DOCS@RWU

https://docs.rwu.edu/birss-posters/1010/thumbnail.jp

2011_Lecture Poster

Roger Williams University School of Law

Roger Williams University 
DOCS@RWU 
Law Library Newsletters/Blog Law Library 
9-2025 
Law Library Blog (September 2025): Legal Beagle's Blog Archive 
Roger Williams University School of Law 
Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.rwu.edu/law_lib_newsblog 
 Part of the Law Librarianship Commons, and the Legal Education Commons 
September 2025 Library Blogs 
Legal Beagle's Post 
 
 
September 12, 2025 
Week in the Law Library Life: Kiron Ireland, Research 
and Faculty Services Librarian 
September 12, 2025 
 
As many of my colleagues have stated, working at the library truly varies every day.  Some days 
are hectic, while others are slower, and I get to bask in my creativity as I develop guides that 
may be useful to faculty.  
Starting the day off right  
Typically, I savor my iced coffee or hot cup of tea. While sipping on it, I check my calendar and 
emails to organize myself. Like many academic law librarians, attending meetings to stay current 
and learn about changes or advancements in the legal industry is a significant part of my job. The 
American Association of Law Libraries (AALL) and the NELLCO Law Library Consortium are 
two major organizations I am a part of. These are extremely helpful in seeing what other law 
libraries are doing and how they are evolving. Every month, I send out a newsletter to faculty to 
keep them updated about changes in the library and provide them with helpful information. 
Sometimes, some of our vendors host faculty webinars to help keep faculty members updated 
about product changes. Westlaw and Lexis are two vendors we subscribe to that constantly hold 
webinars for faculty members. HeinOnline is another vendor that hosts webinars about its 
products. Notably, a recent webinar from HeinOnline focused on Altmetric, its new product that 
enables authors to track how their articles are being used on the open web by picking up data 
from the digital object identifier (DOI) number assigned to many articles. As the tech bubble is 
constantly changing, relying on your vendors to see how they are revolutionizing their products 
is always helpful.   After categorizing my emails and identifying useful information for the 
newsletter, I respond to research or reference requests or tackle the tasks on my to-do list. 
Librarian On Call: Let's break things down to more straight-forward steps 
As I mentioned previously, a typical week in my current role varies. For instance, as librarians, 
we provide instruction through Legal Practice classes. This week was all about organization and 
scheduling our designated Legal Practice sessions.  In addition to instruction in the Legal 
Practice classes, librarians also offer instructional services to clinics and other classes. Most of 
the time, when you see a law librarian in your class, we will highlight all the primary research 
databases for your class or projects, in addition to providing you with the best research tips and 
tricks to tackle your project. As I am one of the newer librarians, whenever I can sit in on a class 
one of my colleagues teaches, I try to attend to familiarize myself with the material. In addition 
to potentially seeing a librarian in your class, you can always drop by the reference desk in the 
Law Library from 8:30am to 5pm Monday-Friday. Usually, I staff the reference desk on 
Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Even if you don't see a librarian at the front desk, we will 
still be available in the back. Ask a student employee at the circulation desk. Remember, no 
question is a bad question to ask at the reference desk. The librarians are here to support our 
students and faculty members. You may have a citation question, or perhaps you're conducting 
directed research and are unsure which databases to start with.  We're just a visit, phone call, 
chat, or email away. 
Faculty Scholarship Support: I'll get it to you by the end of the week 
Another major part of my job is to support our faculty members as they pursue their scholarly 
endeavors and research. The support I offer to faculty may vary depending on the project. For 
instance, I've researched to aid a faculty member with their panel discussion. However, in 
another example, I may provide access to specific articles for the professor's research.  We have 
access to many law school and the university library research databases. However, the interface 
for many of these databases does not make it easy for patrons to find what they need. In addition 
to directly supporting our faculty members with their scholarship, I also help maintain our 
school's digital repository, where all faculty members' scholarship is archived. Before uploading 
any content to our digital repository, we must obtain permission from the article's publisher and 
the author. Sometimes I feel like I'm always waiting for publisher replies. Typically, I receive a 
reply from the publisher within a few weeks, permitting me to upload their work to our digital 
repository. However, I'm fortunate to know where our faculty members work, so I can always 
visit their office if I don't see a reply in my inbox. Once I get permission for both, I'll add it to 
my to-do list to be uploaded. 
Thank goodness it's Friday 
Fridays are my creative days. Given that Fridays are my slowest days in terms of requests, I 
allocate time to create guides for our faculty members. Currently, I am working on a one-stop 
publication guide to help our faculty members, regardless of their stage in their scholarship 
journey, by using LawGuides. LawGuides are web-based, multimedia resources created by 
librarians using the LibGuides platform, a content management system developed by 
Springshare. These guides offer users curated resources, research starting points, and information 
on specific subjects, courses, or topics, effectively serving as mini websites to support library 
users. Luckily, you don't have to be a coding expert to use the software, but it does help. The 
guide I am working on will provide information to help professors consider where they want 
their articles published for improved visibility, the best time to submit their articles to law 
reviews, law journal rankings based on topic, and more. This is the time when I can truly utilize 
my creative guide-building skills.   
Although I've been working at the law library for about a year, I still have a lot to learn in 
conjunction with my job. Every day is a new adventure.  
 
