The Water Research Center is hosting a virtual lunchtime seminar series this spring. The center’s seed grant recipients from 2022–23 will talk about their research and how they are addressing some of the water-related challenges faced by Washington State. The upcoming seminars are as follows:
- “Building Tribal-Academic Partnerships to Protect Pacific Salmon from Toxic Urban Stormwater”
Presented by Stephanie Blair, PhD candidate
Noon–1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22
Blair and her advisor, Jenifer McIntyre, investigated the toxicity of urban stormwater, specifically the tire chemical 6PPD-quinone, to Pacific Salmon. In her presentation, Blair will discuss the results of their research and collaborative efforts to study and raise awareness of this issue.
- “Using Drone-Based Technologies to Map Stream Characteristics and Salmon Spawning Habitat”
Presented by Alex Fremier, PhD, associate professor
Noon–1 p.m. on Thursday, March 21
Fremier and co-PI Daniel Auerbach developed drone-based technologies to measure stream velocity, temperature, and morphology. These measurements help identify and quantify salmon spawning habitat and offer new methodologies for environmental monitoring. Fremier will share the details of their study and work with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife in the Wenatchee River.
- “Integrating Agricultural Water Use into Climate Change Impact Assessments”
Presented by Kirti Rajagopalan, PhD, assistant professor
Noon–1 p.m. on Thursday, April 18
Rajagopalan and her research team worked to advance the climate change impacts assessment model, CropSyst, by incorporating agricultural water use associated with managing extreme weather events (such as watering to control sunburn in apples) into modeling. Rajagopalan will discuss the team’s efforts and how the new assessment capabilities can aid in regional water resources planning.
All seminars are free, but registration is required. To learn more and register, please visit the Water Research Center website.
