UWRL News
The Free Flow of Water Data
Water is life. Its supply and quality are critical to society. But water is also numbers — numbers that measure flow, volume and quality to support decisions about how water is managed.
300,000 Vinyl Spheres
Engineers at Utah State University are racing to develop a unique solution to ensure the safety of the largest hydroelectric project in Columbia. The Ituango Dam on the Cauca River is the tallest in this South American country. The dam’s hydro-electric pl...
2020 Data Visualization Challenge
Dr. Jeff Horsburgh recently issued a challenge to USU students called the Cyberinfrastructure for Intelligent Water Supply (CIWS) Data Visualization Challenge.
Call for Pre-Proposals for Water-Related Research Benefiting Utah
The Utah Center for Water Resources Research (UCWRR) at the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL) invites pre-proposals from faculty at Utah’s institutions of higher education for a USGS-funded grant program that targets applied research addressing water ...
AggieAir Demonstrates New GreatBlue Aircraft at “Drones in Ag” Day
USU AggieAir and USU Aviation Technology recently held their “Drones and Ag” presentation which featured a demonstration of AggieAir’s newest aircraft, GreatBlue.
USU Team Awarded $1.1M for Critical Zone Research
Utah State University researchers will join the National Science Foundation’s Critical Zone Collaborative Network Coordinating Hub to improve collaboration among engineers and scientists studying the Earth’s Critical Zone.
USU Launches NSF-funded Engineering Research Center for Electrified Transportation
The National Science Foundation has awarded Utah State University a five-year, $26 million grant, renewable to 10-year, $50.6 million, to develop an international research center dedicated to advancing sustainable, electrified transportation.
Environmental Engineering Student Wins Stipend
Utah State University graduate student Jade Snyder Echard will receive a $10,000 stipend from a national organization that encourages students to pursue Master of Science degrees in environmental engineering.
In Memoriam: Former UWRL & CEE Professor Gordon Flammer
A memorial to Dr. Gordon Flammer, a renowned CEE and UWRL Hydraulics faculty member who recently passed away.
UWRL Faculty Member Ron Sims Highlighted For Covid-19 Research
UWRL faculty member Ron Sims was recently highlighted by the USU Office of Research for his efforts in identifying coronavirus in wastewater.
Environmental Engineering Student Earns Scholarship for Air Quality Research
Utah State University graduate student Motasem Abualqumboz is being recognized by an international organization for his research into Northern Utah’s air quality problems.
AggieAir Works with BLM to Assist Endangered Species
The AggieAir Service Center recently traveled down to Vernal, UT to assist in a Bureau of Land Management (BLM) funded project to estimate the colony size of white-tailed prairie dogs.
UWRL Outstanding Student Spotlight: Ayman Nassar
The UWRL likes to take a moment to highlight an outstanding student, faculty member, or alumni. This time our spotlight is on Ayman Nassar, a Ph.D. candidate studying Water Engineering at Utah State University.
Honoring the Class of 2020
You’ve accomplished something extraordinary. By persevering through years of challenging work and training, you have earned one of the most versatile and valuable college degrees.
Biological Engineering Professor Named Fellow of National Organization
Utah State University Professor Ron Sims was named fellow of the Institute of Biological Engineering, or IBE, on April 1.
In Memoriam: Former Director of Utah Water Research Lab Dies from COVID-19
A former Utah State University professor of civil engineering and former director of the Utah Water Research Laboratory has died after a month-long battle with COVID-19, his wife said.
USGS Water Resources Research Institute Awards through the UWRL
The Utah Water Research Laboratory recently received several awards from the USGS Water Resources Research Institute for projects proposed by UWRL faculty.
Faculty Promotions 2020
The College of Engineering at Utah State University extends its congratulations to four newly-promoted faculty members.
12 Outstanding Students Recognized at Awards Banquet
The College of Engineering extends its heartfelt congratulations to the 12 undergraduate students recognized at the Engineers Week Awards Banquet.
New Model Improves Management of Wetland, Floodplain and River Habitats
Wetlands, floodplains and aquatic habitats are some of Utah’s most important ecosystems. They are home to many bird, plant and fish species, and they provide unique outdoor recreation opportunities.
