Innovative Ecosystem Restoration Techniques
Brandon Lang
Amanda Poskaitis
Alex Thompson
Underwood & Associates
Millersville, MD
Underwood & Associates is committed to combining the needs of a developing society with an adjusting environment by restoring native ecosystems through our regenerative process. By integrating an in-depth understanding of nature with expertise in design and construction methods, we have created a dynamic process of restoring degraded ecosystems.
Underwood & Associates, Inc. invented the Regenerative Stream Channel (RSC), Step Pool Storm Conveyance (SPSC), and Dynamic Living Shoreline approaches that have been adopted by local, state, and federal agencies across the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and around the globe. Our nature-based approaches empower people to embrace the energies found in nature - rather than armoring against them - in order to truly restore our waterways and ensure their resiliency over time.
We will present on our unique design/build methodology, where you can learn more about our techniques, and case studies that show how these projects are functioning over time.
About Brandon Lang
Brandon Lang is a designer with a technical focus on stream-wetland and shoreline restoration projects. He has extensive experience leading the design, engineering, and permitting of stormwater management, stream restoration, and shoreline stabilization projects using Underwood & Associates’ regenerative, nature-based design philosophy. Brandon provides technical guidance across all phases of project delivery, from site assessment and conceptual design through detailed engineering, hydraulic and sediment modeling, permitting, and construction support. His background includes urban stormwater management design, natural channel and floodplain restoration modeling, and interdisciplinary coordination to ensure designs are technically sound, constructible, and aligned with regulatory requirements. His skill set includes Civil 3D design and analysis, watershed hydrology, 1D and 2D modeling, cost estimation, spatial analysis, and MS4 nutrient credit calculations. Brandon plays a key role in maintaining design quality, consistency, and technical rigor across complex restoration projects.
About Amanda Poskaitis
Amanda Poskaitis is an Environmental Scientist and Watershed Restoration Professional who partnership development and oversees design team coordination for shoreline, stream, and wetland restoration projects. In her management role, Amanda works closely with the Design Team Technical Lead to guide design workflow, ensure technical quality, manage schedules and budgets, and support clear communication between designers, clients, and project partners. She brings deep expertise in conservation biology, restoration methods, project management, grant writing, and community engagement, with a particular passion for improving public access and fostering collaborative, partner-driven restoration outcomes. Amanda’s prior experience includes serving as an Environmental Scientist with the Maryland Coastal Bays Program, where she implemented scientific studies and managed restoration and volunteer initiatives, and as a Coastal Adaptation Specialist with the National Wildlife Federation, where she developed and advanced a regional climate adaptation program for the Mid-Atlantic. Across her work at U&A, Amanda helps guide projects from early concept development through permitting, funding, design, construction, and adaptive management, ensuring alignment with both partner goals and the firm’s regenerative, nature-based design philosophy.
About Alex Thompson
Alexander Thompson is a restoration design specialist for Underwood & Associates, with 2.5 years of experience in the design and permitting of stream, stormwater, and shoreline restoration projects across Maryland. Alex has an M.S. in Water and Sustainable Development, with a focus on Water Resources and Ecosystems Health, from the IHE Delft Institute for Water Eduction in the Netherlands. He is passionate about the ecological health of Maryland's streams, wetlands, and estuaries, which has led him to his current position as a restoration designer. He is experienced with modeling software such as HEC-RAS and TR-55, geospatial software such as ArcGIS, and design software such as AutoCAD Civil3D. Alex is also a commercially-licensed drone pilot, which allows him to provide drone-based data collection and site photography in support of design work. When not restoring streams, he enjoys hiking, biking, drone flying, and playing music.