Introducing the 2025 Water Fellows Cohort
The Arkansas Water Resources Center (AWRC) is proud to unveil the 2025 Water Fellows Cohort, a dynamic group of students from the University of Central Arkansas and the University of Arkansas. These students will spend their summer immersed in groundbreaking water quality and environmental research, guided by expert mentors and partnering with top-tier organizations. Their work promises to advance our understanding of water resources and shape a sustainable future for Arkansas.
2025 Water Fellows:
Emma Busteed, a senior environmental science major at the University of Central Arkansas, will work with Brian Haggard, AWRC director and professor in the University of Arkansas biological and agricultural engineering department. Busteed is eager to do hands-on fieldwork in an Arkansas watershed, honing her water quality research skills. “I’m looking forward to learning more about water quality through this immersive experience,” she says.
Dario Cano, a junior at the University of Arkansas majoring in environmental, soil, and water science with a philosophy minor, will work alongside Helen Amorim, a postdoctoral fellow in the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department. His project explores how buffer strips can enhance soil and water quality. Cano is excited to explore “How efforts in agricultural conservation can drive meaningful improvements in water quality.”
Auldyn Faulk, a sophomore studying environmental, soil, and water science with a sustainability minor at the University of Arkansas, will collaborate with Shannon Speir, assistant professor in the Crop, Soil, and Environmental Sciences Department. Faulk’s research will focus on monitoring nitrous oxide production in tailwater recovery systems in Eastern Arkansas. “I’m eager to grow both personally and professionally as I develop my research skills, learn more about the scientific process, and gain hands-on experience that will be valuable as I work toward a career in environmental science,” Faulk says.
Rachel Haley, is pursuing dual degrees at the University of Arkansas in environmental, soil, and water science and biology. Mentored by Shannon Speir, Haley’s project will advance water quality efforts in Northwest Arkansas. “I was thrilled to be chosen for the Water Fellows and work with an amazing researcher on a project that is both of interest to me and what I would like to do in my career, and is beneficial to the northwest Arkansas region,” says Haley.
Lily Stitt, a junior majoring in biological engineering with an environmental concentration and a math minor at the University of Arkansas, will partner with Joshua Blackstock, a physical scientist at the USDA Agricultural Research Service and teaching assistant in the University of Arkansas geosciences department. Her stream morphology project will blend fieldwork with innovation. “I’m honored to be part of the Water Fellows Program this summer and am excited to gain fieldwork experience that aligns with both my academic interests and personal passions,” Stitt says.
“I was so impressed with the first cohort of Water Fellows, that we continued this program – I’m looking forward to see how their experiences go this summer and their poster presentations at our annual conference in July,” said Brian Haggard, AWRC director.
The Fellows’ research will culminate in presentations at the 2025 Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Conference, co-hosted by the AWRC, from July 22 to 24. Learn more about the conference here.
