Dr. Mary Sahraei Joins ISG to Advance Modeling Solutions

Dr. Mary Sahraei has joined ISG to deliver practical, data-driven solutions for communities across South Dakota, the Great Plains, and the broader Midwest, bringing a rare combination of advanced academic expertise and field experience in stormwater management and water quality modeling. With a Ph.D. focused on water quality modeling, Mary applies a depth of research knowledge few professionals possess, translating complex scientific models into actionable strategies that improve water systems, protect the environment, and support agricultural and municipal communities.

“Joining ISG felt like the perfect fit,” Mary said. “I wanted to work somewhere that values people as much as projects. Here, every challenge is an opportunity to learn, explore, and make a real difference in communities.”

Mary joins ISG as we continue to focus on stormwater resilience, water quality, and community-centered solutions in small towns and rural areas.

Specialized Expertise + Experience

Rural Midwest communities face complex challenges: aging stormwater infrastructure, variable rainfall patterns, and agricultural runoff all impact water quality. Mary’s Ph.D.-level research and practical experience allow her to model these systems, analyze multiple improvement scenarios, and provide insights that inform sustainable water solutions.

Her technical strengths include:

Hydrologic + Hydraulic Modeling: Mary excels at building, calibrating, and applying models, such as Integrated Catchment Models (ICM), to study runoff, flooding, and stormwater dynamics, helping communities and municipalities anticipate flood risks and optimize water management strategies.

Water Quality Simulation: She clearly simulates nutrient movement and water quality processes to help communities and farmers implement effective management strategies.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) + Data Integration: By combining modeling with real-world datasets, Mary delivers actionable insights that inform planning, prioritize interventions, and improve decision-making.

Translating Research to Practice: Mary applies her Ph.D.-level research in water quality and modeling to turn complex scientific data into practical solutions that create tangible environmental and community benefits.

Turning Knowledge Into Impact

Mary’s modeling expertise allows ISG to:

• Develop data-driven stormwater and water quality solutions tailored to small towns and rural communities
• Translate modeling results into visual, understandable outcomes for decision-makers, farmers, and residents
• Apply research insights to create sustainable, resilient infrastructure strategies
• Support collaborative projects that balance environmental, agricultural, and community needs

By combining rigorous modeling with community engagement, Mary ensures that ISG projects are scientifically robust, resilient, and practically relevant.

Looking Ahead

Mary is focused on continuing to expand her skills in water quality and stormwater modeling, particularly for small Midwest communities. She hopes to help ISG explore innovative approaches to stormwater management, flooding mitigation, and nutrient tracking, providing solutions that are sustainable, cost-effective, and impactful.

“Modeling lets you explore multiple scenarios and outcomes,” she said. “It’s a tool that helps communities make informed decisions that truly work for them and the environment.”