New Water Resources Management Textbook co-authored by R. Ryan Dupont
A new textbook co-authored by UWRL faculty member R. Ryan Dupont examines the technical and scientific, as well as regulatory, ethical, and emerging issues of pollution prevention, sustainability, and optimization for the production and management of safe...
USU Shines at American Water Works Association Scholarship Challenge
Utah State University engineering students recently won three of four scholarships from the American Water Works Association, Intermountain Section. The winners are
USU Students Win First ASDSO Student Dam Model Competition
USU students Kyler Olsen, Braiden Amata, Jack Tousley, Kathryn Margetts, and their Technical Advisor Dr. Brian Crookston recently won the ASDSO’s first student dam model competition.
Research Goes Viral: USU Alum’s Thesis Has 100,000 Downloads
College of Engineering alumnus Colter Hollingshead didn’t expect his thesis to turn too many heads. Civil engineers, after all, are known for publishing technical studies with unfamiliar terms and lots of math.
UWRL Hosts AWRA Conference Tour
The Utah Water Research Laboratory recently had the opportunity to host AWRA Conference attendees on a laboratory tour.
Developing Solutions for Utah’s Rising Water Management Crisis
According to a 2014 household survey, Utahns are expressing rapidly growing interest in protecting water resources for outdoor recreation and environmental benefits.
A Global Influencer
The people who work and study at the Utah Water Research Lab will remember outgoing director Mac McKee in many different ways.
USU Students Take Third at National Wastewater Design Challenge
Utah State University students grabbed another national victory at a wastewater design challenge last month in Chicago.
Kenyan delegation visits the UWRL
The UWRL recently welcomed a delegation of Kenyan dignitaries who were visiting USU to discuss development and use of the water that will become available with dam projects underway in Kenya. The USU...
UWRL Outstanding Student Spotlight Hyrum Tennant
This month's UWRL spotlight is on Hyrum Tennant, a graduate student studying Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University.
AggieAir Flies for NASA Airspace Study
In the skies above Reno, Nevada, USU engineers fly drones above the high-rise hotels and casinos, hopping from rooftop to rooftop. The flights were part of a NASA-led study to develop a new unmanned aerial traffic management system.
AggieAir Partners with FAA & Industry Experts to Develop Drone Traffic Management System
AggieAirTM recently spent 10 days in Las Vegas, Nevada working with the FAA and other industry experts to create safety regulations and programs for drone services in the future.
Dr. Blake Tullis Appointed to the Utah Drinking Water Board
UWRL researcher, USU professor, and Interim VP for Research Blake Tullis has been appointed to the Utah Drinking Water Board for a 4-year term.
UWRL Featured in AWRA Impact Magazine
The September issue of the AWRA Water Resources IMPACT Magazine includes an article that describes the collaborative nature of research at the Utah Water Research Laboratory
Blake Tullis Appointed New Interim Associate Vice President for Research
UWRL Associate Director Blake Tullis Appointed as New Interim Associate Vice President for Research at Utah State University.
USU Partners with Egyptian Universities for Water Resources Training
Faculty at Utah State University are developing the latest educational tools to train the next generation of engineers in Egypt and the Middle East.
Remembering Professor Emeritus Wynn R. Walker
Wynn Walker, a USU Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Emeritus and former associate dean for the College of Engineering, died Saturday, June 29.
USU Grad Student Awarded Utah Water Users Association Scholarship
Ayman Nassar, a graduate student at USU studying water resources, received one of this year’s Utah Water Users Association scholarships, which is awarded annually to two students who study in Utah and plan to pursue a water resources career.
Mac McKee retires as the UWRL's longest serving director
After just over 16 years at the helm of the Utah Water Research Laboratory at Utah State University, Dr. Mac McKee will retire effective June 30, 2019. His tenure as Director of the UWRL began in April 2003, and since that time, he has worn the hats of ad...
