The Auburn Water Resources Center team and COA Photographer Morgan Adams. Photo Credit: Morgan Adams, College of Agriculture
This year, the Alabama Water Resources Conference (ALWRC) saw a record–breaking attendance of 366 participants, with registration reaching its max capacity. The largest of its kind yet, the conference was held September 6-8, 2023, and has been hosted annually since 1987. Over the years, the ALWRC has become one of the most heavily attended and diverse forums for water resources in Alabama, drawing participants from across the Southeast. The ALWRC provides a forum for presenters from various fields to share their water related research and professional experiences. The Auburn University Water Resources Center facilitates and plans the event with a multi-agency committee and the Alabama Chapter of American Water Resources Association.
The 2023 ALWRC was the most heavily attended in the conference’s 34-year history. Photo Credit: Morgan Adams, College of Agriculture
Conference Highlights
The three-day conference opened with a symposium focused on the importance of Science Communications. Talks from Michael Villafranca, Moly Samuel, Jason Smith, and Dr. Adam Brooks highlighted strategies to bridge the gap between scientific research and engaging with a broader audience. After a networking seafood dinner at the Flora-Bama, attendees returned Thursday for a full day of concurrent sessions. Session topics included: Wastewater systems, restoration, water quality, outreach, drought and climate, stormwater, coastal issues, aquatic ecology, infrastructure, and a special training on stream crossing assessments.
Student Opportunities and Poster Session
Thursday students and other job seekers participated in a mini-job fair during the conference events, connecting firms seeking talent with conference goers. That evening, participants convened for a poster session and networking social where thirty students took part in a poster judging competition.
The conference provided a platform for students to share their research and receive feedback. Several students won awards for their session presentations and posters:
Oral Competition
1st Place – Jannell Clampitt, Auburn University
2nd Place – Kaci Zarek, The University of Alabama
3rd Place – Wellington Arthur, Auburn University
Poster Competition
1st Place – Luke Matvey, Auburn University
2nd Place – Austin Lindquist, Auburn University
3rd Place – Emma Henderson, Auburn University
Lightning Talks
Winner – Sudhanshu Kumar, Auburn University
Networking inbetween speaker sessions. Photo Credit: Morgan Adams
The 2024 ALWRC will be held from September 4-6 at the Perdido Beach Resort. More information can be found at the Auburn University Water Resources Center webpage (www.aaes.auburn.edu/wrc/). Join their newsletter to be notified about the 2024 conference.
The mission of the Auburn University Water Resources Center is to facilitate interdisciplinary collaboration among Auburn University faculty and staff on water-related research, outreach, and instruction; conduct innovative research to find practical solutions for current and future water issues and empower private citizens to become active stewards of water resources.
