The Alabama Water Institute recently welcomed Emily Fischer as a science communications student intern.
Fischer is a sophomore at The University of Alabama, majoring in biology with a minor in English. As a science communications intern, Fischer writes press releases and feature articles highlighting cutting-edge hydrological research and projects being conducted at UA and by the institute’s partners.
“I’ve always been interested in both science and writing, so I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to combine the two through the pieces I write for the institute,” Fischer said.
Fischer has been fascinated by the multitude of ways that the AWI applies its science.
“Water isn’t just relevant to science, it’s often a major topic of discussion for policymakers, too,” she said. “Water directly affects public health, food security, climate change and economic growth. The more people are aware of these issues, the more minds we have engineering solutions to these problems.”
Fischer hopes that the institute will continue to educate the public on water issues and looks forward to assisting in this cause.
“Water is a fundamental element of life. Yet, before working at the AWI, I rarely thought about water-related issues,” Fischer said. “I feel very passionately about environmental justice and social justice topics, and water has such a close tie to each of these. I look forward to deepening my understanding of these issues through the institute.”
Fischer works to effectively communicate research efforts to a wide audience of scientists, policymakers, faculty, staff, students and the public alike. Additionally, she assists in creating content for the AWI’s social media channels. Fischer is mentored and overseen by AWI Director for Research to Operations Communications Zach Krauss and Brock Parker, AWI’s senior writer and editor.
“It’s one thing to explain science to scientists, but it’s a whole separate thing to be able to communicate important information in an understandable way from which everyone can benefit,” Fischer said.