September 26, 2025 
Capture a Pet Ghost 
September 26, 2025 
 
Who you gonna call? 
The desk dragon’s caged ghosts have escaped and are running amok in the Law Library. Catch 
one and you can bring it home with you – as your own pet ghost! 
From October 1st through October 24th, tickets for pet ghosts will be hidden throughout the 
library on weekdays. Clues to the ticket’s final resting place will be exclusively posted on the 
Law Library’s social media pages (Facebook, Instagram,  and X). You’ll be able to see the antics 
these spooky spirits are getting up to amongst our collection! Our guide page will give you 
detailed directions with examples as well as access to a library map and reading call number 
instructions. Be the first to solve the clue by searching the library catalog, locate the ticket, and 
come to the circulation desk during business hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm) to exchange the 
ticket for your new pet.  
Every glow-in-the-dark ghost haunts its own little moss-filled habitat. All pet ghosts have their 
own tombstones; inscriptions include name, death date, and cause of death. They’re quite boo-
tiful.  
Please do not ask student employees to solve clues for you. That would be a grave misconduct. 
Due to ghost law, you can only have one pet ghost.  
Happy Halloween hunting! 
 
 


Law Library Blog (September 2025): Legal Beagle\u27s Blog Archive

Jarvis, Robert M.

Mutt Walrod: A Most Unlucky Seaman

Ahmed, Dr. Ishtiaque

The Legal Frameworks for the Environmentally Sound Management of Hazardous Waste in Developing Nations’ Ship Decommissioning Sector: A Comparative Analysis between Bangladesh and Indian Regimes

Jeznach, Lillian C.

Roger Williams University 
DOCS@RWU 
University Workshop Materials for the 
Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution 
Model (SELDM) 
Engineering, Computing, and Construction 
Teaching Materials 
2025 
Lesson 1: Steps to run SELDM example - Instructor Version 
Lillian C. Jeznach 
Roger Williams University, ljeznach@rwu.edu 
Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.rwu.edu/teachingmater_seldm 
 Part of the Engineering Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Jeznach, Lillian C., "Lesson 1: Steps to run SELDM example - Instructor Version" (2025). University 
Workshop Materials for the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM). 5. 
https://docs.rwu.edu/teachingmater_seldm/5 
This Document is brought to you for free and open access by the Engineering, Computing, and Construction 
Teaching Materials at DOCS@RWU. It has been accepted for inclusion in University Workshop Materials for the 
Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) by an authorized administrator of DOCS@RWU. For 
more information, please contact mwu@rwu.edu. 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
1 
 
Worksheet 1: Steps to run SELDM example 
Objectives: 
1. Reinforce hydrology concepts (precipitation, watersheds, hydrographs, stormwater 
runoff, stormwater controls) with an application of SELDM. 
2. Apply SELDM to generate planning level estimates of upstream, impervious area, and 
downstream hydrographs and water quality constituents. 
3. Apply SELDM to generate planning level estimates of stormwater structural controls on a 
downstream hydrograph and water quality constituents. 
4. Interpret data outputs from SELDM by producing graphs that can be used for water 
management decisions. 
 
SELDM Workflow: 
 
Case Study Information: 
Basin Properties for Howard Brook, Northborough, MA (42.3354, -71.6641) 
Variable I-290 Howard Brook 
Area 6.3 acres 1.34 mi2 
Channel Length (ft) 2,767 ft 12,619 ft 
Slope (ft/mi) 71 ft/mi 150 ft/mi 
Total Impervious Area (TIA) (fraction 0-1) 1 (100%) 0.041 (4.1%) 
Basin Development Factor (BDF) (unitless) -1* -1* 
* code to use imperviousness to adjust basin lag factor 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
2 
 
Open the SELDM application and click Proceed to start the exercise.  
Documentation 
Analysist Identification 
a. Under Analysis Selection Options click Enter New Analyst. 
b. Enter required information (denoted with a *) in the Analyst Information, click 
Accept Updates, and then that name will be available from the dropdown list. 
c. Click Proceed. 
Project Identification 
a. Under Project Selection Options, click Enter New Project. 
b. Enter the required Project Information: 
i. Under General Project Information enter the Project Short Title Howard 
Brook I-290. 
ii. System Variables are pre-set and do not need to be changed for this 
exercise. 
d. Click Accept Updates and Proceed 
Analysis Identification 
a. Under Analysis Selection Options click Enter New. 
b. Enter the required Analysis Information: 
i. Under Name enter the Analysis Short Title Howard Brook Level 2. 
ii. Under Analysis Options click Draft Analysis, Generate new value, and 
Stream Basin Output. 
b. Accept Updates and Proceed. 
TIP: Click the ? at any time to see more information on any form. 
TIP: Click the See Analysis Status button at any time to see which boxes are checked 
(complete) and which ones are not complete. 
Site and Region 
Highway Site: Identify Site Characteristics 
a. Under Highway Selection Options click Enter New. 
b. Enter the required Site Information: 
i. Under Name and Location enter the Site Short Name I-290, and the Full 
Name I-290 at Howard Brook, and the latitude and longitude  
(42.3354, -71.6641). 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
3 
 
