Monday, June 8th, 2026
Bridget Scanlon is a Research Professor at the Bureau of Economic Geology, Jackson School of Geosciences, The University of Texas at Austin. Her current research focuses on various aspects of water resources, including assessments using satellite data and modeling, management related to climate extremes, and water energy interdependence. She has authored ~ or co-authored ~200 publications. She is an AAAS, AGU and GSA Fellow and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.Title: Water Resource Challenges and Potential Solutions based on Satellites, Modeling, and Monitoring at Global to Regional Scales
Talk Title: Water Resource Challenges and Potential Solutions based on Satellites, Modeling, and Monitoring at Global to Regional Scales
Abstract: Rapid population growth combined with increasingly frequent and intense climate extremes is placing growing pressure on water resources, both worldwide and here in Texas. Satellite observations from GRACE provide a unique global perspective on changes in water storage, revealing regions where water supplies are declining or increasing in response to climate variability and human water use.
A range of strategies is being explored to adapt to these challenges, including expanding water supplies, improving conservation, enhancing surface and subsurface water storage, and developing water transfer options. In Texas, the Texas Water Fund offers a significant opportunity to advance solutions tailored to the state’s water challenges. At the same time, many of these approaches are likely to increase the cost and energy demands associated with water supplies, underscoring the need for careful evaluation and integrated planning.
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026
2026 UCOWR Warren A. Hall Medal Recipient
Marcelo H. Garcia holds the M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Endowed Chair of Civil Engineering and serves as Director of the Ven Te Chow Hydrosystems Laboratory. He joined the faculty of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1990. Prior to UIUC, was a Research Fellow (1988-89) at St. Anthony Falls Hydraulic Laboratory, University of Minnesota, where he completed his graduate studies (MSCE’85, PhD’89) in Civil Engineering. In 2001, he was named an Honorary Professor at his alma mater, Universidad Nacional del Litoral, Santa Fe, Argentina, from where he obtained a Diploma in Water Resources Engineering. Recognized with a Doctorate Honoris Causa from National University of Cordoba, Argentina. Recipient of the 2026 Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring and the Tau Beta Pi Daniel C. Drucker Eminent Faculty Award from the Grainger College of Engineering at UIUC. Member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Tuesday, June 9th, 2026
Jay Kleberg is the Executive Director of the Gulf Trust and previously served as Associate Director of Texas Parks Wildlife Foundation. He co-produced the film Deep in the Heart: A Texas Wildlife Story and was Associate Producer of the documentary The River and the Wall. He is a co-producer and co-director of the documentary series Chasing the Tide, airing across the nation on PBS stations and streaming.
Talk Title: A River Runs Through It
Abstract: From the High Plains to the Coastal Plains, water shapes Texas. It is at the core of our cultural identity and, increasingly, at the forefront of our minds. The Santa Gertrudis Creek, one of the only sources of water in South Texas, served as the backdrop to Jay Kleberg’s childhood. He spent his early professional career on a tributary to one of the world’s largest rivers, the Amazon, and later traversed the Rio Grande, one of the longest rivers in North America. His work now focuses on the Texas Coast. He and his wife recently walked Texas’ 370 miles of beaches and barrier islands and produced a documentary series for PBS. His work has taken him back home, but with a new perspective on its place in the world and the role that water plays in connecting us all.
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026
Gregg Eckhardt is an environmental scientist with 37 years of experience in environmental modeling and analysis, water resource planning and development, state and federal permitting, and water treatment. He is known as The Nerd King of South Texas Water History. As Senior Analyst for the San Antonio Water System, he is involved in the planning, operations, and management of the city’s water supply and wastewater.
Talk Title: San Antonio Water: Sole Source to Diversity
Abstract: From Spanish colonial aqueducts to gushing artesian wells, San Antonio has a unique and colorful water history like no place else on Earth. Gregg Eckhardt will draw from his archive of rare and historic documents and photos to trace the development of the city’s water supply from total reliance on the Edwards Aquifer to a diversified water portfolio. As Texas and the United States face increasing water supply challenges, the example of San Antonio offers many lessons and insights for planners and water supply developers. The presentation will include discussion of project development, regulatory challenges, and the importance of public outreach and support.
