After more than 20 years with Verdantas Flow Labs (formerly Alden), and more than 30 years in the industry, Dan Gessler will be retiring from consulting.

“Reflecting on my 23 years at Alden (now Verdantas Flow Labs), I can truly say it has been the most rewarding career I could have imagined,” said Gessler. “Leveraging numeric and physical modeling to solve unique engineering challenges has been incredibly fulfilling. Since the acquisition of Alden, Verdantas has shown itself to be a remarkable consulting firm, offering countless opportunities for growth and development. To all my colleagues and friends, I extend a heartfelt thank you!”

Dan’s professional journey began in 1988 when he graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. After three years working in hydraulics and structures, he attended graduate school at Colorado State earning his Master’s and Doctoral degrees in Civil Engineering with a focus on hydraulics. Upon graduation he took on a role as a research scientist and assistant professor for Colorado State University, focusing on three-dimension (3D) hydrodynamic sediment transport modeling for the US Army Corps of Engineers. In 2002, Dan joined Alden, where he further honed his expertise in river mechanics and sedimentation engineering. By 2009, Dan’s significant contributions to Alden’s growth and success led to a partnership offer, solidifying his leadership role within the company and further establishing his influence in the field. In 2022, Alden was acquired by Verdantas and rebranded as Verdantas Flow Labs, where Dan served as the National Practice Lead for Hydrology, Hydraulics, and Fluids.

“It has been my pleasure to work alongside Dan for the past 20+ years,” said Stu Cain, Associate Vice President, and Client Development Leader. “He has been an outstanding technical leader for Flow Labs, a trusted business partner and a true friend. I wish him all the best in his retirement from engineering consulting!”

Dan’s extensive expertise in river mechanics, sedimentation engineering, and dams and spillways has enabled him to make significant contributions to projects and the state of practice around the globe. Among his most notable achievements was his pivotal role in the Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion Project, which garnered national attention. Dan led the creation of two 1:65 scale live-bed physical models of the proposed sediment diversion and conveyance channels and a 1:20 scale model of the Mid Breton gate structure. His innovative approach was critical in designing a solution to redirect sediment-laden water from the Mississippi River into the degraded wetlands of Plaquemines Parish, the goal of which is to aid in the restoration of this valuable land.

“Dan’s knowledge and expertise is second to none, and the projects he worked on were better because of it,” said Andy Johansson, Associate Vice President, and Physical Modeling Department Leader. “We have had the opportunity to work on some of the most interesting projects together with the best modeling group around. To say Dan will be missed is an understatement. All of us at Verdantas wish him the very best”

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Dan for his years of service, wisdom, and friendship, and wish him all the best in his next endeavor!