Civil Engineer Honored for Research, Leadership and Student Impact

Dr. Pooja P. Preetha, assistant professor of civil engineering at Alabama A&M University (AAMU), has been selected for inclusion in Marquis Who's Who in America, a national recognition honoring individuals for professional achievement, leadership and contributions to their fields.

“I was selected following a formal evaluation process that included a detailed professional review and an interview with a submissions director,” said Preetha. “Being selected for this means a great deal to me personally. It shows that I’m able to reach out to people through my work, inspire them, and help them see what’s possible—especially women who are facing challenges of their own. It motivates me to continue uplifting others, encouraging them to step forward, tackle difficult paths, and come out stronger on the other side.”

Preetha holds a Ph.D. in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees in civil engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the College of Engineering Trivandrum.

Since joining AAMU in fall 2020, she has taught undergraduate and graduate courses including fluid mechanics, hydraulic engineering and design, environmental engineering, hydrogeology, water quality control, urban wastewater treatment and civil engineering practice. She has also contributed to curriculum development, including updates to the Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulics Laboratory and the development of CE 480: Water Quality Control, while advising undergraduate, graduate and doctoral students.

With more than a decade of experience in environmental and water resources engineering, Preetha’s work focuses on hydrological and environmental modeling, remote sensing and GIS, groundwater recharge prediction and climate-related water quality research. Her research integrates process-based models, satellite data and machine learning to study watershed systems and water quality challenges.

She has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications, including 21 journal articles and 33 conference papers and invited seminars. Her funded research includes support from the National Science Foundation EPSCoR program, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, advancing work in groundwater prediction, environmental sensing, watershed modeling and climate-focused education outreach.

This recognition adds to her prior distinctions, including being featured in American Men and Women of Science (September 2023) and listed in Who’s Who in Engineering Education by Academic Keys (November 2023).

Preetha said the honor reflects the work being done within civil engineering and at Alabama A&M.

“For my department, this recognition is a point of pride. It reflects our commitment to excellence, mentorship and community impact,” she said. “For Alabama A&M University, it reflects a mission of empowerment and service, and the opportunity to create pathways for students, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.”

Her current research includes groundwater recharge modeling, atmospheric water generation using artificial intelligence, PFAS contamination assessments and collaborative nutrient transport studies across Alabama—all aimed at advancing water resources through interdisciplinary innovation.

Preetha also reflected on the importance of maintaining balance across her professional and personal commitments.

“Personally, I am most proud of the balance I’ve been able to maintain between my family, my work and the many passions that are important to me. Each day requires intention, strength and resilience, and I’m grateful to navigate it all while staying committed to the people and the work I value the most.”

For Preetha, it is the University’s mission—and its students—that make that work especially meaningful.

“My time at AAMU has been incredibly rewarding. I have had the opportunity to mentor talented students, collaborate with dedicated colleagues and grow meaningful research programs that impact both science and the surrounding community. I enjoy the strong sense of community at AAMU, as well as the opportunity to support first-generation and underrepresented students in STEM. The University’s mission-driven environment makes teaching here especially meaningful, because it allows me to make a positive impact every day.”