UWRL Monthly Bulletin

1. UWRL Welcomes New Associate Director Courtney Flint

Courtney brings decades of experience in water-related research, and we look forward to integrating her expertise into ongoing and future work here at the lab. She will be located on the south end of the second floor, so please stop by to welcome her!

2. Honoring Jagath Kaluarachchi

We honor the life and legacy of Jagath Kaluarachchi, former dean of the College of Engineering at Utah State University, who passed away on March 17 at age 70. A native of Sri Lanka, Kaluarachchi spent more than three decades at USU, where he was widely recognized for his leadership, mentorship, and role in advancing research, academic programs, and global engagement. His impact extends across the university community, including the Utah Water Research Laboratory, where his contributions to innovation and growth continue to be felt.

Honoring Jagath Kaluarachchi: A Legacy of Innovation and Growth at USU Engineering

3. Travel Policy Update

USU has updated guidance related to travel reimbursements. Please review these reminders before making travel arrangements.

• Domestic lodging will typically be reimbursed at the standard room rate. If the standard or best available rate averages more than $450 per night, justification must be documented.
• Commercial airfare costs are limited to fares less than first class/business class or their equivalent.
• Parking at airports or off-site parking vendors will be reimbursed at the economy parking rate of the departure airport.

4. Please Keep Shared Areas Clean

We have several important tours coming up, and we want the laboratory to look its best. Please take a minute to show your pride in the UWRL and clean up spaces when you're done using them. A cleaning bucket is available through the UWRL receptionist. 

• Wipe down whiteboards when you are finished using them.
• Clean conference rooms and the lobby after meetings.
• Pick up and wipe down shared spaces after eating.

5. Drone Data Analysis for Environmental Restoration

This four-day short course offers hands-on training in drone data collection, processing, and analysis for environmental restoration applications.

• Participants will learn how to plan drone missions, collect aerial data, and process imagery using mapping and analysis tools. 
• The course is designed for students and professionals working in environmental science, restoration, natural resources, and land management.
• Instruction will be led by Sarah Null and Curtis Gray.