Environmental Science Associates (ESA) is proud to welcome Dr. Todd S. Bridges, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure and nature-based engineering, to our firm as a Senior Scientist and expert advisor on nature-based solutions and natural infrastructure. Todd joins ESA while maintaining his full appointment as Professor of Practice in Resilient and Sustainable Systems in the College of Engineering at the University of Georgia, where he contributes to interdisciplinary research advancing climate resilience and sustainable development.
Todd brings more than 40 years of experience across federal, academic, and international sectors. He spent 30 years at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), including 17 years as the agency’s Senior Research Scientist for Environmental Science—the highest position for a professional scientist within the federal government. He is the founder of USACE’s Engineering with Nature (EWN) program, a transformative initiative launched in 2010 that has become a cornerstone of innovation and implementation for nature-based solutions (NbS).
Throughout his career, Todd has led more than $250 million in research programs spanning environmental science, engineering, sediment management, and infrastructure resilience. He led the project that developed and published the landmark International Guidelines on Natural and Nature-Based Features for Flood Risk Management, a collaboration that included over 175 experts from 10 countries. These guidelines are now used globally to support the design and implementation of climate-adaptive infrastructure. He currently serves as a lead author for the upcoming United by Nature assessment, a first-of-its kind national assessment of how nature shapes our lives and how we can shape nature’s future. Now part of ESA’s team, Todd will provide targeted strategic advising, integrated science and engineering approaches, and support for interdisciplinary teams working to mainstream nature-based solutions for our projects and clients across the nation. We will integrate his experience with the deep professional expertise of ESA’s diverse range of environmental technical specialists to deliver innovative solutions for the complex challenges facing our communities.
“Todd is an inspiring, pioneering leader working at the intersection of innovation, science, and service to society. His presence at ESA deepens our capacity to lead on climate resilience and nature-based solutions, and reflects our commitment to delivering integrated, impactful results for communities and ecosystems alike,” says Leslie Moulton-Post, ESA’s President and Chief Executive Officer.
“I’ve followed Todd’s work for years and am genuinely excited to work alongside him—we all are! His record of achievement and passion for being an engaged and effective thought leader and technical practitioner in sync with natural systems aligns perfectly with ESA’s values and our pursuit of integrated, multibenefit, and lasting outcomes for people and the planet,” says Jorgen Blomberg, ESA’s Environmental Hydrology & Design Practice Leader.
Todd’s expertise uniquely positions ESA to help clients, agencies, and communities advance climate adaptation, environmental restoration, and infrastructure resilience across landscapes and watersheds. He holds a PhD in Biological Oceanography from North Carolina State University; an MA in Biology from California State University, Fresno; and a BA in Biology–Zoology from the California State University, Fresno, where he graduated summa cum laude.
