Franco Montalto

Franco Montalto, PhD: is a hydrologist and civil/environmental engineer with over fifteen years of experience on a variety of urban (eco)hydrologic research, design and restoration projects. With a Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering from the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art, and both MS and PhD in environmental engineering from Cornell University, as well as a wide range of consulting experience, he has a strong background in both applied and theoretical approaches to solving complex environmental problems. He has particular interest in the development of ecologically, economically, and socially sensible solutions to urban environmental problems that facilitate the healthy integration of built infrastructure and natural systems. His experience has included the engineering, hydrological modeling, and hydraulic design of natural treatment systems for both wastewater and stormwater treatment. He also has extensive experience in urban ecological restoration, have worked from 1996-98 as the Wetlands Engineer for the New Jersey Meadowlands Commission, where he was responsible for the engineering designs of urban tidal marsh restoration projects. In 2002, he co-founded eDesign Dynamics LLC, a NYC-based environmental consulting firm specializing in green infrastructure and ecological restoration. At Drexel, Dr. Montalto is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering, and the Director of the Sustainable Water Resource Engineering lab. His current research is in the field of urban ecohydrology/green infrastructure, with funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, the US Forestry Service, the Philadelphia Water Department, and the NYC Dept of Parks and Recreation, among other sources.