{"id":9921,"date":"2023-03-03T22:19:29","date_gmt":"2023-03-03T22:19:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/?p=9921"},"modified":"2024-09-20T20:23:14","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T20:23:14","slug":"meetlaurabellcooley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/meetlaurabellcooley\/","title":{"rendered":"Meet Laura Bell Cooley"},"content":{"rendered":"

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WE SAT DOWN WITH AUWRC’S LAURA BELL COOLEY, ALABAMA WATERSHED STEWARDS PROGRAM COORDINATOR.<\/span><\/h2>\n

[\/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” custom_margin=”|auto|-32px|auto||” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Tell us about your background and current position.<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

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I joined the AUWRC team in 2018 and immediately began working on the Moores Creek Stream Restoration and Pepperell Branch Watershed Planning<\/a> projects.\u00a0 In my current role with the AUWRC, I both apply for and implement grants that are used to engage and educate stakeholders statewide about natural resource protection and preservation. Almost 5 years later, I\u2019m still learning new skills and working on new projects.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

My work with the AUWRC is largely project management, but includes applying for and developing multi-year grant projects to engage local communities in improving watershed planning, implementing best management practices, and developing educational programs. My day-to-day at the AUWRC can range from office work on grants and project management, to leading extension outreach events like rain garden installations and green infrastructure tours, to organizing professional development events on stormwater best management practices.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

We at the AUWRC are highly collaborative and almost all\u00a0our projects involve working with various partners and stakeholders across the state. Projects I\u2019ve worked on have included:\u202fAlabama Watershed Stewards<\/a>, Pepperell Branch Watershed Management Planning, Moores Creek Stream Restoration, Behavioral Science and the Selling of Conservation Education Program, and the\u202fAlabama Private Well Program<\/a>.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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I have a B.A. from the University of Virginia in Cultural Anthropology with a minor in Urban and Environmental Planning and a M.S. in Human-Environment Relations from Cornell University\u2019s Department of Design and Environmental Analysis.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In graduate school, I had a focus in landscape architecture and sustainable design. After graduating, I moved from upstate NY to Auburn with my husband who also works at AU.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Although I have a non-traditional path into the world of water, my background allows me to approach problems from a people and systems perspective. I\u2019m interested in the relationship between human behavior and sustainability and understanding the social-political-informational systems that influence whether people engage in conservation behaviors. Often education is not enough to change behavior, we must consider personal motivations, context, and barriers when we ask people to make environmentally conscious choices.<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=”1_2″ _builder_version=”4.17.4″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/03\/LBC_wading_cropped.jpg” alt=”Mona Dominguez headshot” title_text=”LBC_wading_cropped” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Laura Bell Cooley of the Auburn University Water Resources Center.<\/strong><\/em><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/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\/03\/LBC_Opelika_RainGarden.jpg” alt=”Mona looking at ag bmps installed as part of Rock Creek WMP.” title_text=”LBC_Opelika_RainGarden” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Laura led a rain garden installation in Opelika, Alabama’s Wood Duck Preserve. Photo Credit: Joshua Jackson, ACES<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

One of the biggest impacts this job has had on me is that it\u2019s given me a better understanding of how just a few dedicated community members can, over time with persistence, start to make a big impact on the future of their communities. I\u2019ve<\/span> learned how to take an idea <\/span>in<\/span>to reality through community partnerships, planning, <\/span>and the <\/span>hard work<\/span> of showing <\/span>consistently<\/span> <\/span>up<\/span> over time.<\/span> I\u2019m always thinking concretely about how change happens, which people need to be involved, how relationships need to be built, and what kinds of practical systems or barriers they face to implementing their vision. It\u2019s become ever clearer to me that working with regional partners and organizations at a grassroots level can have some of the biggest impacts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What’s on the horizon this year?<\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

