Water bLog Newsletter
Spring 2026
The Water bLog is the semi-annual newsletter of the Utah Center for Water Resources Research (UCWRR), housed at the Utah Water Research Laboratory (UWRL). Each issue reports on a small selection of current or recently completed research projects and other topics of interest.
Photo by Matt Jensen
Message from the Director: Bethany Neilson
As record low snowpack and limited runoff sharply increase concern regarding water availability, the need for scientifically sound research to guide solutions continues to grow. This means that collaboration between experts and boots on the ground is critical. Outreach efforts to connect research to statewide needs are at the forefront of the Utah Water Research Laboratory's mission.
It is with this focus on the future that I welcome Dr. Courtney Flint as our new associate director.
Courtney is a USU professor of natural resource sociology, and she has a long history of collaborating with UWRL faculty on water data management, environmental water reuse, and water hazards.
With her expertise in engaging with water users, managers, and community members, Courtney is a valuable and welcome addition to leadership here at the lab. Along with the several research projects she is already working on with our faculty, she is working closely with me and leaders across USU to build Utah's Water Network. This effort focuses on better connections among the different water sectors that are critical for finding creative and transferrable solutions to our complex water problems. This means understanding and connecting existing networks of universities, Tribes, innovation efforts, local/state/federal governments, and other diverse groups involved in water management efforts. I am thrilled to have Courtney and her wealth of engagement expertise to help increase the UWRL's impact.
Focusing on impact, over the last six months the UWRL faculty, staff, and students have spent significant time engaging with local, nationwide, and international groups via meetings, conferences, and workshops. Further they have been highlighted in diverse scientific journals and Utah news. Our faculty have also received awards recognizing their vital research and mentorship.
Even during these very low water years, we remain encouraged about emerging partnerships and opportunities for more coordinated and innovative approaches towards real solutions. Through research, innovation, and outreach, the Utah Water Research Laboratory will continue to work towards creating a sustainable water future.
Welcome to Courtney Flint, UWRL Associate Director!
The UWRL welcomes Courtney Flint, a USU professor in the department of environment and society, as an associate director. Flint came to USU in 2013, and since then has served on the Board of Scientific Counselors for the US EPA and a National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine committee. She brings with her valuable expertise in natural resource sociology and water resource management.
Flint's work focuses on how people relate to the natural environment in their landscapes, and their capacity for collective action. She leads the Utah Wellbeing Project, which includes surveying community members about water supply and quality concerns, and she has several active research projects in collaboration with UWRL faculty. Her research provides sound data to support local decisions on land use, natural resource management, and community well-being. Welcome Courtney!
Honoring Jagath Kaluarachchi
It is with great sadness that we share the passing of the College of Engineering's former Dean, Jagath Kaluarachchi. Jagath passed away on March 17, 2026 at the age of 70.
A native of Sri Lanka, he dedicated more than three decades to the USU community, leading the college through a period of remarkable growth in academics, research, and student support. His leadership expanded research opportunities, strengthened academic programs, and created lasting resources that continue to benefit students and faculty alike.
"For more than 25 years, Jagath Kaluarachchi was a valued colleague and my close friend," said former UWRL director Mac McKee. "We traveled extensively together to work on international projects, especially in the Middle East including assignments in Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and the Occupied Palestinian Territory of the West Bank. He was an internationally recognized scholar in water research and, as Associate Dean and then Dean of Engineering at USU, he gave the faculty and students of the college practical leadership that continues to benefit our educational and research programs. His technical knowledge, worldly wisdom, and engaging sense of humor will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him."
Remembered for his humility and deep commitment to education, Jagath leaves a lasting legacy. Our sympathies are with his family, and we celebrate his incredible life and accomplishments.
The Passing of a Pioneer
A Utah water pioneer left behind a legacy when he passed on October 18, 2025. We are saddened by the passing of Eugene Kay Israelsen, whose career left a lasting impact on the UWRL and the field of water resource management.
During his 22 years of service at the UWRL, and another 17 years as a consultant, Eugene's pioneering research advanced the understanding of hydrology and water quality through innovative computer modeling of river basin systems.
We are deeply grateful for his many contributions to the laboratory and the university community. Eugene will be greatly missed.
Photo courtesey Belize Lane
Outreach spotlight: Post-Wildfire Hazards to Hydraulic Structures
Two UWRL faculty, Brian Crookston and Belize Lane, gave a well-attended presentation to the United States Society on Dams. They spoke to engineers working on dams and levees about post-wildfire floods, debris flows, and sediment.
Awards & Achievements
Belize Lane Awarded 2026 USU Faculty Researcher of the Year
Associate Professor Belize Lane received the USU Faculty Researcher of the Year Award. This award recognizes excellent researchers at USU. Lane's work spans physical hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, and water management, and she is a well-deserving recipient!
Jeff Horsburgh Receives Stanley L. Ponce Fellowship Award
Professor Jeff Horsburgh was named the first recipient of the new Stanley L. Ponce Faculty Fellowship, an award created by a UWRL alumnus. The award goes to a faculty member whose work advances interdisciplinary water resources research with a direct impact in resolving water issues.
Joanna (Liyuan) Hou Awarded College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor of the Year
Assistant Professor Joanna (Liyuan) Hou was awarded the USU College of Engineering Undergraduate Research Faculty Mentor of the Year. This award goes to the college faculty member who has done an outstanding job in helping their undergraduate students prepare for a career.
Steve Barfuss Recognized by AWWA for Water Main Breaks Paper
Professor Steve Barfuss was selected to receive the 2026 Distribution and Plant Operations Division Best Article Award from the American Water Works Association (AWWA). The winning paper is entitled Water Main Break Rates in the United States and Canada.
Sierra Young Promoted to Associate Professor with Tenure
Sierra Young is now a tenured associate professor in USU's Civil and Environmental Engineering Department with dual appointment at the Utah Water Research Laboratory. We celebrate this promotion with her.