Water Challenges Topic of UW Program Sept. 13

A panel discussion focused on water challenges is the program of the University of Wyoming Earth, Wind and Water series Tuesday, Sept. 13.

“Water at Risk: Managing Life’s Essential Element” is the topic of the second in the series from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Berry Biodiversity Conservation Center auditorium. The program is part of a new initiative known as the UW Institute for Advanced Study (IAS), which is sponsoring a series of events and programs this semester under the theme “Earth, Wind and Water.”

For a full series of events for the fall semester, go to www.uwyo.edu/intprograms/ias/.

“Water is an essential element for life. It plays a critical role within ecosystems; holds pervasive significance across economies and in production; often implicates challenging social justice issues; and garners substantial attention within political discourse,” says Jean Garrison, UW Global and Area Studies Program director. “Concern over the adequacy of water supplies and access to safe water sources has taken center stage in many local, national and global discussions.”

Four presentations will be presented during the program. UW experts will draw on their research expertise to offer a rich interdisciplinary perspective on a broad range of pressing water resource challenges. Presentations will be followed by a panel discussion.

Presentations and experts are:

-- “Wyoming Water: There is More than Fish in the Sea. An Overview of Water-borne Diseases,” Lauren Biehle, School of Pharmacy clinical assistant professor.

-- “From Snow to Streamflow: Measuring and Predicting How Water Moves Around Wyoming Landscapes,” Brent Ewers, Department of Botany professor and WyCEHG (Wyoming Center for Environmental Hydrology and Geophysics).

-- “Climate Change, People and the Western U.S. Water Conundrum,” JJ Shinker, Department of Geography associate professor.

-- “The Life and Times of the Yellowstone River Compact: Reflections and Visions at the Close of Montana v. Wyoming,” Jason Robison, College of Law associate professor.

The International Education Steering Committee (IESC) sponsors the IAS initiative. The IAS supports and promotes international and interdisciplinary research, knowledge sharing and engagement with the UW community.

To learn more about the IAS and IESC, visit www.uwyo.edu/intprograms/ias/partners.html.

For more information, contact Garrison at (307) 766-6119 or garrison@uwyo.edu.