Category News


Alabama Water Institute Awards Multiple Equipment Grants

In the ongoing efforts to support water-related research at The University of Alabama, the Alabama Water Institute has awarded five faculty members a total of $76,630 through the AWI Equipment Support Program. Dr. James Harris, assistant professor in UA’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, has been awarded $30,130 from the AWI for a diffuse…


New UA Stormwater Detention Basin to Ease Flooding and Provide Research Opportunities

Flooding should be less of a problem for one area of The University of Alabama campus. A new underground stormwater detention basin beneath the Tutwiler Triangle Lot will help quickly reduce the amount of standing water after heavy rain. The basin, located at the corner of Bryant Drive and 10th Avenue, has a capacity of…


UA Researcher Awarded Grant for Severe Weather Public Communication Study

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research, or UCAR, has awarded a $15,000 grant to The University of Alabama’s Dr. Cory Armstrong to examine the effectiveness of tornadic-related weather information on the general public. Her project, “Does that work for you? Comprehension and Interpretation of NWS Weather Graphics by Urban and Rural Mid-South Residents,” was funded…


UA Food Scientist Awarded AWI Grant For Nanofiber Production Equipment

The Alabama Water Institute recently awarded an equipment grant to Dr. Lingyan Kong from The University of Alabama’s College of Human Environmental Sciences. Kong was awarded $10,900 for an electrospinner, which is a lab scale unit used to produce nanofibers. The AWI funding is half of a cost-sharing grant from CHES, bringing the total to…


UA Professor Receives National Science Foundation Awards for Mussel and Water Research

The research, conservation and education of freshwater mussels has led to a 5-year $1.04 million National Science Foundation CAREER award to an ecologist from The University of Alabama. Dr. Carla Atkinson, an associate professor in UA’s Department of Biological Sciences, recently received the award, which is one of the most prestigious recognitions of top-performing young…


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…