Kelsey McDonough, Ph.D., is a solutions-focused hydrologist and proven team leader with more than a decade of experience bridging research, private sector innovation, and international collaboration to build resilience in the face of climate and flood risk. As the FloodID® Product Lead at The Water Institute, she guides the strategic development and deployment of real-time flood intelligence technology, advancing decision-making tools for communities, emergency responders, and resource managers.

Kelsey brings deep subject matter expertise in hydrology, water resources management, nature-based solutions, and ecosystem services. Her peer-reviewed work spans operational forecasting, environmental monitoring, and climate change impacts, with a focus on translating science into action. She has held technical and leadership roles across the U.S. and abroad, including as a senior flood engineer and startup team leader, Fulbright Postdoctoral Scholar in Australia, and research scientist in Germany. Her diverse portfolio includes partnerships with federal agencies, academic institutions, and international organizations, demonstrating a commitment to evidence-based approaches and global collaboration.

Kelsey holds a Ph.D. and M.S. in Biological and Agricultural Engineering from Kansas State University, and a B.S. in Biological Engineering from NC State University. She was selected as a 2024 and 2025 Research Theme Lead for the National Water Center’s Innovator’s Program, where she mentors student researchers and explores how operational hydrologic forecasting can improve post-disaster outcomes. A Fulbright alumna and advocate for sustainable water futures, Kelsey is driven by a passion for connecting science, technology, and people to shape more adaptive communities.