USU Professor Receives Sudweeks Award for Contributions to Water Quality Research
Utah State University faculty Judy Sims received the Calvin K. Sudweeks Award on June 26 from the Utah Division of Water Quality.
USU Alum Awarded for Work in Irrigation Engineering
Utah State University College of Engineering alumnus Saleh Taghvaeian will receive the Larry W. Turner Young Extension Professional Award from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers.
USU sponsors recent UCOWR Conference at Snowbird, UT
USU recently sponsored the UCOWR/NIWR Annual Water Resources Conference at Snowbird, Utah, June 11-13, 2019
UWRL Outstanding Faculty Spotlight Dr. Alfonso Torres-Rua
This month the UWRL is highlighting faculty member Alfonso Torres-Rua, an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Utah State University.
David G. Tarboton Named Utah Water Research Lab Director
One of the state’s largest research laboratories is getting a new director. David Tarboton, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Utah State University, will lead the Utah Water Research Laboratory beginning July 1.
Graduate Student Mahyar Aboutalebi Receives SPIE Award
UWRL graduate student Mahyar Aboutalebi received the Best Paper Award at the SPIE Conference in Baltimore, Maryland.
USU Student Group Wins 3rd Place in National Stormwater Challenge
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced yesterday that a group of students from USU have won 3rd place in their annual Campus RainWorks Challenge for their project "A New Heart".
Eva Nieminski UWRL Outstanding Alumni Spotlight
UWRL alumni spotlight of Eva Nieminski, a UWRL alumni known for her water quality research and extended service to the state of Utah.
Dr. Jeff Horsburgh Announces Water Visualization Competition Winners
Three USU students, Mahyar Aboutalebi, Esther Davis, and Ahmed Gharib, were awarded money for their research and efforts in the Cyberinfrastructure for Intelligent Water Supply (CIWS) Data Visualization Challenge.
Hemp Research Underway at Utah State University
Scientists at Utah State University are studying cultivation practices to optimize the yield and quality of hemp for botanical medicines.
Mahyar Aboutalebi UWRL Outstanding Student Spotlight
For our first Student Spotlight of 2019, we feature Mahyar Aboutalebi, a PhD student in Civil and Environmental Engineering at USU and the UWRL
Martin Delivers First Research Landscapes Event
Community, business and legislative leaders got a first-hand review of Utah's air quality challenges from one of the state's foremost experts on air quality research.
UWRL Faculty Member Randy Martin Gives First USU Research Landscapes Lecture
UWRL Faculty Member Dr. Randy Martin gave the first presentation for USU's Research Landscapes on Utah's air quality.
Aiming for Gold: Improving Reproducibility in Hydrology Studies
In six well-regarded hydrology and water resources journals published in 2017, the estimated percentage of studies whose results could be fully reproduced was only between 0.06 and 6.8 percent.
Professor Randy Martin First to Speak at USU Research Landscapes Event
College of Engineering professor and air quality expert Randy Martin will be the first to present at Utah State University’s upcoming Research Landscapes speaker series on Tuesday, Feb. 26.
USU AggieAir Program Selected for Critical National Airspace Operation
Utah State University’s premier unmanned aerial systems organization will take part in a highly anticipated NASA-led operation.
Karl Christensen Awarded AWWA Intermountain Section Scholarship
USU/UWRL graduate student Karl Christensen was recently awarded this year’s Graduate Science and Engineering Scholarship from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Intermountain Section. The scholarship...
A Continental Water Model for All
USU Hydrologist is part of national team of experts working to improve water modeling tools.
Ayman Nassar receives AWWA Intermountain Section Scholarship
The American Water Works Association Intermountain Section has selected USU/UWRL graduate student Ayman Nassar to receive this year's Eva Nieminski Honorary Graduate Science Engineering Scholarship. This scholarship...
Cyberinfrastructure for Intelligent Water Supply (CIWS) Data Visualization Challenge
Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering Jeff Horsburgh is challenging Utah State University students to develop a visualization of high resolution water use data that provides visual feedback to both water providers and water consumers....
UWRL Opens Funded Research Opportunities
The Utah Water Research Laboratory is looking for enthusiastic and self-motivated applicants for a variety of Water Resources research projects.
