The Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology, or CIROH, is the pinnacle of modern water research institutions. Since its inception, the institution has also proven to be a leader in research mentorship. Dr. Ryan Johnson, a former postdoc for CIROH, is one of our most notable success stories.
As an undergraduate, Johnson became interested in research in earth system sciences at the University of California, Irvine. After receiving a summer field position at the Critical Zone Observatory in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, he was inspired to pursue a master’s degree in environmental science at California State University, Fullerton. He loved the blend of engineering and wanted to pursue research involving water. This research interest aligned with CIROH’s own Dr. Steve Burian, who was working at the University of Utah then, and he hired Johnson as a doctoral student in his urban water group.
“I was very lucky to connect with Dr. Burian,” said Johnson. “During this time, I nurtured my critical thinking and research skill set.”
While Johnson was wrapping up his doctorate, the Alabama Water Institute, or AWI, recruited Burian to put together a team that would create an operational hydrological cooperative institute, currently known as CIROH. At this time, Burian recruited Johnson to come to The University of Alabama as a postdoc and help write the Cooperative Institute proposal, and the rest is history.
During his time at CIROH, Johnson’s research focused on snowpack modeling using artificial intelligence and machine learning, or ML, to support water supply forecasting for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. He also focused on leveraging the power of ML to help the National Water Model simulations account for the impacts of water resources infrastructure, such as dams, diversions, interbasin transfers, undocumented water use and more. These research projects directly aligned with his initial interests in water research in combination with engineering, and it all started with the support and mentorship provided by Burian. This support and mentorship remained consistent throughout his time at AWI.
“I can confidently say the last three years at AWI have been a continuous mentoring and supporting experience. Dr. Burian provided me with many opportunities to succeed, and he and the rest of the amazing AWI team were more than willing to support me and my research however possible,” said Johnson. “Our original AWI leader, Scott Rayder, and Dr. Burian were enthusiastic about supporting young scientists and went out of their way to encourage opportunity. From their mentoring, I grew my skills in being kind, supportive and creating drive in my team.”
Recently, Johnson accepted an opportunity at the University of Utah, but that does not mean he is cutting ties with CIROH and AWI. His experiences here have assisted in shaping him into the amazing scientist he is today, and he wants to continue to further CIROH’s mission with his research.
“A key motivation for accepting the new position is that the University of Utah is a CIROH member, and I have the ability to lead my own research group with the motivation to amplify the impact on my field and benefit CIROH,” said Johnson. “I will be leveraging my existing relationships with UA faculty, AWI research staff and the greater CIROH community to tackle hydrological research questions and needs as they arise. Furthermore, I will be leveraging my CIROH projects to pursue other funding opportunities to advance CIROH science as well as the field of hydrology.” As a part of the CIROH community, not only does one invest time in the institution’s success, but time, effort and encouragement are devoted to the individual as well. We aim to be a leader in research mentorship and wish to support each of our researchers, past and present, in all of their endeavors. This not only furthers CIROH’s mission but strengthens the connections and cohesion within the water community. To learn more about Johnson and his research, head to the CIROH website.