To carry out cutting edge and applied research while training the next generation of scientists in providing actionable, novel solutions for a more water-secure world.
Lanna Nations
Research Education and Outreach Program Director
Marie Wilson
Education and Outreach Coordinator
Hannah Holcomb, Ph.D.
AWI Research Education Program Manager
Ashley Villegas
Education & Outreach Intern
Academic Programs
Undergraduate Programs
Research Experience for Undergraduates
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.
This program spans 10 weeks and offers opportunities for students from UA and other academic institutions across the country to engage in research with UA faculty.
Graduate Programs
Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute
The Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute is a seven-week experiential learning program that brings graduate students together with academic researchers, other professionals, and CUAHSI staff. Since the first Summer Institute in 2015, more than 200 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.
USGS FLOW Academy
The USGS FLOW (Future Leaders in Observation of Water) Academy is a seven-week immersive, research challenge-based learning experience for undergraduate and graduate students related to water observing sensors, platforms, and system technologies with a special focus on water hazard impacts on water quantity and quality. Participants will have the opportunity to both work hands-on with a variety of water observing and sensing technologies as well as engage in professional development to enhance their knowledge and skills for future careers in water. The program culminates in a FLOW Symposium capstone experience.
Events
CIROH Events
Annual Science Meeting
CIROH hosts its annual Science Meeting in Fall, at The University of Alabama. The Science Meeting aims to review and advance the research agenda for CIROH and strengthen the translation of research into practice.
Developers Conference
CIROH hosts its annual Developers Conference in late Spring. The conference aims to develop a community of practice around CIROH’s research and development activities. The conference will be in-person only.
Water Observation Technology Forum
The WOTF showcases the latest research into innovative technologies and methods for measuring water quantity, quality, and availability. It highlights how science, innovation, and partnerships can fill gaps in monitoring.
AWI Events
WaterWorks
AWI holds a monthly seminar series called WaterWorks: Conversations at the Intersection of Water, Science and Society. Its purpose is to educate and entertain the public about many water-related issues by bringing in experts and researchers from all over the county to The University of Alabama, as well as by showcasing UA’s world class faculty.
Outreach
Science On a Sphere
The Alabama Water Institute is grateful to Mark and Ann Hickman for donating Science On a Sphere as part of our K-12 outreach. Science On a Sphere will be housed at the upcoming Saban Center, set to open in 2027. With over 600 datasets, this invaluable tool will help us tell the story of water to all ages and will include lessons and curriculum that educators will be able to take back to their classrooms and continue learning.
Worlds of Work
Worlds of Work is a great event that is hosted annually by Shelton State Community College. This event provides ninth grade students in the region the opportunity to explore numerous careers in a variety of fields. WOW brings together industry, academia, and over 4,000 students who come to this event eager to learn about potential careers. This is a great opportunity for students to learn about careers in water, ranging from technical jobs such as water maintenance to careers in water-related research.
Educational Resources for Students and Educators
Alabama Ste(A)M Information and Resources
NASA STEM Engagement
NASA has a strong culture of using evidence to guide its work. As a leader in exploration, science, and technology, NASA believes regular evaluation of its programs and missions drives future success. The Office of STEM Engagement supports this through a performance assessment and evaluation strategy, including a learning agenda, to help shape the next generation of explorers.
Code
Code.org® is an education nonprofit working to make computer science a core part of K–12 education for every student. It focuses on expanding access, especially for young women and underrepresented groups. As the leading K–12 computer science curriculum provider in the U.S., Code.org also runs the global Hour of Code campaign, reaching over 15% of students worldwide. Its work is supported by donors including Microsoft, Amazon and Google.
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers many free video lessons, practice exercises, and quizzes covering various STEM topics. Whether in mathematics, computer programming, or physics, students can find comprehensive resources to reinforce their understanding and acquire new skills.
EPA Students
EPA Students provides K–12 students and educators with quality homework resources, lesson plans, and project ideas for learning about the environment. Environmental education is a multidisciplinary approach that builds knowledge, critical thinking, and informed decision-making.
STEMworks
STEMworks is a searchable online honor roll of high-quality STEM education programs. It helps companies, states, and individuals invest wisely by evaluating programs that meet rigorous, results-driven design principles. Its mission includes promoting excellence, equity, and improved learning for all ages.
Science Buddies
Science Buddies offers an extensive library of STEM project ideas, resources, and guides for students of all ages. From simple experiments to complex research projects, students can find inspiration and guidance to undertake hands-on investigations and explore their scientific interests.
USGS Teacher Resources for Water Education
Water information is vital to the economy, public safety, and effective water resource management. The USGS partners with others to monitor, assess, research, and share data on streamflow, groundwater, water quality, and water use.
GLOBE
The GLOBE (Global Learning and Observations to Benefit the Environment) Program is an international science and education initiative that promotes scientific literacy and environmental awareness. Its goals include increasing understanding of the Earth and supporting student achievement in science and math. GLOBE connects students, teachers, researchers, and lifelong learners through a global community.
Educational Games
The Watershed Game
The Watershed Game is an interactive tool that helps individuals understand the connections between land use and water quality. Participants learn how a variety of land uses impact water and natural resources, increase their knowledge of best management practices and learn how their choices can prevent adverse impacts. Participants apply plans, practices and policies that help them achieve a water quality goal for stream, lake or river.
Trained Watershed Game Facilitators can now check out any of the 4 game versions:
- Local Leaders Stream
- Local Leaders River
- Local Leaders Lake
- Classroom
Game versions will be reserved and checked out on a first reserved, first-served basis.
If you have not been trained to use the Watershed game or would like assistance with facilitating the game, please contact Lanna Nations at lnations@ua.edu for more information.
Enviroscape
AWI is excited to offer faculty affiliates the ability to sign out our Enviroscape. This watershed pollution teaching tool is like a barbie dream house for watersheds. Students can create their town and watch how best management practices keep pollutants out of waterways. They will decide the best places to implement these solutions to have the cleanest surface and subsurface water. They will learn about point source and non-point source pollution. You can learn more about Enviroscapes by watching the video below.
To sign out this tool, email Lanna Nations at lnations@ua.edu.