Meet Our Team

Tom Conboy, P.E.

President and Principal Engineer

Mr. Conboy is the President and Principal Engineer of South Florida Engineering and Consulting LLC. An internationally experienced Professional Engineer and Project Manager, he advised the Water Sanitation and Hygiene Program in Kenya; and led development of a geospatial database. His accomplishments include sizing reservoir storage and optimizing operations for the C-44, Ten Mile Creek and C23/24 Reservoirs/STAs for the IRL South component of CERP. Mr. Conboy was Project Manager for the Loxahatchee River Preservation Initiative. He provided engineering support, performed hydrologic modeling, and developed stage-flow curves for the Northwest Fork of the Loxahatchee River Restoration Plan.

M. Zaki Moustafa, Ph.D.

Principal Modeler

Dr. Moustafa is an expert in hydrodynamic and water quality modeling, water quality science (including data analysis and modeling), water resources engineering, environmental science and wetland ecology, restoration science, and modeling studies. He applied models (e.g., EFDC, ICM-CEQUAL, HSPF and BASINS) to a gamut of projects requiring EIS, EA and specialized experience (e.g., water quality, sediment transport, Florida Bay, Biscayne Bay, and Lake Okeechobee). He applied hydrodynamic and water quality models for mixing zone permits, TMDL and regulatory compliance evaluation. Dr. Moustafa assisted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in modeling Gulf of Mexico oil and gas discharge activities; evaluated environmental impact under new regulations; analyzed large databases; and provided the methodology now is used to determine and evaluate phosphorus removal efficiencies in large constructed wetlands..

Andrew D. Gottlieb, Ph.D.

Principal Environmental Scientist/Biologist

Dr. Gottlieb is a nationally-recognized professional scientist who has managed, designed and implemented coastal, lake, and wetland water quality studies throughout Florida. Dr. Gottlieb published his research on the effects of hydroperiod and nutrients on the structure and function of Everglades periphyton and plant communities. His peer-reviewed work has appeared in Aquatic Botany, Hydrobiologia, and Ecological Indicators. Dr. Gottlieb also coauthored the book Microbiology of the Everglades Ecosystem. He has developed quantitative tools used to evaluate and model hydrology, water quality and vegetation patterns for the $11.9 billion Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan.

Christopher W. McVoy, Ph.D.

Lead Soil Scientist/Hydrologist/ Biologist

Dr. McVoy is a noted eco-hydrologist, Everglades expert, author, and empiricist trained in systems analysis and simulation modeling. He is experienced in remote sensing, historical and modeling research, and the ecosystems and hydrology of South Florida. Dr. McVoy authored Landscapes and Hydrology of the Predrainage Everglades, the definitive characterization of the pre-drainage hydrology and ecology of the Everglades. His work has been published in Ecological Economics, Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment, and other peer-reviewed journals. He maintains a geomorphology program in Water Conservation Area 3-A.

Michael Adler, CERP, G.T.A.

Botanist / GIS Specialist

An accomplished ecologist, inventor, writer and natural resources specialist, Mr. Adler has incorporated AmeriCorps service into his professional work in ecology and conservation. He is a biologist familiar with the ecosystems of Florida, and an expert user of ESRI GIS. Mr. Adler is skilled in the identification of common native and invasive plants. He is an accomplished field researcher and is familiar with control of nuisance and invasive plants with non-restricted use herbicides. Mr. Adler is noted for his invention of a system for acoustic monitoring of bats [Patent No. 8379486]. His skills include ESRI GIS analysis and mapmaking. His professional development includes the Incident Command System, Wildlife Fire Behavior and Firefighter training.

Mahmoud Madkour, Ph.D., P.E., LEED® AP

Project Management

Dr. Madkour’s career spanned 25 years with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. As a Professional Engineer Administrator, he was responsible state-wide for planning and implementing engineering designs and specifications for new or altered roads, trails, bridges, dams, office buildings, parks, water control structures, and other facilities. He prepared technical specifications and bid packages, and ensured that projects complied with purchasing, permitting and LEED standards. He inspected facilities and projects to ensure safety, efficiency and effectiveness. Dr. Madkour oversaw and reviewed habitat and environmental restoration plans/projects, hydrologic assessments, and other works developed by the FWC’s Lake Restoration and Wildlife Management Areas staff, water managements districts, and other entities, for lakes, rivers, estuaries, shorelines management, sustainable funding mechanisms, feasibility and recommended improvements.

Daljit Sandhu, E.I., Ph.D.

Water Resources Engineer

Dr. Sandhu is a State of Florida Engineering Intern with experience in hydrology and hydraulics, the hydro-geomorphic response of the Everglades to changing climate and anthropogenic activities, and the fate and transport of radioactive gypsum stack water entering the Floridan aquifer due to a sinkhole collapse. A talented engineer and H&H modeler, his current work involves supporting a SFEC client in replacing NAVD 88 and NAD 83. The purpose of this project is to improve the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS), NGS will replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) with a new geometric reference frame and geopotential datum.

