Education
The Center is designed to help university students develop both scientific
depth and interdisciplinary breadth of knowledge concerning water resources
in the region and beyond. In the collaborative setting of the Center, students
work together with faculty and other researchers, often teaming up with off-campus
professionals and organizations. Our educational approach stresses practice-based
experience and applications. Center students learn how to apply research to
community water issues, develop important problem-solving skills, and connect
university education with professional practice. The Center maintains close
ties with two on-campus student groups: the student
chapter of the American Water Resources Association, which was awarded "best student chapter" in
the nation by AWRA in 2001 and 2006; and, the UW
chapter of Engineers Without Borders.
The Center maintains a comprehensive email
list which posts seminars, events,
funding opportunities, and jobs throughout the
region. The
Center publishes a twice yearly newsletter, which is also available on our
website.
Graduate
The Center provides an interdisciplinary setting where graduate students can
interact with other students, staff, and faculty from departments across campus,
including forest resources, ocean and fishery sciences, engineering, public
affairs, earth and space sciences, architecture and urban planning, atmospheric
sciences, law, economics, geography, and public health. Students benefit from
activities such as the weekly Water
Center Seminar (available for graduate
credit), course offerings, and special events with other students and faculty.
We are proud to feature a cadre of “Water
Center Students” that
enjoy formal affiliation with the Center. As with all graduate students, Water
Center Students must first be accepted into a home
department with a faculty advisor from that department. Water Center Students
can participate in a range of events, such as the Annual
Review of Research,
which attracts more than 300 water professionals from industry, agencies, tribes,
nonprofits, and academia.
To apply for affiliation as a Water Center Student, send a cover letter stating
your areas of research interest, and a resume, to the Water
Center.
Undergraduate
The minor in streamside studies, offered through the College of Forest Resources, provides students with an interdisciplinary understanding of critical processes in streamside areas: geomorphology, plant ecology, hydrology, and fisheries ecology. The weekly Water Center Seminar (also available for undergraduate credit), provides broad exposure to a wide spectrum of water resource issues, with lectures from scientists on and off campus. The seminar can be repeated up to six times for credit.