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Fair Winds and Following Seas to Our Assistant Director

600 338 Stroud Water Research Center

Amidst the awakening spring blossoms, buzzing pollinators, and lengthening days, the Stroud Center bid bon voyage to one of our own. 

Scott Ensign, Ph.D., served as Stroud Water Research Center’s assistant director since 2018. Over the past eight years, Scott has brought his technical expertise and entrepreneurial experience to the Stroud Center, creating new technology, supporting a global network of DIY-ers, and helping out wherever and whenever he could. 

Scott retired at the end of April 2026 but will remain on our staff in an adjunct role, though his internet access will be spotty at best! (See the last photo caption for an explanation.) 

We will miss Scott, but as he heads into retirement with his spouse, Michelle, he carries with him our goodwill, best wishes, and gratitude. Fair winds and following seas!

Scott Ensign with Open-Source River Camera and Altimetry (ORCA) for measuring river flooding.
Scott Ensign working on a dock, head under heels for science.
Left: Scott’s contributions to freshwater science and technology development include the ORCA and the NOMAD. Committed to free access to research, data, and technology, Scott insisted on open source instrumentation code. Photo: Jennifer Merrill. Right: Scott is always ready to work in the field — or on the dock.
Scott Ensign planting trees on the Vermeil property.
Stroud Center staff at the Brandywine River cleanup.
Left: It’s not just science that gets Scott excited. Tree planter to protect water on Coach Dick Vermeil’s property was among the non-scientific roles Scott filled. See also: guest bartender, event host, tour guide, and writer. Right: Sometimes the work of protecting fresh water is just fun. A frequent participant in the Brandywine River Cleanup, Scott is shown at the 2025 event with other Stroud Center staff and friends. Thanks to Northbrook Canoe for hosting this event!
Scott Ensign explaining WikiWatershed technology to a family at World Water Day.
Scott Ensign piloting a sailboat.
Left: Scott’s work bridged freshwater and coastal systems, hands-on sampling, remote technology, and online data reporting and modeling tools. If you’ve not seen the Stroud Center’s WikiWatershed Toolkit, you are missing an opportunity to explore your own watershed through interactive data sets and simulation modeling. Right: Scott and Michelle will be focusing on the salty life. Moving to a marine-based lifestyle, they will be traveling the coast, living aboard their sailing vessel. If you see them in port, be sure to say hello!

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