ii. Under Hydraulics enter in the drainage area, length, mean basin slope, 
impervious fraction and basin development factor for the highway site 
found in the site information table. 
c. Accept Updates and Proceed (click OK to accept the message about the BDF 
being -1). 
TIP: Click the ? to get definitions if you forget what a term is or need more information. 
TIP: Other info can be added but is not factored into the calculations. If other information 
is entered, it will be documented in the outputs, which is sometimes helpful. 
Review Geographic Information System (GIS) Grid Specifications 
a. Check that you are not getting a red error message noting that you are outside of 
the grid. This would happen if you entered incorrect latitude and longitude data. If 
there is no error message, click Proceed.  
Ecoregion: Select an ecoregion 
a. An Ecoregion is automatically selected based on the latitude and longitude. If 
your site fits the characteristics of this Ecoregion (which it does for this example), 
click Proceed. 
CHECK: What ecoregion is your study site in? 
__Ecoregion 59, Northeastern Coastal Zone______________________________________ 
Upstream Basin: Identify Basin Characteristics 
a. Under Basin Selection Options click Enter New. 
a. Entered required Upstream Basin Properties: 
i. Under Basin Information enter the Basin short name: Howard Brook. 
ii. Under Hydraulics enter the area, drainage length, mean basin slope, TIA, 
and BDF for the upstream basin found in the site information table. 
iii. Under Hydrograph Recession enter the hydrograph recession factors 
which quantify the ratio of the rising limb to the falling limb. Based on 
national studies, the default values are typical. Leave the default values 
(Minimum 1, Most Probable Value 1.85, and Maximum 4.4). 
CHECK: What shape is used to represent the runoff hydrograph in SELDM? 
___ SELDM is an event-based planning level model so the runoff hydrographs are 
represented as triangles, which are superimposed on the prestorm streamflow. The time from 
start of flow to peak is calculated from basin characteristics using the USGS basin-lag 
equation. The time from the hydrograph peak to the end of stormflow is calculated using the 
hydrograph recession factors entered by the user. The hydrograph recession factor is the 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
4 
 
recession time divided by the time from the beginning of runoff to the peak flow of the 
hydrograph.________________________________________________________ 
Hydrology 
Synoptic Storm-Event Precipitation Statistics: Select Statistics 
a. Under Selection Options click Enter New Definition. 
b. Under Select a Precipitation-Statistics Dataset select FWHA 2010. 
c. Enter the required Precipitation-Statistics Information: 
i. For a Level 2 analysis, click Selected Station Average and OK. 
ii. Click the Generate/Examine Statistics button to examine the statistics 
1. To Create a Precipitation-Station List, choose from a selection of 
NOAA stations closest to your site in the list below based on the 
latitude and longitude. When you click stations they will appear in 
the above list as selected. 
 
Note: Annual precipitation for these sites is defined as the total runoff 
generating precipitation (greater than 0.1 inches). The actual total annual 
amount of precipitation at these sites is greater than these values. 
 
2. For the Howard Brook site, Worcester is the closest site, but 
precipitation at this site is much greater than the others because 
this station is at a higher elevation. For this example, it is better to 
select three other close stations with similar site characteristics. 
Click on Bellingham, Buffumville Lake, and Barre Falls Dam.  
3. Click Preview Average to view the average statistics of the 3 
stations and then click Create New and Yes. Modify name to be 
FWHA 2010: Avg of 3 nearby stations no WOR and click OK. 
iii. Now you can select your new precipitation statistics in the drop-down 
menu. Click Proceed. 
TIP: If you were doing a Level 1 analysis, you could select Ecoregion Average to define 
the synoptic storm-event statistics. To view the statistics for the ecoregion, click 
Generate/Examine Statistics, Accept Updates, and then the statistics will show in the 
next tabs within Precipitation-Statistics Information. You can also click View Related 
Sites to see all the related sites included. 
CHECK: What is the average total annual precipitation for the selected sites? How does this 
compare to the total annual precipitation for the Ecoregion? 
_Total for sites is 35.55 inches and total for Ecoregion is 37.51 
inches__________________________________________________________ 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
5 
 
 
Streamflow Statistics: Select Statistics 
a. Under Selection Options click Enter New Definition. 
b. Under Select a Streamflow-Statistics Dataset select FWHA 2010. 
c. Enter the required Streamflow-Statistics Information: 
i. For a Level 2 analysis, click Selected Station Average and OK 
ii. Click the Generate/Examine Statistics button to examine the statistics 
1. To Create a Streamgage List, choose from a selection of USGS 
stations closest to your site in the list below based on the latitude 
and longitude. When you click stations they will appear in the 
above list as selected. 
2. For this example, pick three other close stations that have smaller 
drainage basins like Howard Brook basin. Click on Quinsigamond 
River, Nashoba Brook, and Little River.  
3. Click Preview Average to view the average statistics of the 3 
stations and then click Create New and Yes. Modify name to be 
FWHA 2010: Avg of 3 smaller stations and click OK. 
iii. Now you can select your new precipitation statistics in the drop-down 
menu. Click Proceed. 
TIP: You can also use the USGS web application StreamStats to view gages near your 
site and to view statistics at these gages. StreamStats can also give you information about 
drainage basins (area, imperviousness, mean basin slope, etc.) 
(https://streamstats.usgs.gov/ss/) 
CHECK: What is the average daily mean streamflow for all the selected sites? How does this 
compare to the average daily mean streamflow for the Ecoregion? 
___1.6559 cfs for the sites and 1.7414 cfs for the Ecoregion __________________________ 
Volumetric Runoff Coefficient (Rv) Statistics 
a. Under Selection Options click Edit Current Definition. 
b. The required inputs for the Highway Site and Upstream Basin are automatically 
calculated using regressions that relate the previously entered total impervious 
fraction to the runoff coefficient statistics. 
i. For the Highway Site, confirm that the definition selected is SELDM 
Highway Sites. 
ii. For the Upstream Basin, confirm that the definition selected is SELDM 
Upstream Basin. 
c. Click Accept Updates and then Proceed. 
CHECK: What is the average runoff coefficient for the highway site and the upstream basin? 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
6 
 
