University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP)

Department Member, Geology

Director

About

Dr. RUDY SOOKBIRSINGH’S AUTOBIOGRAPHY CEP (EM, E&T, R&D, GHG) P.Eng (S)
Environmental Science and Engineering (ESE), Climate Change & Water Resources
Rudy was born on the island of Trinidad in the Caribbean; he graduated at the age of 16 from St. Augustine Senior High School, St Augustine, Trinidad West Indies. He then joined the United States Army in Puerto Rico in 1978 and served a total of 13 years on active duty in the United States Army. In addition to numerous assignments throughout United States, Rudy was stationed twice in Germany (Nuremberg and Munich); on the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) Korea, Central America (Honduras and Panama), Canada, the Middle East (Iraq and Egypt) and Thailand. He has performed combat operations in both Panama and the first Gulf War. He was honorably discharged from active duty in the United States Army in 1992.
Rudy completed his Associate in Arts and Science Degree (AAS) with Distinction and Honors (AAS) in Engineering Science from Pierce College, Washington State in 1995. After that, he then completed both his Bachelor of Science Degree (BS) also with Distinction and Honors in Modern Physics and Environmental Science in 1997. This was followed by, his Master’s of Environmental Science (MES) in 1999 from the Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington State. His Master’s Thesis titled Rising Seas and Paradise examines the global effects of rising ocean levels on smaller islands; a consequence of Climate Change.
After earning his Master’s Degree also with Distinction and Honors, Rudy was a full-time professor at both Pierce College and Tacoma Community College in Washington State. At these colleges he taught courses such as: Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, Oceanography, Geology, Geography (Physical and Human), Logic, Physical Science, Mathematics, and Water Resources.
Rudy completed his Doctoral Degree in Environmental Science and Engineering at the University of Texas El Paso in December 2009.. His Dissertation is titled The Salt Separation Processes Of The Tamarix Ramosissima examines the invasive Tamarix in the Desert Southwest. He then completed a brief one year tenure as a Visiting Professor at Memorial University Newfoundland (MUN) where he taught courses in Environmental Science, Geography (Physical and Human), and Water Resources. Rudy is currently employed as the Environmental Coordinator with Mikisew Cree First Nation, Government & Industry Relations (GIR), Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada


RUDY’S AWARDS, CITATIONS, AND HONORS
As a United States Army Combat Veteran, Rudy’s lengthy list of Military Awards and Citation include:
The Bronze Star Medal, 4 Army Commendation Medals, 3 Army Achievement Medals. 4 Good Conduct Medals, The Humanitarian Service Medal, 3 Kuwait Liberation Medals, Southwest Asia Medal with 3 Bronze Stars, National Defense Medal, The Amphibious Badge.  The Reconnaissance Badge, The Engineer Crest.  And The Parachutist Badge.
RUDY’S ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS INCLUDE.
Combat Veteran Scholarship Humboldt State University 1994.
Phi Theta Kappa, Pierce College 1995.
Northwest Environmental Scholarship 1997.
Top 5% of Master’s Degree class in 1999.
Mathematics and Science Faculty of the year Tacoma Community College 2002.
United States Chancellor’s List 2006.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS:

 Canadian Certified Environmental Practitioner (CCEP)
 Greenhouse Gases Management Institute (GHGMI)

PUBLICATIONS:

Sookbirsingh, Rudy et al: SALT SEPARATION PROCESSES OF THE Tamarix ramosissima (Ledeb). 22 May 2010. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00103621003734281.

Sookbirsingh, Rudy: MODUS OPRANDI OF THE Tamarix (ramosissima) Ledeb sp (salt cedar). 2006. Doctorate Dissertation.

Sookbirsingh, Rudy: THE RISING TIDES And PARADISE: The Effects of Rising Ocean Levels on Small Islands. 1999. Master’s Thesis.

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