Water resources focus of MSU-UA-AU partnership
David Shaw (center), MSU’s vice president for research and economic development, signs a memorandum of agreement March 12 establishing a water resources-focused interdisciplinary partnership with the University of Alabama and Auburn University. Joining Shaw are Joe Street (left), interim director of the MSU-based Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute and MSU Extension Service associate director, and Bennett Bearden, director of the University of Alabama Water Policy and Law Institute. PHOTO: Kevin Hudson | MSU Ag Communications
Mississippi’s flagship research university and two Southeastern Conference sister schools are now working together to solve complex water resources management issues confronting the region, as well as many areas in the U.S. and developing countries around the world.
Last Thursday [March 12], Mississippi State’s David Shaw, the land-grant institution’s vice president for research and economic development, signed a memorandum of agreement with the University of Alabama and Auburn University creating a new long-term partnership to advance interdisciplinary water science, policy and law research, economic development, ecosystem management, and capacity building.
“We believe that leveraging the research, education and outreach assets of all three institutions will lead to important discoveries and solutions that enhance management of one of our greatest economic assets,” Shaw said.
At Mississippi State, water is a research priority.
According to Shaw, this strategic focus includes a number of areas, including conservation, development, management and use of water resources to assist planning and regulatory bodies at every level of government, as well as developing innovative technologies for treatment, safety and conservation.
“Our scientists have a myriad of water-related interests that affect everyone from consumers to company officials to community leaders,” he said.
The Mississippi Water Resources Research Institute (MWRRI) at MSU, the UA Water Policy and Law Institute, and the AU Water Center will lead the new partnership’s work, he said.
The MWRRI provides a coordinated research and development program to find solutions to water and land-use problems. Its projects address a wide range of concerns, including economic development, drinking water quality, groundwater sources, and aquifer and watershed management, among others.
Since its creation in the 1980s, the institute's research and development programs have given particular focus to economic and environmental issues affecting water resources in the Magnolia State.
“Our researchers understand the multi-faceted issues and challenges that effective water resources management requires,” said MSU Extension Service Associate Director Joe Street, who is serving as interim director of the MWRRI.
“We are looking forward to working more closely with our colleagues at Auburn and Alabama to broaden our impact,” he said.
Learn more about the institute at www.wrri.msstate.edu.
As the state’s flagship research university, MSU is a recognized leader in a number of fields, and well known for productive partnerships, real-world impact, and offering undergraduate and graduate students unique research opportunities. In FY 2013, MSU’s research and development expenditures totaled $206 million -- representing nearly half of all R&D by higher education in the state, according to National Science Foundation data.
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Jim Laird | Public Affairs
