Mary Nichols is a Research Hydraulic Engineer with the USDA Agricultural Research Service in Tucson.  Mary received her Ph.D. in engineering from New Mexico State University in 1999.  Her research is focuses on erosion and sedimentation, and rangeland restoration.

Current research includes field experiments to quantify coarse particle movement in channels and sediment yield from small watersheds. Collected data will be used to improve simulation models, and to improve our understanding of the factors affecting erosion on semiarid rangeland watersheds. In addition, Mary is working to quantify the impacts of erosion control structures on sediment, soil moisture, and vegetation.