Dr. Ned Mamula, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Director, recently visited The University of Alabama to check out the impressive water research facilities there. This was his first hands-on look at the agency’s Hydrologic Instrumentation Facility (HIF), and he was quite impressed. He stated, “The University of Alabama is one of the leaders in the country in this endeavor. This is not classic academic hydrology. This is way beyond that.”
The campus hosts a unique group of water research centers: HIF, the Alabama Water Institute (AWI), and the NOAA National Water Center. Together, they create a powerful hub of expertise in water research.
During his visit, Dr. Mamula toured the HIF, meeting staff and enjoying lunch with the team. He then moved on to the NOAA center and finally to the AWI, where Dr. Bryan Boudouris, UA’s vice president for research, spoke about the strong partnerships among these institutions.
Boudouris emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “The presence of both the USGS and the NOAA National Water Center on our campus creates a rare hub of water expertise.”
The visit underscored existing collaborations, such as the Future Leaders in Observation of Water Academy (FLOW). This program allows undergraduate and graduate students to work alongside federal scientists and UA faculty for eight weeks each summer.
Collaboration was a theme during Dr. Mamula’s visit. He views water as a vital national resource, akin to energy and minerals, and stated, “It’s not something you just turn on your tap and there it is. We have to use it wisely.”
Mamula’s enthusiasm for the AWI’s interest in critical minerals was notable, as he called for more public-private-academic partnerships to tackle significant issues. He believes these collaborations lead to some of the most impactful developments in American history.
As the next FLOW Academy approaches, the AWI aims to deepen its collaboration with USGS on pressing water challenges.
Collectively, the Alabama Water Institute and its partners focus on hydrologic modeling, water security, remote sensing, and more. These efforts reflect a growing recognition of water as a critical resource that deserves careful management and innovative solutions.
For a closer look at water research initiatives, you can check out the Alabama Water Institute and the Global Water Security Center.