__ HW Site = 0.785 and the Upstream Basin = 0.138225_____________________________ 
Water Quality 
Water-Quality Menu: Select Constituents for the Analysis 
 Highway: 
a. Choose Highway Random tab to generate a random record of highway runoff 
constituents based on known statistics (average, standard deviation and skew). 
i. In the menu of Available Constituents, choose MA 2009 Total 
Phosphorus p00665. 
b. The selection should now appear under Selected Constituents. 
TIP: You could choose the Highway Dependent tab if you had a lot of data for one constituent 
(e.g. sediment) and only some samples of another (e.g. PAH) and you knew there was a good 
dependent relationship between them. 
 Upstream: 
a. Choose the Upstream Transport Curve when you have a water quality constituent 
that is related to streamflow (e.g. sediment increases with flow). 
i. From the list of Available Constituents choose TC: Total Phosphorus Eco: 59. 
ii. The selection should now appear under Selected Constituents 
 
Note: Phosphorus can increase or decrease with streamflow depending on the 
source. If the source is a wastewater treatment plant, then higher streamflows will 
dilute phosphorus concentrations. If the source is from land surfaces, then 
phosphorus will increase with increasing surface runoff and flows. Sometimes 
there is an initial dilution with runoff and then the concentrations increase during 
higher flows when phosphorus adsorbed to the sediments gets kicked up from the 
bottom of a stream. 
 
TIP: You could choose the Upstream Random tab to generate a random record of upstream 
constituent concentrations based on known statistics. Or, you could choose the Upstream 
Dependent tab if you had a lot of data for one constituent (e.g. sediment) and a known good 
relationship with another constituent with fewer data points (e.g. metals). 
 
 Downstream: 
a. Choose the Downstream Pairs tab and click Define New. 
b. A new Downstream Water Quality: Constituent Pairs form will open. 
i. Enter the required information required for Identification: 
1. Enter TP no BMP under the Short Name 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
7 
 
2. Select Phosphorus, water, unfiltered, milligrams per liter under 
the Parameter dropdown menu. 
3. Select MA 2009 Total Phosphorus p00665 under the Highway-
Runoff Selection dropdown menu. 
4. Select TC: Total Phosphorus Eco:59 under the Upstream 
Selection dropdown menu. 
5. Do not click the checkbox for Use BMP flow and water-quality 
treatment to modify highway discharge. 
6. Accept Updates and Close Form.  
ii. The TP no BMP constituent pair that you just created should now appear 
under Available Constituent Pairs. Click TP no BMP to add to Selected 
Constituent Pairs list above. 
b. Click Define New again to define the BMP option. 
i. Enter the required information required for Identification 
1. Enter TP with BMP under the Short Name. 
2. Select Phosphorus, water, unfiltered, milligrams per liter under 
the Parameter dropdown menu. 
3. Select MA 2009 Total Phosphorus p00665 under the Highway-
Runoff Selection dropdown menu. 
4. Select TC: Total Phosphorus Eco:59 under the Upstream 
Selection dropdown menu. 
5. Click the checkbox for Use BMP flow and water-quality treatment 
to modify highway discharge. 
6. Accept Updates and Close Form.  
ii. The TP with BMP constituent pair that you just created should now appear 
under Available Constituent Pairs. Click TP with BMP to add to Selected 
Constituent Pairs list above. 
c. Accept Updates and Proceed. 
 
CHECK: Briefly describe how the downstream constituent load is calculated in SELDM. 
__It’s calculated by a mass balance ______________________________________________ 
Downstream Load = Highway Load + Upstream Basin Load __________________________ 
Or Downstream Load = (CHWQHW + CupQup)_______________________________________ 
 
 
 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
8 
 
BMP: Best Management Practice Performance 
a. Under Select an Existing BMP Definition, select Flow Reduction & SSC BMP. 
Statistics for this treatment are already included in SELDM under the BMP 
Definition Information section. 
b. Accept Updates and Proceed. 
Note: This will give flow and sediment reduction in the structural BMP. The runoff 
treatment is the ratio of the outflow to inflow. The option also creates hydrograph 
extension since the BMP slows down outflows, providing more dilution in 
downstream receiving waters. 
TIP: If you’re doing a TMDL type of analysis, then extension doesn’t help because 
you’re looking at annual loads so the timing of the runoff doesn’t matter. But if you’re 
worried about water quality exceedances downstream, then hydrograph extension will 
help with dilution, lowering concentrations downstream. 
TIP: You can also include water quality treatment, but this will not be covered in this 
exercise. For this exercise will only show results of BMP flow reduction and hydrograph 
extension. 
CHECK: What is the relationship between the BMP outflow and BMP inflow when there is 
flow volume reduction? 
___BMP outflow = BMP inflow * volume reduction ratio 
 = BMP inflow * Ratio(BMP outflow volume/BMP inflow volume).____________________ 
Run SELDM 
a. Under Run SELDM  
i. Set Basic Option by clicking: 
1. Plotting-Position Output: Percentiles (0-100) 
2. Sorting Order: Descending 
3. Output Significant Figures: Three 
4. Output Units: USA 
b. Click Run SELDM 
 
