Title: Associate Research Scientist, IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering

Research interests: Flood forecasting, radar meteorology, and propagation of uncertainty in hydrologic modeling

Since joining IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering in 2013, Felipe Quintero quickly became a key contributor advancing research and education in support of the Iowa Flood Center (IFC). In his role as an associate research scientist, Quintero has led major improvements and developments to the IFC’s flood forecasting capabilities, transforming flood response and preparedness in Iowa. 

Working closely with Witold Krajewski, founding director of the IFC, Quintero played a pivotal role in developing and maintaining the center’s unique forecasting system. By advancing methods to assimilate data from the IFC’s bridge sensor network and U.S. Geological Survey stream gauges, he substantially improved model accuracy—refinements he continues to make today. 

A crucial component of the IFC’s forecasting system is the Hillslope Link Model (HLM), a framework that represents runoff processes across hillslopes and channel links. The model collects information and issues forecasts across the state, covering 1,000 Iowa communities and other points of interest. Quintero’s enhancement of this model has enabled it to estimate flows across more than 420,000 channels. 

His work also extends to the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology (CIROH) at the University of Alabama, where his research focuses on leveraging the IFC’s forecast model for nationwide implementation. Through his expertise, Quintero has helped position the IFC and the University of Iowa to support CIROH’s mission and accelerate the adoption of hydrologic tools being developed for the nation.

"My research is driven and motivated by serving the people of Iowa with reliable, best-in-class data,” says Quintero. “As Iowans continue to experience flooding nearly every year, it’s important that we have tools available to help save lives, protect infrastructure, and support a high quality of life.” 

As his career has progressed, Quintero has received international recognition from university partners in Spain and the European Commission. He is widely regarded as a reliable point of contact for local communities and state agency partners. Recently, he received a commendation award from the City of Riverdale, Iowa, for his exceptional work supporting the community in a potential flood-evacuation decision. 

Quintero’s efforts throughout his career at IIHR have secured over $350,000 in research funding and led to contribution in 26 research publications. His dedication to flood resilience continues to drive advancements in modeling and safety, strengthening communities locally and across the nation.