Sue Byrd

Lead Technical Editor

Ms. Byrd has over two decades of experience serving as Lead Technical Editor on water resource, habitat restoration and utilities projects. She was the Lead Technical Editor for the Sumter National Forest Stream Restoration, which covers nearly 371,000 acres in South Carolina. She performed technical writing and was the technical editor on SFEC’s contract for the East Lake Tohopekaliga Drawdown and Habitat Enhancement Environmental Impact Statement. Ms. Byrd also edited the Broward County Water Preserve Area Project Implementation Report and Environmental Impact Statement and documents for many other CERP projects. She is skilled at maintaining a consistent flow of documents by multiple authors, editing, formatting, developing document templates, and coordinating changes and input from authors and reviewers.

Ellen A. Ashford, PMP

Biologist

Ms. Ashford is trained in observing and identifying flora and fauna, collecting and preserving field samples and maintaining daily logs. In her position as Interagency Communications Director at South Florida Engineering and Consulting LLC she is detail oriented and exhibits a high degree of organization. Ms. Ashford is an enthusiastic educator, experienced in presenting engaging lessons, in person and virtually, to a diverse student body. She is experienced in collecting, tracking, and analyzing assessment data. She organized the Glades Central Green Team, becoming a Green School of Quality. She was awarded the Green Schools Recognition Program Rookie of the Year in recognition of her service in developing a school-wide culture to help children to develop environmental responsibility.

Tanzina Afrin, M.S.

Water Resources Engineer

Ms. Afrin is an experienced civil engineer with an interest in water resources, water science and hydro information. Under an SFEC contract, she is a key team member in the project to replace NAVD 88 and NAD 83 to improve the National Spatial Reference System (NSRS). NGS will replace the North American Datum of 1983 (NAD 83) and the North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) with a new geometric reference frame and geopotential datum in 2022. Ms. Afrin’s interests lead her to author Morphodynamic modeling of a small coastal river during an extreme flood event in 2016 and present a poster titled Fluvial Morphodynamics and Channels Patterns and Beyond.

Jose M. Cruz

Assistant Project Manager

Mr. Cruz came to the interest of South Florida Engineering and Consulting LLC through Explorer Post 57. He showed a keen interest in learning about the Everglades and other natural areas of Florida, and in a career related to water resources and environmental science. Since joining our team, he has developed and supported Everglades restoration strategies and related water quality monitoring and water resources management activities. He is quick to learn and apply new skills while providing technical assistance in using telemetry, sampling groundwater, and collecting coastal structures.

Reinaldo Diaz, J.D.

Mr. Diaz recently joined SFEC as a business development lead and procurement specialist. Mr. Diaz brings over a decade of experience in organizational development and land use and environmental law with a strong dedication to public interest on Everglades restoration issues. He is the founder of Lake Worth Waterkeeper, a 501c3 nonprofit that advocates for the Lake Worth Lagoon and its role in the Greater Everglades Ecosystem. Here he developed among other things a first of its kind extensive water quality monitoring program for the Lake Worth Lagoon. Mr. Diaz also sits on the board of directors for the Everglades Coalition. Previous to joining SFEC Mr. Diaz was a City Commissioner for his hometown of Lake Worth Beach.

Jennifer Hesser

Office Manager

Jennifer Hesser is an accomplished professional with over 20 years of experience in management and customer service. Currently serving as a Scientific Technician at South Florida Engineering & Consulting, she works in water quality sampling and data management. Jennifer has a proven track record of fostering productive relationships across diverse teams, enhancing workplace communication, and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures. She holds an Associate in Science degree in Environmental Science Technology, graduating Magna Cum Laude. While pursuing her degree, she interned and was subsequently hired, to conduct a bird count study for Brown-headed Nuthatches at Jonathan Dickinson State Park. Jennifer’s background includes significant roles in high-volume restaurant operations, where she excelled in team leadership and operational efficiency. Passionate about environmental conservation, she engages in community initiatives as a member of the Florida Association of Environmental Professionals and 1000 Friends of Florida. She also serves as a Florida Tropical Audubon Ambassador.

Thomas Prevratil

Scientific Technician II

Having grown up in Jupiter, Florida, Thomas has a great appreciation for and understanding of the local environment and habitats, and he has gone on to gain years of experience working in the environmental field in Florida. These experiences have left him with a variety of skills and abilities that make him an essential member of the SFEC team. Tom is able to meet precise standards, conform to strict tolerances, and develop creative solutions to problems. His 21 years of service in the Army Special Forces has made him industrious, adaptive, self-reliant, and detail oriented. He is both an effective leader and a dependable member of any team.

Lauren Miles

Scientific Technician

Ms. Miles is currently embedded with South Florida Water Management District Water Quality Monitoring team as a Scientific Technician I. She brings with her an impressive four (4) years of experience working in hot, humid South Florida habitats and landscapes. Lauren has gained experience and become proficient in data processing through her dedication and hard work. She has demonstrated her ability to be detail-oriented, efficient, and follow all procedures and protocols. Lauren has also presented at the 2016 Global Education Conference Using Blackboard Collaborate on a global collaborative classroom project focused on the topic of “Invasive Species Around the World and How to Stop Them”.