[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.27.4″ custom_padding=”0px|0px|0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ custom_padding=”||0px|||” 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=”4.27.4″ global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”61px” custom_margin=”||15px|||” custom_padding=”9px||0px||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
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I grew up on\u00a0117 acres\u00a0of farmland in rural\u00a0Warren County,\u00a0Tennessee, and\u00a0my family had a small tree production nursery.\u00a0My childhood\u00a0experiences gave me an\u00a0appreciation for nature and a sense of connection to the land.\u00a0A student job\u00a0at the nearby\u00a0Tennessee\u00a0State University Nursery Research Center during high school and two years of community college instilled in me a love of research and introduced me to academic opportunities.\u00a0I earned a B.S. and M.S. in Horticulture at Auburn University in 2003 and 2006.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I was working for a retail garden center in Birmingham, AL\u00a0in the summer of 2007 when a severe drought crippled the horticulture industry,\u00a0the agriculture industry,\u00a0and municipal water infrastructure\u00a0in the Southeastern United States. I had already been planning to return to graduate school for a Ph.D.\u00a0The 2007 drought motivated me to find a graduate school program where I could focus my studies on using our water resources more effectively\u00a0and efficiently.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I earned a Ph.D. in Horticulture Science at The Ohio State University in 2013 where my work focused on\u00a0the development of water use-efficient\u00a0irrigation management\u00a0practices\u00a0for\u00a0greenhouse-grown\u00a0crops.\u00a0I returned to Auburn University and was Assistant Professor of Sustainable Nursery\u00a0Production Management from 2013 to 2019. My research focused on irrigation management in commercial production nurseries, and I taught the Nursery Management course.\u00a0From 2019 to 2021, I worked in the commercial greenhouse crop production industry throughout the Southeast\u00a0as a technical representative for a commercial potting mix company and as a private consultant in which\u00a0I worked with commercial growers on best irrigation management practices.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/Adam-Mona-at-NIWR-conference-Feb-202579.png” alt=”Adam Newby and Mona Dominguez attend NIWR Conference” title_text=”Adam and Mona at NIWR conference Feb 2025%9179%93″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Adam Newby and Mona Dominguez (AWW Director) attend the National Institutes for Water resources Annual Meeting, 2025.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I began working with the AU Water Resources Center in 2021\u00a0on the Watershed Plans for Irrigation program.\u00a0The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is\u00a0assisting\u00a0the Alabama Soil and Water Conservation Committee (ALSWCC) in the planning and implementation of watershed projects that help Alabama farmers increase resilience to unpredictable weather patterns and droughts. NRCS\u00a0contracts\u00a0the AUWRC to develop watershed project plans for\u00a0these projects.\u00a0I coordinate the development of\u00a0these\u00a0plans\u00a0which include input from experts at Auburn University and the University of Alabama in Huntsville.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n I am also the Alabama\u00a0coordinator for\u00a0the USGS WRRA\u00a0Program,\u00a0a federal\u2013state partnership that\u00a0helps resolve State and regional water problems by\u00a0supporting\u00a0applied research, technology transfer, dissemination and application of research results, and the training of new scientists\u00a0and\u00a0engineers.\u00a0The AUWRC is Alabama\u2019s designated water resources research institute under this program, and we receive an annual base grant from the USGS. We\u00a0use those funds to support researchers across Alabama through a competitive grant process and to support\u00a0the outreach and education efforts of the AUWRC.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Over the past few years I’ve enjoyed contributing to maintaining and teaching about our campus stream, Parkerson Mill Creek. I’ve helped oversee invasive species removal projects, and I teach various student groups about the stream restoration and green infrastructure projects on campus.\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/IMG_5328.jpeg” alt=”Invasive plant removal at PMC” title_text=”IMG_5328″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Adam Newby and Laura Cooley work with student groups to remove invasive plants from Parkerson Mill Creek on Auburn’s campus.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”98px” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I get to play a role in work that protects\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Alabama’s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>water resources and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>ecosystems<\/span>. That work\u00a0<\/span><\/span>ultimately benefits<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>all of us.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I get to work with amazing people who love what they do.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I get excited about learning new things, and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I\u2019m<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>constantly learning from the people with whom I get to work.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>That includes my colleagues at the AUWRC,\u00a0<\/span><\/span>university faculty and staff, and Alabama farmers.