ABQ Times

Undergraduate students at The University of New Mexico recently showcased their innovative projects as part of the 2024 UNM Undergraduate Water Science Communication Fellowship. This program, initiated by Anjali Mulchandani and Sydney Donohue Jobe in 2022, aims to engage undergraduates in research and promote interdisciplinary collaboration.

The event, held under the UNM Grand Challenges focus area of sustainable water resources, was a part of the annual Undergraduate Research Opportunity Conference (UROC). Students from various academic backgrounds presented their research projects related to water resources and environmental issues, each offering a unique perspective influenced by their majors and mentors.

Sydney Donohue Jobe expressed her satisfaction with the program's growth and impact, stating, "It’s getting students involved in research across campus and working together in an interdisciplinary way." Kamryn Zachek, a junior economics and philosophy major, highlighted the program's positive impact on her, emphasizing the value of connecting with mentors and participating in research teams.

The Water Science Communication Fellowship not only provides students with hands-on research experience but also offers a $1,000 stipend for completing communication projects related to water research. The fellowship has expanded to include students from diverse fields, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment.

The projects presented at the event covered a wide range of topics, from addressing water scarcity to exploring ecological research in different ecosystems. Each project was mentored by faculty members specializing in the relevant field, promoting mentorship and knowledge exchange among students and educators.

Sydney Donohue Jobe highlighted the program's long-term impact on students, stating, "We’re taking a student cohort and having those students continue on with their mentor and the research." The fellowship's success is evident in the growth of student participants and the opportunities they receive post-program, including internships and job placements.

The Water Science Communication Fellowship not only serves as a platform for research but also contributes to a broader research study examining its learning outcomes and interdisciplinary partnerships. Collaborating with learning scientists and researchers, the program aims to enhance students' research identity and self-efficacy.

The initiative, funded primarily through private donations, plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable water resources research at UNM. To support this program and ensure its continuity, interested parties can reach out to Mary Wolford, senior director of development for the School of Engineering, or Anjali Mulchandani.

The Water Science Communication Fellowship stands as a testament to the university's commitment to addressing critical challenges through collaborative research and interdisciplinary engagement.