Story: Emily Nelson
Photography: Tim Schoon
Published: May 7, 2025
 

When Kaleb Young started studying at the University of Iowa, he wanted to become a doctor. And while he’ll gain that title, it will not be an MD like he originally planned but a PhD with a focus in flood mitigation.

“I did my pre-med prerequisites, but I had a change of heart throughout undergrad and realized medicine wasn’t my calling,” says Young, who graduated with a BS in human physiology, an MS in environmental engineering, and now a PhD in civil and environmental engineering. “I have a passion for the outdoors. I love spending time outside, whether it’s hunting or mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, camping. I care about conservation and preserving our natural habitat, and civil and environmental engineering is a pathway to do that.”

During his time at Iowa, Young has developed a flood-modeling framework that includes agricultural practices to improve flood forecasts for the state of Iowa and other highly agricultural regions. He incorporated the effects of agricultural field drainage systems into the WRF-Hydro model, which the National Weather Service uses for streamflow forecasts across the country. He also contributed to hydrologic modeling to assess flood management efforts for the Iowa Watershed Approach, a five-year statewide effort to enhance flood resilience, and assisted Riverton, Iowa, in addressing local flooding challenges.

Young says his interest and work in flood mitigation largely can be attributed to his advisor, Larry Weber, professor in civil and environmental engineering, director of IIHR—Hydroscience & Engineering, director of the Center for Hydrologic Development, and interim director of the Iowa Flood Center. 

After taking a class with Weber, Young asked how he could get more involved.

“Dr. Weber has really taken me under his wing. I came from a nonengineering background, and he guided me along and taught me how to think about things from an engineering perspective,” Young says. “He’s given me opportunities to explore things that I probably wouldn't have had if he hadn't reached out to me and opened those doors, and I’m so grateful. He really cares about the University of Iowa and the state of Iowa. Being able to work on research that focuses on improving problems in our state has been important to me, and Larry instilled that passion in me.”

Young came to the University of Iowa primarily to wrestle, and wrestling continues to play an important role in his life. While he no longer competes, Young works out with and provides a mentorship role to members of the Hawkeye Wrestling Club.

Kaleb Young

Hometown: Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania

Degree: PhD in civil and environmental engineering

What’s next: “I’m reaching out to businesses, environmental consulting firms, governmental agencies and nonprofits to figure out where I fit best and what aligns with my goals,” Young says. “There are a lot of Hawkeye alumni working across the country and world, and having those connections is so important and helpful.”

Why did you choose to come to Iowa? 

I wrestled in high school and had a little bit of success and was looking to wrestle at the Division I level. My club coach in high school, Jody Strittmatter, wrestled at Iowa, so I was familiar with Iowa wrestling. I had been out here a few times to see some dual meets in Carver-Hawkeye Arena. So, I came for wrestling purposes as well as school.

What was your most memorable experience? 

I was on the wrestling team in 2021, and we were the Big Ten champs and won the national championship. That was especially sweet coming off 2020 when the season was canceled. So, getting a team title in 2021 was a really special memory.

What surprised you the most about the University of Iowa? 

Iowa gets a lot of credit for having a great writing program, but IIHR isn't something that is advertised as much. We have world-class researchers and engineers at IIHR, and being able to work with them and learn from them has been awesome.

What’s the best way to describe what it’s like to be a Hawkeye? 

I come from Pennsylvania, which has quite a few professional sports teams, and people identify with those professional teams. Iowa doesn’t have that, so it kind of flows into the Hawkeyes, whether that’s Iowa football, wrestling, men’s basketball, women's basketball, or just the university in general. There’s a lot of Hawkeye pride, and it’s been awesome to see.

What provided you with the greatest sense of belonging while at the University of Iowa?

When I was competing, I put a lot of time and energy into my academics as well, but it was kind of eat, sleep, and breathe wrestling and representing the Hawks. That was something that really gave me a sense of belonging. And now, that’s kind of transitioned to the IIHR and the Iowa Flood Center. When you’re all working on the same thing, it brings you together. There’s a great team atmosphere there.

What did you get out of your Iowa experience that you don’t feel you would have gotten elsewhere?

The people that I’m surrounded by every day, whether in the athletics department or academia. I’ve got great people around me every day that care about and love what they do. And they have a passion for what's going on and for the people who are with them. Being surrounded by great people in all aspects of my life here on campus is something I don’t think I could get anywhere else.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank? 

I’d like to take a moment to thank my parents, my brother, and my wife, Madigan. They’ve been instrumental in any success that I’ve had. My parents have poured time and effort and energy into me throughout my childhood, and Madigan’s been here throughout my entire college career, backing me up and supporting my dreams. They’ve been awesome showing me love and support. They’re the best.

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