Cheryl Ann Blain

Title: The Innovations of Cheryl Ann Blain: Pioneering River and Coastal Modeling

Introduction

Cheryl Ann Blain is a remarkable inventor based in Slidell, Louisiana, who has made significant contributions in the field of environmental modeling with a total of 12 patents to her name. Her pioneering work focuses on advanced systems for predicting river and tidal behavior, which are crucial for effective environmental management and disaster response.

Latest Patents

One of Cheryl's latest inventions is a "Tool for Rapid Configuration of a River Model Using Imagery-Based Information." This innovative system and method allow for the extraction and processing of river bank coordinates from imagery. By generating an unstructured mesh of the river using river bank positions and available or synthetic bathymetry, it can apply upstream and downstream boundary forcing data. This patent also offers contingencies for handling missing data and configurations of multiple realizations of the developed river model.

Another notable patent is the "Automated Method and System for Predicting High Resolution Tidal Heights and Currents in Coastal Zones." This advanced system automatically predicts water levels and currents in coastal areas without the need for operator intervention. By using a computer forecast model on a grid, this invention enables operational forecasts at regular time intervals, which greatly enhance the accuracy of predictions in regions with complex shoreline and bathymetry characteristics.

Career Highlights

Cheryl Ann Blain currently works for the United States of America, as represented by the Secretary of the Navy. Her role involves extensive research and development efforts aimed at improving environmental forecasting systems that can greatly benefit both military operations and civilian uses.

Collaborations

Throughout her career, Cheryl has collaborated with esteemed professionals such as Robert S. Linzell and Alan D. Weidemann. These collaborations have not only enriched her work but have also helped to advance innovative methodologies for environmental modeling.

Conclusion

Cheryl Ann Blain exemplifies the spirit of innovation with her extensive work in river and coastal modeling. Her contributions not only reflect her expertise as an inventor but also emphasize the importance of technological advancements in understanding and managing natural water systems. As she continues to develop groundbreaking methods, the impact of her work will resonate across various fields, paving the way for future innovations.