Jack Schmidt’s research focuses on understanding the factors that determine the form of river channels and floodplains.  His findings guide management decisions for major western river systems, including the Colorado, Rio Grande and Snake Rivers.  Schmidt specializes on those river problems where dam operations are being revised or where regional water use patterns are being re-evaluated in order to restore native riverine ecosystems.  A leader in applying geomorphic science to rehabilitating the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, Schmidt proposed the use of controlled floods, first conducted in 1996, as a tool in river rehabilitation.  Schmidt has won awards for his research and writing from the national Park Service and U. S. Geological Survey.  Schmidt mentors junior scientists and agency personnel as well as his own graduate students, whom he credits as critical contributors in his own research efforts.  As director of the USU-based Intermountain Center for River Rehabilitation and Restoration, Schmidt advances a national effort to improve the practice of small stream restoration through short course offerings and post-project monitoring and assessment.  He is a Professor in the Department of Watershed Sciences and director of the university-wide, interdisciplinary USU Water Initiative.