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UCOWR

Universities Council on Water Resources

Current Issue

To read through the current issue of the Journal of Contemporary Water Research and Education (JCWRE), see below!
Issue #181 (August 2024)

Issue #181: Open Submission Issue

Click here for issue PDF

Articles:

Click the titles below to view or download PDF files for the published articles individually; links will open in a new tab/window. To download, right click the title and choose "Save link as..." or similar (varies depending on web browser). If provided, the abstract for the article will be displayed beneath the title and author area.

Aligning Audience Needs with Scientists’ Information in the Complex Harmful Algal Bloom Outreach to Engagement Continuum

Authors: Erica Clites, Heather Triezenberg, Diane Doberneck

Abstract

Algae, an important foundation of aquatic ecosystems, can become a nuisance or harmful when
it grows in excess. Many government agencies have a role in monitoring, responding to, and confirming
a harmful algal bloom (HAB). HAB scientists have important information to share, however, given the
complexities of HABs, which often involve decoupled drivers from observed impacts, presents challenges
to outreach and engagement. Understanding key audience information needs can help scientists prioritize
key science communication and engagement opportunities to maximize the impact of such efforts. Scientists
may need additional science communication training or support for scientist-community partnerships. This
will be evermore important into the future with the likely range expansion of HABs due to climate change.

Skills Development in Hydrologic Sciences for Cohorts of Graduate Students from Morocco, Egypt, Türkiye, and Indonesia

Authors: Alan E. Fryar, Adam M. Milewski, Carmen T. Agouridis, Carol D. Hanley, Paul A. Schroeder, Mohamed Sultan, James W. Ward, Nour-Eddine Laftouhi, Nora H. Pandjaitan, Racha El Kadiri, Lahcen Benaabidate, Ahmed Fekri, Agus Suharyanto, and Koray K. Yilmaz

Abstract

In developing countries in Africa and Asia, meeting challenges of water scarcity and pollution
has often been hampered by shortcomings in higher education, including insufficient research productivity
and funding, lack of opportunity for university graduates, and a mismatch between university activities and
societal needs. To address these issues, we developed novel programs integrating technical instruction
and preparation for professional practice in hydrology for cohorts of graduate students from Morocco
and Egypt (2012–2013) and from Türkiye and Indonesia (2013–2014). Students participated in an initial
online course and a follow-up workshop featuring geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing,
and hydrologic modeling with internet-based data sets. Field activities in the USA (first cohort) and in the
students’ home countries (second cohort) included stream gauging, measurement of water levels in wells,
water sampling, and measurement of hydrochemical parameters. A subsequent online course focused on
research ethics, preparing proposals and publications, and presenting findings to technical audiences and
the public, culminating in presentations at conferences in the USA. Participants mentored other students at
their home institutions and at K-12 schools in Türkiye and Indonesia. Participant feedback during and after
the programs tended to be strongly positive, and participants have continued to engage with project leaders
and mentor students in their home countries and the USA. Our modular, hybrid approach offers a template
for students in hydrology and related fields to develop relevant skills and engage internationally.

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