Category News


UA Professors Awarded NSF Grant For Underwater Robotics Wireless Communications

Two University of Alabama professors have been selected by the National Science Foundation to lead a $1.5 million effort from its CISE Community Research Infrastructure program. Dr. Aijun Song, assistant professor in UA’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Dr. Xiaoyan Hong, associate professor in the Department of Computer Science, have been awarded $880,000…


UA Leading Rural Wastewater Treatment Pilot Program with Grant from Columbia World Projects

The University of Alabama is spearheading a new approach to wastewater treatment in Alabama’s Black Belt region thanks to a grant from Columbia World Projects. The initial investment of $710,000 establishes a pilot program that allows researchers to show that rural underserved areas can have healthier and more affordable access to wastewater management systems. With…


UA Professor Awarded NSF Grant for Symbiotic Algae and Coral Research

The National Science Foundation has awarded Dr. Kenneth Hoadley a $290,214 grant for his research addressing the health of symbiotic algae living among reef corals. Hoadley, an assistant professor in The University of Alabama’s Department of Biological Sciences, will use the money for the testing and optimization of a low-cost prototype instrument that will allow…


A Worldwide View of Water

Earth is made up of approximately 71 percent water, and the majority of people might be lucky enough to see a fraction of that with their own eyes. For Dr. Glenn Tootle, he’s seen more than the average person. His passion for one of life’s most precious resources takes him around the globe to study…


USGS Director Reveals Vision, New Facility Plans for Collaboration with Alabama Water Institute

During a recent visit to The University of Alabama, U.S. Geological Survey Director Dr. Jim Reilly touted his vision for USGS Water Resources, as well as what the future holds with its partnership with the Alabama Water Institute. Reilly met with several members of the UA leadership and faculty members, including an online town hall…


Balancing the Cost of Disasters

During extreme events, such as a global pandemic or natural disaster, financial resources can become strained. Many governments are self-insured, and a growing number of incidents can hinder their abilities to help local regions and municipalities financially recover. Understanding and creating different types of strategies to offset those problems is something that needs careful attention.…


UA Researcher Studying Link Between Pollutants and Hermaphroditic Fish

Pollution and chemical imbalances in water could have an adverse effect on animal behavior, particularly in fish that make their home among the mangrove trees along the Florida coast. Dr. Ryan Earley and his students are charting multiple courses to determine what causes changes in how the fish function. “Our research program has a bunch…


AWI’s Flournoy Named 2020 Mirzayan Fellow

Dr. Nikaela Flournoy has been selected for the 2020 Christine Mirzayan Science & Technology Policy Graduate Fellowship Program with The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine. The fellowship is a 12-week training and educational program that hosts early career individuals at The National Academies in Washington, D.C. They spend their time learning about science…


UA Institutes Working Together for Healthier Lives in Rural Alabama

The new director of the Alabama Life Research Institute wants to enhance healthcare and life in rural areas, and that includes improving access to and quality of water. Dr. Sharlene Newman began her tenure as the executive director of the ALRI in October 2019. A cognitive neuroscientist, Newman grew up in Abbeville, Alabama, a small…


Combating the Harmful Effects of Illicit Supply Networks

A recent workshop co-hosted by the Alabama Water Institute aims to shed light on the growing problem of illicit supply networks, or ISNs. These networks pose numerous risks to national security, human and environmental health and economic prosperity. According to researchers, established ISNs on the radar of law enforcement conduct activities such as trafficking cocaine,…


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