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In 2023, I\u2019m<\/span> mostly focused on <\/span><\/span>Alabama Watershed <\/span>Stewards<\/span><\/span><\/a>, <\/span>an outreach program at the A<\/span>UWRC<\/span> that brings citizens, agencies, and city governments together in learning about water quality issues and identifying ways to begin addressing them in their areas. Some examples of events I\u2019m helping facilitate this year include<\/span> a<\/span> Nature-Based Stormwater Solutions Workshop with the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program, Watershed Planning<\/span> Workshops<\/span> (part of <\/span>the <\/span>Alabama Watershed Stewards<\/span> program<\/span>), Designing Bioretention and <\/span>a <\/span>Stream Restoration Design workshop (Part of a <\/span><\/span>NFWF Five Star Restoration Project<\/span><\/span><\/a> with the City of Auburn).<\/span> We are also looking forward to updating the <\/span>Moores<\/span> Mill Watershed Plan in collaboration with AU Civil Engineering.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/03\/LBC_Noccalula.jpg” alt=”Early Days of 4-H AWW” title_text=”LBC_Noccalula” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Laura with AUWRC team members, Dr. Eve Brantley and Sergio RuizCordova after teaching a workshop near Noccalula Falls near Gadsden, AL<\/span>. Photo Credit: Laura Bell Cooley<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

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In your view, what are future priorities for Alabama water resources outreach, education, and\/or research?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

I think<\/span> the<\/span> AUWRC has a great opportunity to become a resource for municipalities that are trying to make smarter decisions about how to plan for their water resources. Although Alabama doesn\u2019t have a plan for managing water resources at a state level, many cities are realizing the importance of doing so at a regional scale<\/span>, but they are often lacking resources for how to proceed<\/span>. Cities are facing unprecedented challenges from flooding, <\/span>resource<\/span> demand<\/span>s due to population increases<\/span>, patchy infrastructure, and understaffing. From addressing flooding, rethinking infrastructure, providing insight on development regulations, the <\/span>AU<\/span>WRC is uniquely positioned to pull together disparate <\/span>experts and <\/span>stakeholders to discuss complex problems and <\/span>help <\/span>generate <\/span>localized <\/span>solutions.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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In your career, what is the best advice you’ve been given?<\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.0″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

That the non-linear career is the future. People who <\/span>can<\/span> <\/span>operate<\/span> at the intersection of various fields<\/span> <\/span>can <\/span>often <\/span>create new <\/span>fields and subsequently,<\/span> <\/span>can be t<\/span>he <\/span>most<\/span> resilient<\/span> and adaptable<\/span> in the face of uncertainty<\/span>. <\/span>This helps me remember that trying something new<\/span>, exciting<\/span>, <\/span>and uncomfortable is <\/span>probably a<\/span> sign that <\/span>you\u2019re<\/span> doing something <\/span>right<\/span>.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/03\/LBC_West_16x9.jpg” alt=”touring watershed with volunteers on the coast” title_text=”LBC_West_16x9″ _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Laura explores Grand Teton National Park<\/span><\/span>.<\/strong> Photo Credit: Laura Bell Cooley<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][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=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”40px||||false|false” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

What <\/span>is<\/span> a book that you think <\/span>everyone should read and why?<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/h5>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

I have two answers, both of which are vaguely about how to think beyond yourself into your larger place in the world.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cA Native Hill<\/strong>\u201d by Wendell Berry<\/strong> is a wonderful short essay I\u2019ve often gifted that beautifully explores how people relate to a place or\u00a0landscapes over centuries, adapting them and changing them to our needs without always truly understanding our own intentions, or the consequences of our actions. It\u2019s a lovely essay that helps you learn to see your own \u2018place\u2019 with new respect, and with curious eyes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius<\/strong>, (translated by Gregory Hays) is one of the books I have gifted most. Aurelius was a Roman emperor and stoic philosopher from 161-189 AD, Meditations is a notebook he kept for himself throughout his life with his musings about how to conduct himself and navigate life\u2019s daily challenges. Centuries later, it turns out our life challenges are surprisingly similar. It\u2019s still one of the most calming and insightful books on how to think beyond your immediate self and consider your larger role in the world.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/3\/2023\/03\/LBC_inthegarden.jpg” alt=”mona with aww colleagues” title_text=”LBC_inthegarden” _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

Laura considers her larger role in the world in one her favorite places: the garden. Photo Credit: Laura Bell Cooley<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.19.5″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”1px|||||” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n

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WE SAT DOWN WITH AUWRC’S LAURA BELL COOLEY, ALABAMA WATERSHED STEWARDS PROGRAM COORDINATOR.Tell us about your background and current position.I joined the AUWRC team in 2018 and immediately began working […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","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-9921","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-wrc-blog","category-wrc-staff-highlights"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9921","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\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9921"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9921\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9990,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9921\/revisions\/9990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9921"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9921"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aaes.auburn.edu\/wrc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9921"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}

Learn more about Laura’s work with Alabama Watershed Stewards<\/a><\/strong>.<\/span><\/p>\n