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”15px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n My background in agricultural irrigation management focused on<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>reducing water use\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>quantity<\/span><\/span>, but\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I’ve<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>come to realize the importance of protecting the\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>quality<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>of our water resources. As the saying goes, an o<\/span>unce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Society depends on\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>clean<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>water. Workin<\/span>g\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>with\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>nature to keep our water resourc<\/span>es unpolluted is much more economical\u00a0<\/span><\/span>in the long run<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>than\u00a0<\/span><\/span>trying to clean the water after we create\u00a0<\/span><\/span>a water quality\u00a0<\/span><\/span>pr<\/span>oblem<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>I\u2019ve<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>come to believe that smart planning and good policy\u00a0<\/span><\/span>is what\u00a0<\/span><\/span>we need to preserve our shared water resources.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2026\/03\/Parkerson-Tour1.jpg” alt=”Adam teaches Auburn Students about stream restoration” title_text=”Parkerson Tour1″ _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” hover_enabled=”0″ global_colors_info=”{}” sticky_enabled=”0″]<\/p>\n Adam Newby and Laura Cooley teach Auburn Students about stream restoration.\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”21px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.4″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I\u2019ve<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>learned from many people throughout my career.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>The lessons I have learned that I would pass on are: Develop skills\u00a0<\/span><\/span>that best suit your strengths.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Don\u2019t<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>be afraid to brag about what you can do or what\u00a0<\/span><\/span>you\u2019ve<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>accomplished<\/span>. Be flexible<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>and open-minded.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”16px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”0px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n I think h<\/span>ow or whether a book\u00a0<\/span><\/span>serves someone\u00a0<\/span><\/span>is dependent on the in<\/span>dividual\u00a0<\/span><\/span>and even the point in time of an individual\u2019s life.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>I can think of a couple of books that have served me well.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>First of all, I\u2019m glad I was introduced\u00a0<\/span><\/span>to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>Tolkien in high school.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>The Hobbit<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>demonstrated<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>to me<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>the pure joy a fictional world could bring to li<\/span>fe. Another book that s<\/span>erved me well at the time I read it was<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span>Lies My Teacher Told Me<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span>by\u00a0<\/span><\/span>James W. Loewen. I love history.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>Although it has some blind spots, it taught me not to take\u00a0<\/span><\/span>every story we are taught\u00a0<\/span><\/span>at face value.\u00a0<\/span><\/span>We all have our own experiences and viewpoints, and\u00a0<\/span><\/span>it\u2019s<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>okay to admit\u00a0<\/span><\/span>our perspectives can cause us to\u00a0<\/span><\/span>create stories around events that may not be entirely true.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.24.2″ _module_preset=”default” min_height=”1px” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.27.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n To get in touch with Adam, email newbyaf@auburn.edu.<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.2″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/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=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/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=”4.22.2″ _module_preset=”default” background_color=”#000000″ 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]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" MEET ADAM NEWBY, AUWRC WATER RESOURCES RESEARCH ASSOCIATECan you tell us a little bit about your background and your current role at the AUWRC?I grew up on\u00a0117 acres\u00a0of farmland in […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":28,"featured_media":66012,"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":[],"class_list":["post-66011","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wrc-blog","category-wrc-staff-highlights"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66011","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=66011"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66011\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":66021,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/66011\/revisions\/66021"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/66012"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=66011"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=66011"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=66011"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}What do you find most exciting about the work you do?\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
How has working in Water Resources in Alabama changed or altered your perspective?<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
What is the best advice you have been given in your career?<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n
What is a book you think everyone should read and why?<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n