Water Lab Hosts 2018 Homecoming
Over 200 alumni and current water lab affiliates celebrated the Water Lab's 2018 Homecoming.
Engineers Without Borders: Team Mexico
The USU student team, Engineers Without Borders, continues their water quality improvement project in rural Mexico.
Award-Winning Student Design Could Generate Alternative Energy Using Food Waste
Utah State University students created an award-winning design that helps one of Utah’s wastewater treatment facilities increase the use of renewable energy using food waste as a biofuel feedstock.
USU Researchers Find Significant Groundwater Exchanges along the Logan River
Researchers in Northern Utah have demonstrated that the Logan River is highly dependent on karst aquifer discharge to maintain summer low flow when water demands are the highest.
New Findings of Controls on Carbon Export in Permafrost Terrain
After two decades of collecting data, a team of researchers discovered new ways in which groundwater moves and controls the export of carbon from land to streams in the permafrost terrain of the Alaskan North Slope.
Identifying USU Energy Loss
AggieAir teams up with USU Facilities to find energy loss on the USU Campus.
USU Faculty Member Brian Crookston Receives Young Professional of the Year Award
Utah State University's Brian Crookston received the Young Professional of the Year Award from the Association of State Dam Safety Officials.
UWRL Welcomes Two New Faculty Members
The Utah Water Research Lab is excited to welcome two new faculty members, Assistant Research Professor Zac Sharp and Assistant Professor Brian Crookston.
A New Twist on Archimedes’ Screw
At the Utah Water Research Lab, engineers are conducting full-scale tests on a unique water-powered turbine that will provide new solutions to distributed energy needs.
College Welcomes Newest Engineering Faculty
The College of Engineering at USU is excited to welcome 11 new faculty members. The group of incoming engineers and engineering educators includes eight new assistant professors, a research assistant professor and two assistant professors of practice.
USU Engineering Professor Elected to AGU Fellowship
Veteran educator, engineer and hydrologist Dr. David Tarboton has been named a Fellow of the American Geophysical Union.
USU Civil Engineering Student Wins Prestigious National Scholarship
A senior in USU’s Civil and Environmental Engineering department is one of 18 people nationwide to receive a major scholarship from the American Society of Civil Engineers, known as ASCE.
AggieAir Is Extending Its Wings
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted the AggieAir program two of their largest COAs to date.
USU College of Engineering Lights up Salt Palace at Education Conference
Utah State University was center stage at the Salt Palace Convention Center earlier this week during a major event for engineering education.
June 2018 Water bLog Newsletter Now Available
The Water bLog is the semi-annual newsletter of the Utah Center for Water Resources Research at the Utah Water Research Laboratory
Graduate Student Mahyar Aboutalebi Receives SPIE Award
Mahyar Aboutalebi was recently selected as the Runner-up for Best Paper Award at the 'Autonomous Air and Ground Sensing Systems for Agricultural Optimization and Phenotyping III' Conference in Orlando, FL, April 2018
New Engineering Dean at USU
The UWRL is pleased to welcome Utah State University professor and administrator Jagath Kaluarachchi as the new dean of the USU College of Engineering. As noted in the College of Engineering news release, Dr. Kaluarachchi brings extensive expertise and le...
UWRL presented with an Institutional Recognition Award from ASTM International
The UWRL recently received an Institutional Recognition Award from ASTM International for testing that led to improvements to ASTM's D6459 Test Method for Determination of Rolled Erosion Control Product (RECP) Performance in Protecting Hillslopes from Rai...
Aerial Imagery Gives Insight into Water Trends
With an ever-growing human population and its inherent demand for water, there is a critical need to monitor water resources. New technology could make it more feasible than ever to measure changes in the water flow of rivers.
Adel Abdallah receives AWWA Intermountain Section Diversity Award
The American Water Works Association Intermountain Section has selected USU/UWRL graduate student Adel Abdallah to receive their 2018 Diversity Scholarship. This scholarship...