 


Lesson 1: Steps to run SELDM example - Instructor Version

Roger Williams University 
DOCS@RWU 
University Workshop Materials for the 
Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution 
Model (SELDM) 
Engineering, Computing, and Construction 
Teaching Materials 
2025 
SELDM Case Study Exercise: Download Instructions 
Lillian C. Jeznach 
Roger Williams University, ljeznach@rwu.edu 
Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.rwu.edu/teachingmater_seldm 
 Part of the Engineering Commons 
Recommended Citation 
Jeznach, Lillian C., "SELDM Case Study Exercise: Download Instructions" (2025). University Workshop 
Materials for the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM). 1. 
https://docs.rwu.edu/teachingmater_seldm/1 
This Document is brought to you for free and open access by the Engineering, Computing, and Construction 
Teaching Materials at DOCS@RWU. It has been accepted for inclusion in University Workshop Materials for the 
Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) by an authorized administrator of DOCS@RWU. For 
more information, please contact mwu@rwu.edu. 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
SELDM Download Instructions 
Please complete these steps before the lesson 
Step 1:  
Before downloading the software, create a folder on your Local Disk to store the SELDM 
application and outputs. 
a. Navigate to your Local Disk folder. 
b. Create a new folder and label it SELDM. 
Step 2:  
Visit the Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution Model (SELDM) software archive. 
https://doi.org/10.5066/P9PYG7T5  
Step 3: 
Scroll down to the Attached Files section and click the latest version of the SELDM software to 
download. 
SELDMv1.1.1.zip (12.36 MB) 
Step 4:  
Go to your downloads folder, right click on the downloaded zip folder and click Extract All… 
In the Select a Destination and Extract Files window click the Browse button and navigate to the 
SELDM folder you created in Step 1, then click Select Folder and Extract. 
Step 5: 
Navigate to the folder and verify that all the files were extracted and placed in this folder. 
Double click the SELDMv1.1.1accdb to launch the database application. 
Step 6: 
You will may get a message on the top of the page saying that Microsoft has deemed this 
application is a Security Risk because you downloaded it from the internet. Don’t worry it’s not! 
Follow the steps described in this video to tell Microsoft this software can be trusted.  
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t_AdFhs0tqw  


SELDM Case Study Exercise: Download Instructions

Roger Williams University 
DOCS@RWU 
University Workshop Materials for the 
Stochastic Empirical Loading and Dilution 
Model (SELDM) 
Engineering, Computing, and Construction 
Teaching Materials 
2025 
Lesson 2: Worksheet Instructor Version 
Lillian C. Jeznach 
Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.rwu.edu/teachingmater_seldm 
 Part of the Engineering Commons 
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
1 
 
Worksheet 2: Analyzing and interpreting SELDM results 
Objectives: 
1. Reinforce hydrology concepts (precipitation, watersheds, hydrographs, stormwater 
runoff, stormwater controls) with an application of SELDM. 
2. Apply SELDM to generate planning level estimates of upstream, impervious area, and 
downstream hydrographs and water quality constituents. 
3. Apply SELDM to generate planning level estimates of stormwater structural controls on a 
downstream hydrograph and water quality constituents. 
4. Interpret data outputs from SELDM by producing graphs that can be used for water 
management decisions. 
SELDM Output Files: 
 
File Contents Worksheet name 
HowardBrookLevel2-Annual.txt Annual Highway Runoff Annual 
HowardBrookLevel2-DF.txt Dilution Factor DF 
HowardBrookLevel2-DQ.txt Downstream Runoff Quality DQ 
HowardBrookLevel2-HQ.txt Highway Runoff Quality HQ 
HowardBrookLevel2Out.txt Output Documentation Out 
HowardBrookLevel2-PE.txt Precipitation Events PE 
HowardBrookLevel2-PS.txt Prestorm Streamflow PS 
HowardBrookLevel2-SF.txt Stormflows SF 
HowardBrookLevel2-UQ.txt Upstream Water Quality UQ 
Analysis Instructions: 
1. Download the “Results.xlsx” spreadsheet on Bridges. 
2. Open your results folder where you saved SELDM on your C Drive. There should be 9 
.txt files. 
3. Copy and paste the results of each text file into the appropriately labeled worksheet. Be 
sure to paste into the A1 cell each time. 
4. Results of your model run should automatically appear in “Graphs” worksheet. 
5. Answer the questions below.  
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
2 
 
SELDM Results Interpretation and Discussion: 
 
Question 1:  
Briefly discuss the impacts of the highway runoff on total phosphorus concentrations 
downstream with and without a BMP.  
a. What percentage of events is expected to exceed the common limit for running waters?  
b. Approximately what concentration can be expected for a storm with a 3-year exceedance 
risk?  
c. Paste in a graph to help with your discussion. 
 
