LUBBOCK, TX — Freese and Nichols, Inc., adds Wade Barnes, Ph.D., PE, CFM, to its growing Lubbock office to lead stormwater projects that will strengthen flood protections for clients across the West Texas region.

Barnes brings more than a decade of experience in designing and modeling storm sewer systems, along with a teaching and research background focused on hydrology, sediment transport, and hydraulics. He also has background in transportation drainage, having applied his stormwater expertise to transportation projects locally as well as across the state.

“Wade understands the unique nature of West Texas drainage, and he has expertise in developing solutions to reduce flooding in both urban and rural areas,” said Heather Keister, a Freese and Nichols Associate and Lubbock Office Lead Engineer. “His technical knowledge will be valuable in helping us assist regional clients as well as contribute to large-scale stormwater initiatives across the firm. We’re also excited about how he will complement our transportation expertise working alongside our Transportation Lead, Kevin Morris.”

Barnes specializes in both 1-D and 2-D modeling for drainage analyses and transportation, drainage and site development design. He also has completed FEMA-related work, LOMR studies, and floodplain mapping. He has completed research for the Texas Department of Transportation and the U.S. Geological Survey and has taught engineering hydrology and fluid mechanics courses for Texas Tech University’s Civil Engineering Department.

Barnes is a Professional Engineer and Certified Floodplain Manager and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, Texas Floodplain Management Association, and the National Society of Professional Engineers as well as its Texas affiliate. He received his Ph.D. in civil engineering from Texas Tech and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Houston.