USDA/ARS and Aggieair Research Featured in the December 2017 issue of USDA's AgResearch Magazine
USDA AgResearch magazine recently featured ongoing precision agriculture research that incorporates AggieAir's advanced scientific remote sensing technology and...
December 2017 Water bLog Newsletter now available
The December 2017 issue of the Water bLog Newsletter is now available. This issue explores water related processes from microscopic nanoparticles to regional drought monitoring. The Water bLog is a publication of the Utah Center for Water Resources Resear...
Viticulture from Space: USU-NASA Study Analyzes Vineyard Water Use
In drought-prone Central California, grape producers are looking for new ways to improve crop production with less water
Miniaturizing America's Tallest Dam
Dr. Michael Johnson is a leading expert in experimental hydraulics and chief engineer on the Oroville model study.
David Tarboton awarded a NSF grant to improve hydrological data sharing
Dr. Tarboton will lead a team of hydrologists to improve HydroShare, a system designed to allow scientists to collaboratively work on and share hydrological research and data, using a $4 million grant awarded from the National Science Foundation.
UWRL welcomes four new faculty members
The Utah Water Research Laboratory is excited to welcome four new faculty members this year. Take a minute to get to know them better...
Discovery Canada Films at Water Lab
Production crews for Discovery Canada were at the Utah Water Research Lab on Wednesday producing an upcoming TV special about the Oroville Dam spillway model.
Herald Journal article about iUTAH team symposium
The iUTAH team presented a symposium as they finish up their 5-year NSF-funded mission. Read more and find a link to a related Herald Journal article.
David Rosenberg received an EWRI award for Best Associate Editor
UWRL Faculty member David Rosenberg recently received an award at the World Environmental & Water Resources Congress in Sacramento, CA.
ASCE recently featured an article on improving flow from irrigation splitter boxes
Article on how to improve flow from irrigation splitter boxes recently featured and made available for free for a limited time in ASCE SmartBrief and ASCE Weekly.
Oroville Dam scale model at the UWRL helps test repair plans before construction
USU's Utah Water Research Laboratory has built a 1:50 scale physical model of the failed Oroville Dam spillway to help designers test repair plans
Miniaturizing America's Tallest Dam
Utah Water Research Lab team Constructs scale model of Oroville Dam spillway
Randy Martin joins Utah Air Quality Board
Utah Governor Gary Herbert has appointed UWRL researcher, Randy Martin, to the UT Air Quality Board
Mac McKee Named Engineering Faculty Researcher of 2017
USU's office of Research and Graduate Studies has named Mac McKee the Collge of Engineering's Faculty Researcher of the year.
Congratulations to 2017 USU Engineering Graduates
Congratulations to all Utah State University Civil and Environmental engineering graduates.
UWRL Students Sweep AWWA 2017 Scholarships
USU Civil Engineering and UWRL Students win scholarships from American Water Works Association. The scholarships support students studying water quality, supply, and treatment in the West.
Student, Mahyar Aboutalebi, wins J. Paul Riley AWRA Paper Competition
Mahyar Aboutalebi was selected as a winner and scholarship recipient in the J. Paul Riley AWRA Utah Section Student Paper Competition.
2017 Spring Runoff Conference
The Spring Runoff Conference, hosted by the USU Water Initiative, is held annually on the Campus of Utah State University
Utah Water Research Lab Unveils Latest in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
The new 'BluJay' line of all-electric aircraft represents the latest in UAV technology
AggieAir Researchers Unveil the Latest UAV Platform
The AggieAir research team unveiled the new BluJay line of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) during the GRAPEX conference
UWRL Professor Provides Perspective to National Media on Threats to Oroville Dam Spillway
Dr. Blake Tullis is a leading authority on spillway design and was contacted by national media to gain a clearer explanation of the situation
UWRL Researchers Develop Genetic Tool to Improve Arsenic Studies
Environmental engineers are making it easier to study arsenic contamination
UWRL Researchers Develop Techniques to Identify Arsenic Contamination in Drinking Water
Environmental engineer researchers at the UWRL have developed a new genetic tool in identifying the bacteria that releases contaminating arsenic in water supplies.
