Meet the Staff!
Dr. Brad Austin is a Research Scientist and Lab Manager at the AWRC. He has been working with the AWRC since 2014. Brad received his Bachelor of Arts in biology from Ottawa University in 2005, his Master of Science in biology from Fort Hays State University in 2008 and his PhD in biology from the University of Arkansas in 2015. Brad’s favorite part of working at the AWRC is interacting with people and problem-solving in the lab. In his free time, Brad enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and canoeing, spending time with his dogs, and smoking meat.
Erin Grantz is the Program Manager and Data Scientist for the AWRC. Erin earned her Bachelor of Science in environmental, soil and water science in 2009, her Master of Science in crop, soil and environmental science in 2011 and is working on her PhD in environmental dynamics at the University of Arkansas. Erin has been working at the AWRC since 2020. Her favorite thing about working with the AWRC is getting to collaborate with people from all over the state and region in all aspects of environmental protection. In her free time, Erin enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking and biking and spending time with her family.
Evan Jurick is a Program Technician at the AWRC. He began working with the AWRC in December 2021. He earned a Bachelor of Science in environmental studies with a concentration in earth and water resources from Warren Wilson College in 2018. Before joining the AWRC, Evan worked for the Department of Water Resources for the City of Asheville, North Carolina, was a boat captain in Glacier National Park and lived in New Zealand. Evan enjoys his coworkers, interacting with the public, the diversity of responsibilities in the lab and that he has a role in protecting our beautiful lakes and rivers of Arkansas by working at the AWRC. During his time off, Evan likes to hike and skateboard.
Julia Rios-Gomez is a Program Technician at the AWRC. Julia has been working at the AWRC since April 2022. She received her Bachelors of Science in environmental science in 2013, her Master of Science degree in fine advanced chemistry in 2014 and her PhD in analytical chemistry in 2018 from the University of Cordoba. Julia’s favorite part of her job is the routine and organized nature of her position. Julia’s passion in her free time is photography.
Brittany McIntyre is a Graduate Research Assistant at the AWRC. She has been with the AWRC since 2021. Brittany earned her Bachelor of Science in environmental science and sustainable technology from the University of the West Indies in 2017. She is working on her Master of Science in environmental dynamics at the University of Arkansas. What Brittany enjoys most about working with the AWRC is fieldwork. During her time off, Brittany likes to go swimming.
Gabriel Cox is a Lab and Field Technician Intern at the AWRC. He started work with the AWRC at the beginning of June 2022. Gabriel is an undergraduate studying biological engineering at the University of Arkansas. His favorite part of working at the AWRC is the microbiology laboratory. In his free time, Gabriel enjoys dice-making, video and board games and 3-D printing.
Anna Grace McCarty is a Lab and Field Technician Intern at the AWRC. She started work with the AWRC in June 2022. Anna Grace is an undergraduate studying environmental science at the University of Arkansas. In the lab, Anna Grace most enjoys seeing how research is done and spending time with her coworkers. Anna Grace likes animals and basketball.
Matilda Rydell is a Lab Technician and Communications and Outreach Intern at the AWRC. She has been working at the AWRC since May 2022. Matilda is an undergraduate studying journalism and political science with a minor in natural resources management. Her favorite part of working at the AWRC is being able to diversify her skillset and working with her coworkers. In her free time, Matilda enjoys drawing, running and band.
Image Caption: Photos by Fred Miller
