has overseen studies in smaller, underserved rural Missouri communities. He specializes in hydrology, hydraulics and geodetic surveying and has authored many publications in these disciplines. He is also active in professional organizations on committees that make national impact in shaping technical policy and methods. Rydlund is also a member of the Missouri Floodplain and Stormwater Managers Association board of directors and is licensed as a Certified Floodplain Manager and Professional Land Surveyor in Missouri. Active with the CArEE department, he helps coordinate research work for students, provide internships and strengthen collaboration between Missouri S&T and the USGS. He has been active in student mentoring, generating opportunities at USGS and publishing with faculty and students. Rydlund is a certified professional personal trainer and group exercise Instructor and is certified in fitness nutrition, sharing his expertise through local health facilities. He is also a leader in the Kiwanis International Club of Rolla, Camp David of the Ozarks and the Rolla Multisport Club.