{"id":10633,"date":"2023-09-25T18:29:46","date_gmt":"2023-09-25T18:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/?p=10633"},"modified":"2024-02-16T15:46:23","modified_gmt":"2024-02-16T15:46:23","slug":"carolinaruiz","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/carolinaruiz\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Carolina Ruiz"},"content":{"rendered":"\n[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”|||” global_colors_info=”{}” custom_padding__hover=”|||”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ global_colors_info=”{}”]

WE SAT DOWN WITH AUWRC’S CAROLINA RUIZ ALABAMA WATER WATCH’S ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT<\/span><\/h2>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/Caro-Flowers.png” alt=”Mona looking at ag bmps installed as part of Rock Creek WMP.” title_text=”Caro Flowers” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]

Carolina with Cahaba Lilies, one of the most iconic plants on the Cahaba River. Photo Credits: Sydney Zinner<\/b><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Tell us about your background and current position.<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]
I have a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Auburn University and I completed my Interior Design Internship at an architectural firm in Rosario, Argentina. Using 3-D modeling and rendering skills, I worked with Dr. Jesse Chappell in the School of Fisheries at Auburn to draw fish raceways for projects in Alabama and in other countries.\u00a0From there, I began working part time with Alabama Water Watch<\/a> and the Water Resources Center.\u00a0 I started assisting with basic data entry, prepping sample kits for workshops, and other everyday office tasks. \u00a0Eventually, my responsibilities grew to include answering phone calls and corresponding with trainers and volunteer water monitors across the state. Today, I am the Administrative Assistant for both the Water Resources Center and Alabama Water Watch where I help our programs and events run efficiently and smoothly.<\/span><\/div>\n
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\u00a0<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/Caro-Blog-Photos.png” alt=”Sydney during a stream restoration project” title_text=”Caro Blog Photos” _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Carolina helping train new Alabama Water Watch volunteers. Photo Credit: Sydney Zinner<\/b><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Describe your activities and projects with Alabama Water Watch and the Alabama Water Resources Conference?<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

I manage the day-to-day office tasks to maintain our operations at the AUWRC. I ensure the training materials and supplies needed for out-of-town workshops are packed for secure transport and I also make sure that we have enough Alabama Water Watch materials and supplies on hand for various events that the team does locally.<\/span><\/p>\n

I usually am the first point of contact with the \u00a0Alabama Water Watch volunteer monitors or other members of the community who stop by the office with questions. My role has expanded into helping conduct field work for research and being more involved in the lab work. I appreciate the variety of the work I get to do – getting the materials and supplies ready at the office, traveling and assisting with workshops around the state, supporting our volunteer water monitors and trainers, and also participating in field or lab work. I am currently working with AWW through their ongoing partnership with AU\u2019s Risk Management & Safety, where we assist by monitoring E.coli<\/em> levels here on campus at Parkerson Mill Creek.<\/span><\/p>\n

For our Alabama Water Resources Conference, I help plan and organize the details of the event – from arranging abstracts and speaker bios to making sure your talk is loaded in the right room at the right time, I’m always thinking through logistics to make sure things turn out well!<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/Caro-Blog-Photos2.png” alt=”Sydney instructs at her first Alabama Water Watch workshop.” title_text=”Caro Blog Photos2″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Carolina and co-worker Rachel Mcguire kick off the 2022 ALWRC Conference. Photo Credit: Mona Dominguez<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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What do you most enjoy about your work with the WRC?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Something that I really enjoy is planning and facilitating the annual Alabama Water Resources Conference<\/a>. I love being behind the scenes, making sure all the parts and pieces of the conference flow smoothly so that to all attending, it appears a seamless and effortless production. Because it is our largest event of the year, planning it can be quite stressful at times, but it also gives me a break from our daily tasks. Since I can\u2019t resolve all our problems at each moment, I focus on the most pressing ones – I see it like a puzzle, and I try breaking the tasks down into more manageable parts and then resolving each with considerate administration.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/Caro-Blog-Photos3.png” title_text=”Caro Blog Photos3″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Carolina and co-worker Sydney Zinner on the Cahaba River. Photo Credit: Mona Dominguez<\/strong><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

In your career, what’s the best advice you’ve been given?<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]
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One piece of advice that really stands out to me was from one of my Interior Design professors. She\u00a0advised us to, \u201cfind your fit.” She explained that even if we landed our dream design job, if we didn\u2019t work well with our team, coworkers, bosses etc., we wouldn\u2019t be able to reach our true potential. <\/span><\/p>\n

The people around you are just as important as the work you do, and if you aren\u2019t happy working with them, or you don\u2019t work well within your team, it will be reflected in the work you do. I think having a great team and positive work environment really allows all of us to grow into our roles to the best of our abilities and I truly believe that is reflected in the work we have been able to accomplish.\u00a0 That is a big part of the reason that I\u2019ve continued working here at the Water Resources Center and with Alabama Water Watch. It’s a great “fit”.<\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/09\/IMG_6612.jpeg” alt=”mona with aww colleagues” title_text=”IMG_6612″ _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Carolina helps lead an Alabama Water Watch Chemistry training for volunteers.<\/strong> Photo Credit: Mona Dominguez<\/b><\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_margin=”||-75px|||” custom_padding=”1px||4px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”32px” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]

In your view, what are future priorities for Alabama water resources outreach, education, and\/or research?<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/h5>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Diversity<\/strong>: As for future priorities, I would like to see more diversity in our outreach efforts. I\u2019m interested in ways that we can become more inclusive. Water resources belong to everyone.<\/span><\/p>\n

Expanded programming<\/strong>: AWW\/the WRC have an impressive academic network and we have initiated hands-on educational programs with schools and 4-H clubs in several nearby counties. I think we could expand even more, and reach more underserved areas across the state. Water is essential to all of life, and necessary for learning and living – until you don\u2019t have access to clean water.\u00a0 I think more people are realizing this as it becomes more scarce.<\/span><\/p>\n

Collaboration:<\/strong> Collaborative research in water resources is very important, I would also like to see more collaboration between different states, different universities, different organizations, and even different countries. Water is so vital, but it is such an undervalued resource so it can be easily taken for granted. That is why the collaborative work AWW\/the WRC is doing is so significant.\u00a0 <\/span><\/p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_social_media_follow _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” text_orientation=”center” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”facebook” url=”https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/auwrc” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#3b5998″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]facebook[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”twitter” url=”https:\/\/twitter.com\/AuburnWater” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#00aced” global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]twitter[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][et_pb_social_media_follow_network social_network=”instagram” url=”https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/auburnwater\/” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#ea2c59″ global_colors_info=”{}” follow_button=”off” url_new_window=”on”]instagram[\/et_pb_social_media_follow_network][\/et_pb_social_media_follow][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

WE SAT DOWN WITH AUWRC’S CAROLINA RUIZ ALABAMA WATER WATCH’S ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTCarolina with Cahaba Lilies, one of the most iconic plants on the Cahaba River. Photo Credits: Sydney ZinnerTell us […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[155,118],"tags":[55,25,26],"class_list":["post-10633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wrc-blog","category-wrc-staff-highlights","tag-citizen-science","tag-natural-resources","tag-water-resources"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10633","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/28"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10633"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11071,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10633\/revisions\/11071"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}