Success of the AWRC Inaugural Water Fellows Program Leads to Program Renewal
In 2024, the Arkansas Water Resources Center (AWRC) launched its inaugural cohort of Water Fellows. This group included six students: Brynnen Beck, Lyndall Chapman, Alonzo Hernandez, Katie McKay, Danna Villarreal, and Calyn Wisdom.
Over the summer, these students engaged in intensive research, collaborative learning, and professional development. Their efforts culminated in a poster presentation at the annual Agriculture, Forests, and Water Conference held in July.
Each Fellow’s research addressed distinct challenges within the field, ranging from water quality assessments in agricultural contexts to innovative water conservation strategies in urban environments.
The fellowship not only provided hands-on experience but also offered the opportunity to explore specific research interests in water resources management. Many of the Fellows expressed that the program helped them refine their career goals and deepened their understanding of the complexities and challenges within the field.
“Being able to learn about how water connected different sectors and people around the area is amazing,” Villareal said, “I’ve been grateful to be working in a friendly environment, bonding with my colleagues, and learning about water quality in the NWA area. It gave me a clearer vision of the environment I want to work in going forward.”
Feedback from faculty and stakeholders involved in the program was overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the research quality and the student’s dedication.
Erin Grantz, the AWRC program manager, said, “The Fellows were incredibly successful this summer, and their research was excellent. I’m looking forward to watching the program grow in the coming years.”
Based on this success, the AWRC is excited to announce that the Water Fellows program will continue in Summer 2025.
The program is open to undergraduate students from any higher education institution in Arkansas. Selected Fellows will undertake water-related projects that address the state’s emerging research, education, or communication needs. These projects are expected to contribute meaningful insights into Arkansas’s water resources, particularly in areas such as water quality, conservation, and resource management.
A key component of the program is the requirement for Fellows to complete a comprehensive research project, which they will present at the 2025 Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Conference co-hosted by the AWRC. This presentation will provide a platform for students to share their findings with peers, faculty, and industry professionals, fostering further discussion and collaboration.
Students and faculty interested in participating in the 2025 program are encouraged to contact Erin Grantz, AWRC Program Manager, at egrantz@uark.edu or 479-575-7192 for additional information. Applications will open in spring 2025, and the AWRC anticipates strong interest following the success of the first cohort.
With programs like the Water Fellows driving research, innovation, and education, the future of Arkansas’s water resources is promising. The AWRC is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders in water and soil science and ensuring sustainable management of the state’s water resources.
