The National Water Center Innovators Program Summer Institute is a seven-week experiential learning program that brings graduate students together with academic researchers, other professionals and NWC staff. Since 2015, more than 180 students have participated in the program, which continues to play an important role in advancing the National Water Model and water prediction in the United States.
The Summer Institute is a collaborative effort between the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, or CUAHSI, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA. Together, they work to advance the mission of the NWC, which aims to support decisions for a water-resilient nation.
The seven-week program is hosted by NOAA, the Cooperative Institute for Research to Operations in Hydrology and CUAHSI as part of CIROH’s education and outreach programs. The 2024 program began June 10 and will continue through July 26.
“During the first two weeks, participants work closely with the theme leads before breaking off to work on their specific project areas,” said Lanna Nations, director of research education and outreach programs for CIROH and the Alabama Water Institute. “They present their findings during the Capstone Event at the end of the summer.”
Graduate students selected to participate work on projects in water prediction and flood forecasting and operate in small teams mentored by university faculty and other professionals. Students stay onsite in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, for the entirety of the program and are hosted by The University of Alabama.
“The Summer Institute has a special connection with NOAA, and we are extremely grateful for the support of this program and the betterment of the work it’s producing,” said Nations.
CUAHSI is a 501(c)3 organization representing more than 130 U.S. universities and international water science-related organizations.