Susan Brink

Graduate Research Assistant
Email:sbrink@udel.edu

Bio

Susan Brink is a master’s student in Civil Infrastructure Systems.  She will complete her Masters in summer 2009 and start her PhD work, continuing with Professor Rachel Davidson.

Susan completed her Bachelor's degree in Mathematics at the University of Florida in 2003.  She entered the Peace Corps and taught A level Mathematics in Tanzania for two years.  In 2005 she left Tanzania and traveled to South Korea where she taught English as a second language until starting her master's degree in 2007.   Her interest in civil engineering was inspired by her travels and experience with different international infrastructure.  She intends to work in international development after completing her graduate studies. 

Susan's research has focused on post earthquake water restoration in Los Angeles.  She has calibrated a simulation model of the restoration process which depicts the water service as well as detailing the steps in the restoration.  The output of the model can be visualized and analyzed in GIS in order to understand the spatial consequences of the restoration.  She is has applied the model to a suite of earthquakes to estimate the total seismic risk to the water system as well as to evaluate various restoration strategies.