Total phosphorus concentrations are greater during lower probability, larger storm events. 
About 90% of events result in phosphorus concentrations greater than the EPA 
recommended limit for Ecoregion 59. About 40-50% of events result in phosphorus 
concentrations greater than 0.1 mg/L, the common limit for running water. For a 3-year 
event, a phosphorus concentration of about 0.6 mg/L is expected. (Students should paste 
this graph in to back up their results) 
  
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
3 
 
Question 2: 
Briefly discuss the impacts of the BMP on downstream phosphorus dilution. The BMP that was 
included in our simulation was one that could decrease the volume of runoff and also extend the 
stormwater runoff hydrograph.  
a. Does this type of BMP increase or decrease the dilution factor in the downstream 
receiving water? 
b. Does this type of BMP increase or decrease the dilution of the stormwater in the 
downstream water? (Hint: Think about dilution factor definition) 
c. How is the dilution factor related to downstream concentration? 
d. Paste in a graph to help with your discussion. 
The BMP included in this simulation (flow reduction and hydrograph extension) 
decreases the dilution factor and therefore increases downstream dilution. The dilution 
factor is the ration of the highway runoff to the total downstream flow. A dilution factor 
close to 1 means there is no dilution and dilution factors close to zero means more 
dilution. Greater dilution results in lower concentrations. Therefore, lower dilution 
factors lead to greater dilution and lower downstream concentrations. (Students should 
paste this graph in to back up their results) 
 
 
  
SELDM Case Study Exercise 
4 
 
Question 3: 
Briefly discuss the effects of this type of BMP on annual phosphorus yield (lb/yr). 
a. Paste in a graph to help with your discussion. 
Based on 30 years of simulated results, a BMP with flow reduction and hydrograph 
extension will decrease the annual load of phosphorus to the downstream receiving water. 
A BMP decreases the load by approximately 3.6 lbs/yr (average for all simulated events). 
(Students should paste this graph in to back up their results) 
 


Lesson 2: Worksheet Instructor Version

Pais, Jill

Roger Williams University 
DOCS@RWU 
Life of the Law School (1993- ) Archives & Law School History 
5-14-2025 
Trailblazing Woman Sailor Cole Brauer To Deliver Roger Williams 
University Commencement Address 4-9-2025 
Jill Pais 
Roger Williams University School of Law 
Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.rwu.edu/law_archives_life 
 Part of the Criminology and Criminal Justice Commons, Judges Commons, Law and Economics 
Commons, Legal Education Commons, and the Sports Studies Commons 
April 9, 2025 
 
Law School News 
 
TRAILBLAZING WOMAN SAILOR COLE BRAUER TO 
DELIVER ROGER WILLIAMS UNIVERSITY 
COMMENCEMENT ADDRESS 
May 16 ceremony to celebrate history-maker in the sports world and leaders in the blue 
economy, law enforcement, and the law. 
April 9, 2025  By Jill Pais '05 
 
Cole Brauer, the first American woman to race solo nonstop around the world in the Global Solo 
Challenge, will deliver the Commencement address and receive an honorary degree at the RWU 
Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16.  
BRISTOL, R.I. – Roger Williams University announces that groundbreaking sailor Cole 
Brauer, who made history last year as the first American woman to race solo nonstop around 
the world in the Global Solo Challenge, will address the Class of 2025 and receive an honorary 
degree at the RWU Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 16.  
This year’s RWU Commencement exercises will celebrate a trailblazing woman in the sport 
sailing world – as RWU’s nationally top-ranked Sailing team head into the national finals as the 
reigning champions in the Intercollegiate Sailing Association (ICSA) Open Team Race 
championship and currently rank No. 1 in the U.S. for Coed Team Racing – as well as leaders in 
the blue economy, law enforcement, and law as the university’s distinguished recipients of 
honorary degrees. 
In the Global Solo Challenge, Brauer sailed 30,000 miles and navigated over 130 days alone at 
sea in one of the world’s most extreme sporting events. The 30-year-old professional sailor from 
Long Island, N.Y., was the only woman in the fleet of 16 sailors who competed in the race. She 
raced in her 40-foot sailboat, First Light, past Africa, Australia, and South America, prevailing 
over tumultuous weather, freezing water, a rib injury, and dehydration, to finish in second place 
in Spain on March 7, 2024. 
Brauer will share her story of resilience, courage, and pursuit of excellence as a professional 
sailor and as a member of the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa’s varsity sailing team and a two-
time ICSA Academic All-American Team member, with the RWU Class of 2025 at the main 
Commencement ceremony. 
“Cole’s story exemplifies the strength of human ambition and the ability to push beyond limits, 
aligning with our university’s commitment to empowering individuals who make a meaningful 
impact on the world,” said Heather N. Boujoulian, Board Chair and Acting President of Roger 
Williams University. “The powerful trailblazers we are celebrating at our Commencement 
ceremony will serve as an inspiration to our Class of 2025 as they graduate prepared to become 
the leaders and changemakers the world needs next.” 
 