UWRL Environmental Engineers featured in "Creating Tomorrow" Magazine
Dr. Beth Neilson and her team were featured in the College of Engineering’s 2016 annual magazine Creating Tomorrow about their research in Alaska.
Blake Tullis Receives Prestigious ASDSO Award
Dr. Blake Tullis was recently selected to receive the 2016 ASDSO Terry L. Hampton Medal.
AggieAir Helps Find the Fish when Yellow Creek Runs Dry
A recent KSL News story highlighted a research project ongoing at Yellow Creek along the Utah/Wyoming border that includes state agencies from both states, along with federal agencies and the Nature Conservancy.
Lake Isabella Dam USACE Team Returns to the UWRL
Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers design and construction team for the Lake Isabella Dam Restoration Project visited the UWRL for another look at the large 1:45 scale model of the planned labyrinth weir spillway modifications the Corps...
Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD Student Wins Major Award
CEE's Caleb Buahin wins best paper award at 8th International Congress on Environmental Modelling & Software in Toulouse, France
Graduate Student, Caleb Buahin, Receives Multiple Awards
UWRL graduate student Caleb Buahin has won a number of prestigious awards recently based on his outstanding academic performance and accomplishments.
UWRL Director Mac McKee Named Friend of UCOWR
Mac McKee, UWRL Director, was recently named a Friend of UCOWR at the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) Annual Conference awards ceremony held n Pensacola Beach, Florida in June
Former Egyptian Minister of Water & Irrigation Visits UWRL
UWRL Director, Mac McKee, hosted Dr. Hossam El-Din M. Moghazy on a tour of the Utah Water Research Laboratory facilities on Thursday, July 14, 2016
UWRL Director, Mac McKee, named a 2016 Friend of UCOWR
Mac McKee, UWRL Director, was recently named a Friend of UCOWR at the Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR) Annual Conference awards ceremony held this year in Pensacola Beach, Florida.
Randy Martin's Ozone Study Featured on KSL News
Dr. Martin was recently featured in a KSL news story that explains more about this important research.
Delegation of Irrigation Representatives from Argentina Tour the UWRL
A delegation from Argentina that included representatives working in irrigation and water resources policy and management in the Mendoza province visited the Utah Water Research Laboratory on May 31, 2016.
PhD Student, Ayman AlAfifi, Receives First Place in 2016 J. Paul Riley AWRA Utah Section Student Paper Competition
CEE and UWRL PhD student Ayman AlAfifi won first place in the recent American Water Resources Association Utah Chapter student paper competition for this presentation titled: "Systems Modeling to Improve River and Riparian Habitat Quality."
USU Engineering Team Wins Annual WEA Student Design Competiton for 2016
A team of USU civil engineering students emerged as the winners at the annual Water and Environment Federation of Utah (WEAU) Student Design Competition on Friday, April 29th in St. George, Utah.
UWRL Faculty Members Recognized at College of Engineering Awards
UWRL faculty members, Blake Tullis, Beth Neilson, and Ryan Dupont, are recognized for their teaching and mentoring at the 2016 College of Engineering Faculty Awards
UWRL Researchers Among Those Chosen to Receive Part Of An EPA Grant Totaling
R. Ryan Dupont and several other UWRL and USU faculty members will study the feasibility of harvesting stormwater to recharge underground aquifers as part an EPA grant that totaled $3.3 million and is split between five proposals nationwide.
Dr. Tarboton to Speak at College of Engineering Research Awards Ceremony
Dr. David Tarboton, Robins Awards Researcher of the Year for 2015, will be giving a presentation titled "HydroShare: Advancing collaborative and data intensive hydrologic research"
Cyberinfrastructure for Intelligent Water Supply
USU's College of Engineering press release reveals more detailed information about Dr. Jeff Horsburgh's NSF CAREER Award research titled: 'Cyberinfrastructure for Intelligent Water Supply.'
UWRL Welcomes Two New Faculty
The Utah Water Research Lab is excited to welcome two new faculty members, Assistant Research Professor Zac Sharp and Assistant Professor Brian Crookston.