American Institute of Hydrology honors Burke

The American Institute of Hydrology has named Christopher B. Burke, Ph.D., PE, D. WRE, Dist. M. ASCE, NAC and President of Rosemont-based engineering firm CBBEL, the recipient of the 2019 Ray K. Linsley Award for surface water hydrology.

The Linsley Award, named after noted surface water hydrologist and author Dr. Ray K. Linsley, is a national award established in 1986 to recognize those "who have made outstanding contributions in surface water hydrology." Surface water hydrology includes the study of aboveground water, such as stormwater, floodwaters, rivers and reservoirs and the impact that these waters have on the environments around them.

Burke was selected by the American Institute of Hydrology for his many outstanding contributions to the science and practice of surface water hydrology, his impact managing surface water issues for numerous communities and his efforts educating and outreaching to the next generation of engineers.

"We are proud to honor Dr. Burke for his long-standing commitment to the engineering profession, not only in serving the needs of clients, but by going into classrooms and out in the community to further the reach of the field," said John L. Nieber, P.H., P.E., Ph.D. and President of the American Institute of Hydrology.

Burke is an expert in stormwater management and has experience in all aspects of water resources and civil engineering projects and design. As president of CBBEL, he has been recognized for many complex stormwater projects that earned the firm recognition as a leader in water resources engineering for municipalities and counties.

Burke, who holds four degrees from Purdue University, founded Christopher B. Burke Engineering, Ltd. in 1986 and has grown the firm to more than 250 employees at eight locations throughout Illinois and Indiana. Over the course of its more than 30 years in business, CBBEL has worked with a host of public and private sector clients on high-profile projects from water resources and civil engineering to surveying and traffic engineering.