He is a Certified Ecological Restoration Practitioner (CERP), and the first to receive this certification in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. He coordinates the Gerda Hyde Watershed Science & Technology Lab, focusing on sustainable water-resource science, engineering, and technology. Dr. Hughes’ most recent work emphasizes ADV/ADCP applications in river restoration and water-resource surveying, integrating student experiential learning programs such as WADRS (Water Assessment for Drought Resilience and Sustainability), funded by the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.