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Alabama Water Institute

AWI, CIROH Highlight Partnerships at Annual AMS Meeting

Written by: Brock Parker
Published: February 6, 2025

Co-authored by Emily Fischer

A man in a red jacket and a woman in a purple quilted jacket converse at an exhibition booth for the Alabama Water Institute and CIROH. The booth features banners with logos and images related to water research. A table with informational materials is in the background, where another woman in a purple sweater is seated, smiling. Other attendees and booths are visible in the background at the event.
Dr. Marian Westly from NOAA and Dr. Steve Burian, CIROH executive director, speak in front of the Alabama Water Institute booth at AMS.

NEW ORLEANS – The Alabama Water Institute recently participated in the 105th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society. The event, held in mid-January, brought together meteorologists, climate scientists and weather enthusiasts from around the world to discuss the latest advancements and challenges in the field of meteorology.

Presentations and Research Highlights

The meeting featured a robust schedule of presentations, including a panel featuring AWI and NOAA leadership and researchers from the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology. They presented their findings on a variety of topics, including the need for public-private partnerships to advance water resources. Part of CIROH’s mission is to translate water forecasts into actionable products and water predictions into decision making.

“Many of the projects CIROH is sponsoring will hopefully produce some degree of operational outcome products,” said Matt Womble, AWI executive director. “The Alabama Water Institute and CIROH, in partnership with the Office of Water Prediction and NOAA, can then package them up to pass over to the federal government to operationalize.”

Dr. Steven Burian reflected on CIROH’s progress over the past three years and its core goals.

“We have progressed from that initial connection to the interaction to building trust and now having full collaboration,” said Burian, CIROH executive director. “That’s been a key part of what we’ve been establishing.”

Burian explained the importance of collaboration in water science. Burian highlighted Ed Clark, director of the NOAA National Water Center, and his integral help in guiding CIROH initiatives that align with NOAA’s needs.

“Ed serves on CIROH’s executive board where he helps facilitate research collaborations between CIROH researchers and National Water Center scientists and operational professionals, which is key to our R2O success,” said Burian.

Clark reflected on the significance of Tuscaloosa being home to The University of Alabama, CIROH and the NWC and how it serves as both a geographic and symbolic hub for advancing hydrological science.

“The power of place comes not just from investing in these institutions and CIROH, but from bringing together faculty, community and organizational elements that extend far beyond where we sit today,” said Clark. “Many of our folks here at the National Weather Service and hydrology programs do not sit in Tuscaloosa yet, they travel there.”

Three men in business attire engage in a conversation at an exhibition booth for the Alabama Water Institute and CIROH. Two of them, wearing lanyards, stand in front of a backdrop featuring The University of Alabama and CIROH logos, while the third man, also in a suit, faces them. A table in the foreground displays brochures, stickers, pens, and a laptop screen showing information about CIROH. A literature stand with informational materials is visible to the right.
AWI Executive Director Matt Womble and Ed Clark, director of NOAA’s National Water Center, greet people at the AWI exhibitor booth.
A man with glasses stands at a podium, speaking during a panel discussion at the AMS Annual Meeting. Behind him, a large screen displays a presentation slide with text. Seated at a long table on an elevated stage, five panelists—three women and two men—listen attentively. The table holds microphones, water bottles, and conference materials. The background features a wood-paneled wall and a carpeted stage.
The CIROH panel at AMS. From left, Dr. Steve Burian, Dr. Beverley Wemple, Dr. Marian Westly, Ed Clark, Dr. Katie van Werkhoven and Matt Womble.
A woman in a beige blazer discusses her research poster with two attendees at a scientific conference. The poster, displayed on a gray board, focuses on water level forecasting for the Great Lakes and Lake Champlain, featuring NOAA and Office of Water Prediction logos. One attendee, a man in a white shirt, listens while holding a cup of coffee, and the other, wearing a blue shirt and a black backpack, faces the poster. The background includes other research posters and attendees in a large convention hall.
NOAA and CIROH physical scientist Dina Sang at her poster presentation.
A man in a plaid shirt and baseball cap stands in front of an exhibition booth for the Alabama Water Institute and CIROH, holding a plate of food while engaging in conversation. Two women sit behind the booth's table, which is covered with promotional materials, brochures, and a laptop displaying information. Large banners in the background showcase The University of Alabama, CIROH, GWSC, and CONSERVE programs. Other attendees and booths are visible in the background at the conference venue.
AWI event coordinator Gabbrielle Steele and AWI education and outreach director Lanna Nations greet people at the AWI exhibitor booth.
A man in a dark suit stands at a microphone in a conference room, speaking during a session. Other attendees are seated in rows of chairs, some listening attentively while others take notes or check their phones. A woman in the foreground, wearing a black jacket and green pants, sits with her hands clasped. The background features dark window coverings and a neutral-colored wall.
Audience members ask questions during the CIROH panel.

Networking and Exhibitions

One of the key aspects of the meeting was the opportunity for attendees to connect with more than 90 exhibitors. Exhibitors showcased a wide range of products, publications and services, providing participants with insights into the latest technological advancements and innovations.

Many came by the AWI booth to learn about the unique partnerships UA, NOAA and the U.S. Geological Survey. They also learned about the many AWI educational opportunities, such as the USGS FLOW Academy, National Water Center Innovators Program Summer Institute and CIROH’s Research Experience for Undergraduates. NOAA and CIROH physical scientist Dina Sang was also one of hundreds who presented posters during the conferences numerous sessions.

Career Development Opportunities

Career development was a significant focus of the AMS Annual Meeting. The event offered a range of sessions and workshops designed to support individuals at different stages of their careers. These included resume workshops, career fairs and mentoring programs. Attendees had the chance to gain valuable advice from seasoned professionals, network with potential employers and explore new career opportunities within many scientific fields.

Conclusion

The 105th AMS Annual Meeting was a comprehensive event that provided valuable insights, networking opportunities and professional growth for attendees. It enabled the AWI to share more insights about the partnerships and collaborations that have been established at UA while also showcasing the many academic and research opportunities available to a wide range of students and hydrology professionals.

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