TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The Alabama Water Institute has selected four faculty members from The University of Alabama to serve as 2025-28 fellows in the AWI Faculty Fellowship Program.
The program recognizes UA faculty for outstanding research, extension and education programs that significantly advance UA’s interdisciplinary water-related communities of science. The 2025 faculty fellows represent AWI directly and each of its three research entities: the Global Water Security Center, Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology and CONSERVE Research Group.
Each fellow was selected for their expertise and potential to advance cutting-edge research that addresses critical water challenges facing communities worldwide.
AWI Fellow: Dr. Kenneth Hoadley
Dr. Kenneth Hoadley, assistant professor of biological sciences, is pioneering underwater technology that could revolutionize coral restoration efforts globally. The assistant professor of biological sciences specializes in algal physiology and has developed innovative instrumentation that rapidly assesses coral health and thermal tolerance.
Hoadley’s breakthrough centers on an underwater fluorometer that measures fluorescence signatures from algae living within corals. This technology enables researchers to predict which corals can better survive rising ocean temperatures—critical information for restoration programs worldwide.
“As it turns out, the different types of algae play a big role in which ones are more or less thermally tolerant,” said Hoadley. “By analyzing these different signatures, we can make predictions on which corals are more thermally tolerant. That’s something that’s very useful within the restoration space at the moment.”
The fellowship will enable Hoadley to commercialize these instruments, making them accessible to restoration practitioners across the globe. His lab currently collaborates with NGOs in Fiji and Guam, working with engineers, ecologists and restoration practitioners to implement conservation tools in real-world settings.
“The mission to me is about impact,” said Hoadley. “That is very much what I’m trying to focus on through the fellowship, the impact of my research within restoration.”
Beyond technological innovation, Hoadley brings experiential education to his work, regularly taking undergraduate students to tropical field sites like the Florida Keys for hands-on research experiences with active restoration programs.
GWSC Fellow: Dr. Nate Jones
Dr. Nate Jones, assistant professor of biological sciences, brings critical expertise in translating complex environmental data into actionable intelligence for decision makers worldwide. His interdisciplinary research spans stream intermittency, wetlands and water quality and flood impacts on drinking water infrastructure.
Jones’ approach combines social sciences, hydrology and geographic information science to address international water security challenges. His recent work supporting North Carolina’s response to Hurricane Helene demonstrates how researchers can provide critical guidance during environmental crises.
“Through that experience, I’m realizing that decision makers don’t just need good data—they need actionable intelligence,” said Jones. “I’m really excited about exploring this more with GWSC and learning how to work more effectively with decision makers, especially in parts of the world that have less data.”
The GWSC selected Jones for his ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical applications, particularly his understanding of how to make complex environmental data useful for policy makers and emergency responders in data-limited environments.
His work with GWSC will focus on developing tools and approaches that transform scientific findings into practical solutions for global water challenges, expanding his regional expertise to address worldwide water security issues.
CIROH Fellow: Dr. Jiaqi Gong
Dr. Jiaqi (Jackey) Gong, associate professor of computer science, is advancing the frontier of artificial intelligence applications in water science. His expertise in machine learning and knowledge representation systems positions CIROH to develop next-generation tools for water prediction and management.
Gong’s research focuses on creating AI-powered solutions for critical hydrological challenges, with particular emphasis on developing interpretable models that can forecast streamflow, predict floods and support water resource planning. His approach ensures that AI innovations translate into practical, operational solutions.
“The fellowship will provide an invaluable platform to integrate advanced AI methods into hydrological science at scale,” said Gong. “By working closely with CIROH partners, I will be able to test and refine these models in operational environments, bridging the gap between AI innovation and applied solutions.”
His work will create AI-driven decision-support systems that integrate environmental data, human behavior and policy considerations. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that technological advances serve both scientific rigor and societal needs.
“I am honored to be named an AWI Faculty Fellow for CIROH in 2025,” said Gong. “This fellowship recognizes the importance of advancing water and climate resilience through innovative science, technology and collaboration.”
CIROH selected Gong for his ability to develop scalable, explainable AI systems that can improve water prediction across diverse hydrological settings while supporting equitable resource management and community preparedness for climate-related water challenges.
CONSERVE Fellow: Dr. Simon Bortz
Dr. Simon Bortz, associate professor of mathematics, brings sophisticated mathematical modeling capabilities to environmental conservation challenges. His expertise in optimization theory and data science provides CONSERVE with powerful analytical tools to address complex water-related problems.
Bortz’s mathematical background enables him to tackle interdisciplinary environmental challenges through innovative modeling approaches. He has already identified projects involving coupled partial differential equations and is engaging with industry partners seeking to become more water-conscious and ecologically responsible.
“In the short term, the fellowship is already influencing the direction of my research,” said Bortz. “One of the projects I’m currently exploring with CONSERVE involves coupled partial differential equations that differ from the types I’ve typically worked with.”
His collaboration with CONSERVE focuses on using mathematical modeling to support work with industry partners, applying optimization theory to real-world conservation challenges. This partnership represents the intersection of pure mathematical research and practical environmental solutions.
“It means a great deal to me,” said Bortz about the fellowship. “I’ve had the opportunity to interact with several members of CONSERVE and AWI, and it has been incredibly rewarding. The chance to conduct interdisciplinary research alongside such outstanding members of the UA community is both exciting and inspiring.”
CONSERVE selected Bortz for his ability to apply advanced mathematical principles to environmental problems, bringing analytical rigor to conservation efforts while developing tools that support evidence-based decision making in environmental management.
Advancing Water Science Through Collaboration
The 2025 cohort brings expertise spanning artificial intelligence, mathematical modeling, environmental data translation and coral restoration technology. Their research tackles interdisciplinary opportunities that translate scientific discovery into solutions for communities worldwide, building impactful projects that benefit both the University and society. Each fellowship lasts three academic years and includes an annual stipend.