The WEST Lab carries out hydraulic engineering research focusing on river mechanics, sediment transport, and turbulence in open-channel flow. Specific areas of interest include physical hydraulic modelling, scour and erosion, and flow measurement.

Priscilla Williams

Principal Investigator

Priscilla Williams, PhD

Recent news

Stream monitoring staff gauge partially covered in vegetation along a tree-lined creek, showing water level measurements in a natural outdoor setting.

Research in photos: Winners of 2025 Capture Your Research Photo Contest

Monday, November 10, 2025
Iowa Now
WEST Lab researchers were among the winners of the 2025 Capture Your Research Photo Contest.
Person wearing glasses observes a long laboratory water channel with measurement equipment and a mounted sensor system in a research setting.

Protecting bridges

Friday, August 15, 2025
Iowa Engineer
Priscilla Williams researches how river flow interacts with obstacles like bridge piers, banks, and sediment to improve modeling, infrastructure safety, and sustainable river management.
More news
Close-up of water flowing around a model bridge pier in a laboratory flume used for hydraulics research. Researcher stands beside a scientific poster presentation at a conference poster session. Large hydraulics flume facility used for water flow and river engineering research, with observation windows and elevated walkways.