Jeff Davids

Research and Professional Interests

Dr. Jeff's educational background, professional experience, and dedication to developing human resources from diverse backgrounds demonstrate his commitment to the co-equal goals of (1) providing the food and fiber the world needs while (2) sustainably managing the Earth's limited natural resources.  Jeff is an Assistant Professor at CSU Chico (since Fall 2019), Founder and President of SmartPhones4Water and H2oTech, guest researcher at Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), a Water Resources Consultant for the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (UN-FAO), and a Water Resources Engineer with Davids Engineering.  Jeff's research interests focus on how sustainable management of water, energy, and food are supported by education, innovative sources of data, integrated systems thinking, modeling tools, social engagement, and outreach.

Jeff’s keenness for water resources and food production blossomed amongst the vast agricultural lands of California’s Great Central Valley and pristine streams of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.  These interests took on new dimensions during Jeff’s time in Nepal, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and the Netherlands as Jeff worked on his Ph.D. with TU Delft from 2015 to 2019.  These days, Jeff’s interests continue to be shaped by the unique beauty of the Western US, along with ongoing activities in Afghanistan, Myanmar, Nepal, Ghana, The Netherlands, and beyond.

Dr. Jeff is a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in the State of California, and has a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering (Water Management) from Delft University of Technology, an M.Sc. from California State University Chico in Geosciences and Hydrogeology, and a B.Sc. in General Engineering from California State University San Luis Obispo.  He has consulted for a variety water managers and suppliers (local, state, and federal) in all the major irrigated regions of California, including the Imperial, San Joaquin, Sacramento, and Shasta Valleys.  Jeff has also consulted for the UN-FAO in Afghanistan and Myanmar, along with various clients in Nepal, Ghana, Thailand, and the Netherlands.

Most importantly, Jeff enjoys every minute he gets with his wife, along with their two daughters, and one son.  Together they enjoy exploring new places, reading, trekking, music, storm chasing, theater, traveling, community, and more.

Courses

• AGET 340 – GPS & GIS in Agriculture and Natural Resource Management

• AGET 360 – Irrigation

• CIVL 461 - Water Resources Engineering

• CIVL 561 - Hydrology and Open Channel Hydraulics