About Dr. Robert Holmes Jr., PE

Dr. Robert “Bob” Holmes Jr. of Rolla, Mo., national flood hazard coordinator for the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), earned bachelor of science and master of science degrees in civil engineering from S&T in 1987 and 1989, respectively. He earned a Ph.D. in civil engineering from the University of Illinois in 2003. He previously served as chief of hydrologic data collection and director of the USGS Illinois Water Science Center. Holmes now works for the USGS Headquarters in Reston, Va., but is based in Rolla, where he coordinates operational response to major flood events nationwide including developing operational plans with other agencies. He also serves as senior advisor to the USGS director and associate directors for flood science issues. Holmes is an adjunct professor in S&T’s civil, architectural and environmental engineering department, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in water resource engineering topics. He is a diplomat in the American Academy of Water Resources Engineers and past president of the Mid-Missouri Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). He has received awards from the USGS, the Department of Interior and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Bob and his wife, Joanne, MetE’91, have four daughters, including one who recently graduated from S&T and one who is a current S&T student. Bob has coached Rolla youth softball and basketball, been active with a local camp for children of prisoners, and serves as a board member for the Champions of Rolla Education.