Fran Stum is a graduate research assistant in the Webber Energy Group, pursuing a dual-degree M.S. in Civil Engineering through the Environmental and Water Resources Engineering (EWRE) Program and a Master of Public Affairs. She graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 2023 with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and a Bridging Disciplines Program Certificate in Ethics & Leadership in Law, Politics, & Government. During her undergraduate studies, she developed an interest in the intersection of infrastructure engineering, environmental sustainability, and community engagement.
After graduation, Fran worked for Dell Technologies as part of their Global Industries – Energy team, developing solutions for grid management, renewable energy implementation, and SCADA data lifecycle management. She then joined AECOM as a water/wastewater engineer supporting municipal infrastructure design projects across Texas. Her work included treatment plant and pump station design, system performance evaluation, and collaboration with various stakeholders to strengthen long-term resilience in Texas water systems. These professional experiences deepened her interest in public infrastructure systems and how they are managed and maintained to provide reliable, equitable service to consumers. Her graduate research, under the guidance of Dr. Yael Glazer, will examine the energy-water nexus and the policy frameworks that shape these systems. Fran is motivated by interdisciplinary challenges that require both technical rigor and human centered thinking, and she aims to bridge her professional experience with emerging research methods to support a more resilient, sustainable future.
Fran is also an active member of the Capital Area Chapter of the Texas American Water Works Association (TAWWA), where she supports community outreach and education initiatives geared toward students and young professionals in the local water industry. In her free time, she enjoys baking and cooking, live music, and playing sports with friends.