RWU Trustee Emeritus Joseph M. Brito Jr. (left) and Bristol Police Chief Kevin M. Lynch 
(right) will receive honorary degrees from the university at this year's Commencement 
celebration. 
At the Commencement ceremony, RWU will also present honorary degrees to two local leaders 
and members of the RWU community. Joseph M. Brito Jr., President and CEO of C.B. Utility 
Co., Inc., C. Brito Construction Co., Tupelo Realty, and Unity Park, and RWU Trustee Emeritus, 
has transformed an abandoned mill in Bristol, R.I. into Unity Park, an approximately 400,000-
square-foot industrial complex for blue economy manufacturing, offices, restaurants, a brewery 
and a distillery. Kevin M. Lynch '94, M'04, Chief of Police in Bristol, R.I., has championed 
the advancement of bias training, school-safety initiatives, and numerous community programs, 
earning his department state and national accreditation, as well as Rhode Island’s first mandatory 
body-worn camera legislation and ethical law enforcement reform through the Law Enforcement 
Officers’ Due Process, Accountability, and Transparency Act; he earned his B.S. in Criminal 
Justice and M.S. in Justice Studies at RWU. 
 
The Honorable Clifton B. Newman 
The RWU School of Law will present an honorary degree to the Honorable Clifton B. 
Newman, retired judge from the South Carolina Circuit Court, who has held a distinguished 
career as a private practice attorney and solicitor prior to serving on the bench, where he presided 
over several high-profile capital cases. Judge Newman will serve as the keynote speaker at the 
School of Law ceremony, which will begin at 11:30 a.m.  
This year’s Commencement ceremony recognizes these trailblazers who are making a collective 
impact across the globe. With leadership in the blue economy and marine science, law and 
justice, designed and built environments, and the humanities, Roger Williams University 
provides students with a real-world education and powerful combinations of academic, research, 
career-training and international learning experiences that prepare them to shape the world as 
leaders and changemakers. 
The university-wide Commencement celebration for undergraduate, graduate and law students of 
the Class of 2025 will be held on Friday, May 16. The university ceremony will take place on the 
main athletic field. The processional steps off at 8:30 a.m. with the ceremony beginning at 9 
a.m. Individual school ceremonies will follow throughout the day.  
RWU will provide a livestream enabled for broadcast and radio recording of the main university 
ceremony. A link to the the RWU Commencement livestream will be posted on 
the Commencement website. 
 


Trailblazing Woman Sailor Cole Brauer To Deliver Roger Williams University Commencement Address   4-9-2025

Clark, Andrew

Roger Williams University 
DOCS@RWU 
Life of the Law School (1993- ) Archives & Law School History 
5-14-2025 
Law School News: From The State House To The Court House 
4-22-2025 
Andrew Clark 
Roger Williams University School of Law 
Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.rwu.edu/law_archives_life 
 Part of the Civil Law Commons, Criminal Law Commons, Law and Politics Commons, Legal Education 
Commons, Legal Profession Commons, and the State and Local Government Law Commons 
April 22, 2025 
 
Law School News 
 
FROM THE STATE HOUSE TO THE COURT HOUSE 
Brandon Potter L'25 serves as a State Representative for District 16 in Cranston, Rhode 
Island. 
April 22, 2025  Andrew Clark 
 
First elected in 2020, Brandon Potter L'25 is now in his third term as State Representative for the 
Garden City, Eden Park, and Stadium neighborhoods in his hometown of Cranston, Rhode 
Island. Image Credit: Official RI State House image 
After ten years in sales in the automotive industry, Brandon Potter ‘25 decided it was time for a 
change. Wanting to make an impact on his local community, the Cranston native decided to run 
for State Representative for the people of District 16. First elected in 2020, Potter is now in his 
third term representing the Garden City, Eden Park, and Stadium neighborhoods in his 
hometown. 
“There was a lot that happened in a pretty short period of time that led to me to decide to run for 
office,” says Potter.  
“But the short answer is that I believe when you have the opportunity to change something for 
the better, you either do it or you shouldn’t complain. When we don’t agree with what we see our 
elected officials doing, at all levels, we have the privilege in our system to stand up and take 
action. And I think that privilege is a civic responsibility.” 
Currently, Potter serves as Second Vice Chair on the House Health and Human Services 
Committee and is a member of both the House Corporations Committee and the House Labor 
Committee.  
In a typical week when the House is in session, Potter attends floor sessions, committee hearings, 
presents proposed legislation he’s sponsored before committees, and meets with advocates and 
stakeholders about current legislation. He also added that he receives many emails and phone 
calls from his constituents. Potter says that he tries to make it a point to respond to everyone and 
stay in contact with the people he represents. 
When he’s not at the State House and it’s campaign season, Potter says he is out there walking 
the neighborhoods of his district, knocking on doors, and having meaningful conversations with 
the people that he says he is privileged to represent. 
“(I most enjoy) being able to channel the issues and stories I hear from real people into action,” 
says Potter. “I love campaign season because I get to talk with people all throughout my district 
about what’s going on in their lives, and what they think the state government could be doing 
differently to make their lives better. 
“Unfortunately, I’ve heard a lot of hard stories along the way. I take it as a serious responsibility 
to bring those stories with me to the State House, find where they apply in public policy, and do 
all I can to make reform happen in a way that makes those stories better in the future.” 
It was during his time as a representative that Potter made the decision to go to law school, 
noting that he sees practicing law as “a means to have that same positive effect on people, but on 
a more personal and direct level.” After graduating, he wants his practice to involve a heavy 
amount of litigation. Potter says he is especially interested in catastrophic personal injury, 
medical malpractice, and products liability litigation. 
“I have a passion for helping vulnerable people, and my plan is to put that passion into a practice 
of advocacy,” he says. 
According to Potter, the Criminal Defense Clinic with Andy Horwitz was one of his most 
influential experiences. He highlighted Professor Horwitz’s effective way of teaching client-
centered advocacy, adding that he was fortunate to be able to put that into real 
practice as a Rule 9 Student Attorney. Potter says that the clinic emphasized how to really 
counsel clients, be thorough, and respond based on the client’s individual and often particular 
needs—something he plans to carry into his own future practice. 
“I was thrilled to have a real trial and help my client win a not guilty verdict,” says Potter. “I 
didn’t come to law school aspiring to be a criminal defense attorney, but at both the clinic and as 
a pro bono intern at the RI Public Defender, I’ve found that work to be meaningful, and I hope 
I’m able to include it at least to some degree in my future practice.” 
 


