Dr. Hansen, co-principal investigator for wyact
Dr. Kristiana (Kristi) Hansen is now a Co-Principal Investigator for WyACT (Wyoming Anticipating the Climate-Water Transition). A member of the project since its launch in 2022, she brings expertise in water resource economics, climate resilience, and policy. In her new role, Hansen will help integrate economic and community perspectives into research on how different water users adapt to changing water availability.
Dr. Sarah Collins has been appointed as the new Research Institute director of the UW Research Center at the AMK Ranch in Grand Teton National Park, a joint field research effort between the university and the National Park Service. A specialist in freshwater ecosystem ecology, Dr. Collins investigates elemental cycling, food web dynamics, and water quality, particularly in the context of human impacts on aquatic environments.
Dr. Ginger Paige is affiliated with the Wyoming Reclamation and Restoration Center (WRRC,) which supports the restoration and protection of Wyoming’s land, air, water, and wildlife by promoting the recovery of disturbed ecosystems. Through her extension programs, Dr. Paige works closely with watershed groups across the state and region to enhance water quality monitoring and assessment. Her research also spans a range of water-related projects, including evaluating the impacts of energy development on soil and water resources and advancing the use of hydrologic instrumentation across Wyoming.
The Hydrologic Science graduate degree programs are supported by a diverse and accomplished group of faculty from across campus, each bringing specialized expertise to create a truly interdisciplinary learning experience. Faculty members come from a wide range of departments, including Agricultural & Applied Economics, Botany, Ecosystem Science and Management, Zoology & Physiology, Atmospheric Science, Chemical Engineering, Civil and Architectural Engineering, Energy & Petroleum Engineering, Geology & Geophysics, and Mathematics and Statistics.
Our faculty not only engage in teaching and research within their departments but also serve in key roles within major research initiatives and facilities such as the University Consortium for Geographic Information Science (UCGIS,) the NCAR Wyoming Supercomputing Center, the Stable Isotope Facility, or Conference for Managing Wildlife in Large Landscapes. This cross-campus collaboration ensures that students gain a comprehensive understanding of water-related issues through cutting-edge research and integrative teaching.
The Hydrologic Science Ph.D. Program at the University of Wyoming offers interdisciplinary graduate education focused on the physical, chemical, biological, and human dimensions of water systems, emphasizing both research and real-world applications. With faculty across diverse specialties, the program provides flexible, cutting-edge doctoral training tailored to students’ interests while preparing them to address complex hydrologic challenges.
The Water Resources (WARE) program at the University of Wyoming is an interdisciplinary MS dual-degree initiative that allows students to tailor their graduate studies across departments while conducting research in water resources. Guided by a major professor and a faculty member from the Hydrologic Science Program, students follow a flexible yet rigorous academic path designed to integrate cross-disciplinary perspectives.
Our hydrologic science and water resources faculty represent a wide range of expertise from across the university, bringing together leaders in research, innovation, and education. Drawing from diverse academic backgrounds, they drive cutting-edge discoveries and guide the development of future scientists.
Information about Graduate Assistantships and other financial opportunities for UW Graduate Students.
Learn more about UW Graduate Admissions. Prospective graduate students are encouraged to consult with their respective academic departments regarding the admission process before making a formal UW application for program specific admission requirements, application processes and deadlines.
As the hub for hydrology scholarship at the University of Wyoming, these programs promote research on critical water issues—from climate and weather to biological and chemical processes—and contributes to solving real-world challenges through workforce development, applied research, and service to public and private stakeholders throughout the region.
Several academic departments throughout the university work together to provide an interdisciplinary Master's degree program in water resources. The Masters’ degree offered through these affiliations is awarded as a major with each of the sponsoring departments graduate programs and is designated on the graduate transcript as: M.S. in (Program Name)/Water Resources. This formal recognition of a water resources degree emphasis certifies that the student has completed an in-depth multidisciplinary course program in the broad area of water resources.
