Dr. James R. Houston is the Director of Research and Development (R&D) of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and also Director of the
U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC). The ERDC Director is located at the Center’s headquarters in Vicksburg, MS. As Director of R&D, Houston is the Chief Scientist of the Corps of Engineers and formulates Corps R&D strategy and policy. As ERDC Director, Houston manages one of the most diverse research organizations in the world – seven laboratories at four geographical sites, with over 2,000 employees and an annual program of $700 million.
ERDC R&D supports the Department of Defense and other agencies in military and civilian projects. Principal research mission areas include water resources (civil works), armed forces support, military installations, and environmental quality. The ERDC was named the Army’s Large Research Organization of the Year in 2005.
Houston received a bachelor’s degree in Physics in 1969 from the University of California (Berkeley), a master’s in Physics in 1970 from the University of Chicago, a master’s in Coastal and Oceanographic Engineering in 1974 from the University of Florida, and a doctorate in Engineering Sciences in 1978 from the University of Florida.
He has published over 130 technical reports and papers. He has received several honors and awards including Phi Beta Kappa; Phi Kappa Phi; an SES Distinguished Executive Presidential Rank Award; and two SES Meritorious Presidential Rank Awards; Department of the Army R&D Achievement Award; Army Commendation Medal; 1993 Eminent Speaker, Institution of Engineers, Australia; 1997 National Beach Advocacy Award; and the 2003 Morrough P. O’Brien Award, American Shore and Beach Preservation Association.