Law School News:  From The State House To The Court House   4-22-2025

Govednik, Jane

Roger Williams University 
DOCS@RWU 
Life of the Law School (1993- ) Archives & Law School History 
5-14-2025 
Law School News: Charting A New Course: From Navy Officer To 
Legal Advocate 4-22-2025 
Jane Govednik 
Follow this and additional works at: https://docs.rwu.edu/law_archives_life 
 Part of the Civil Rights and Discrimination Commons, Law and Economics Commons, Law and 
Society Commons, Law of the Sea Commons, Legal Education Commons, Legal Profession Commons, 
and the Public Interest Commons 
April 22, 2025 
 
Law School News 
 
CHARTING A NEW COURSE: FROM NAVY OFFICER TO 
LEGAL ADVOCATE 
Susannah Johnson L’25 has found a new mission: using the law to serve her community. 
April 22, 2025  Jane Govednik 
 
Susannah Johnson L'25 is the co-recipient of the 2025 Marine Affairs Achievement Award and 
the recipient of the 2025 William J. Coffey Excellence in Maritime Writing Prize. Image Credit: 
Susannah Johnson 
After years of service in the United States Navy, Susannah Johnson L’25 has found a new 
mission: using the law to serve her community.  
Johnson followed a non-traditional path to law school, serving as a Surface Warfare Officer for 
eight years before enrolling at RWU Law. Her time at sea cultivated a deep appreciation for the 
ocean and ultimately sparked her interest in ocean advocacy and maritime law. 
As she considered her next steps after the military, a mentor encouraged her to explore the 
Marine Affairs Institute at RWU Law. “I started communicating with Professor Wyman while I 
was still in the Navy,” she recalls, “and it just really seemed to be an incredible program.” 
Throughout law school, Johnson actively sought out experiences that deepened her 
understanding of the law, interning for Judge Patricia Sullivan, externing with a Dutch maritime 
construction company, and working with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric 
Administration’s (NOAA) Office of General Counsel. She also served as a student editor for 
the Journal of Maritime Law and Commerce.  
Though she initially came to law school thinking she would pursue a job in the federal 
government or “something more classically aligned with the Marine Affairs degree,” she 
explains that “the beauty of a law degree is that it’s multifaceted.” 
During her time in law school, Johnson felt her focus began to shift toward local community 
advocacy in light of the systemic challenges faced by marginalized populations.  
“In the Navy, I learned that a ship could only function if the crew was properly cared for,” she 
says. “The hierarchical structure of the Navy, combined with the inevitable stressors faced by 
service members, gave me extensive experience listening to and advocating for sailors dealing 
with housing or food insecurity, or disruptions to family life. That experience shaped my desire 
to be a voice for those in the community who may not have the resources or support they need.” 
As Johnson considered her future, she recalls, “I realized that I can best serve by protecting our 
community’s wellbeing and fundamental rights right here in Rhode Island.” 
To that end, this fall Johnson will begin a two-year Law Fellowship with the Rhode Island 
Center for Justice, a nonprofit organization focused on protecting the legal rights of vulnerable 
Rhode Islanders. 
The opportunity resonated with her, she says, because it felt like the perfect “on-ramp to learn, to 
grow as a lawyer, and do good in the community—to continue be in service of some sort. I look 
forward to being a part of a team focused on protecting the legal rights of low-income people 
through grassroots, local advocacy, and participating in community-led efforts to address social 
and economic injustices.” 
With graduation just a few weeks away, Johnson speaks fondly about her time at RWU Law. “It 
has just been such an incredible experience,” she says. “Being a little older as a student, I’ve 
found it to be an amazing place to grow and evolve. I’m very grateful for my time here.” 
 Johnson is the co-recipient of the 2025 Marine Affairs Achievement Award and the recipient of 
the 2025 William J. Coffey Excellence in Maritime Writing Prize. 
 


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Trailblazing Woman Sailor Cole Brauer To Deliver Roger Williams University Commencement Address 4-9-2025

Law School News: From The State House To The Court House 4-22-2025

Law School News: Charting A New Course: From Navy Officer To Legal Advocate 4-22-2025

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