The Nexus of Groundwater Within EWRI
by Randy Gentry1, Member - Groundwater Hydrology and Groundwater Planning & Management Committees
Over the past few decades, groundwater research and management has become an increasingly interdisplinary field. It is now commonplace to see the interaction of physical scientists and engineers on complex groundwater research issues. In recent years, this interaction has also included social scientists and public policy researchers interested in the manner in which communities and decision makers respond to environmental contamination and water supply issues.
The Environmental & Water Resources Institute (EWRI) was created in 1999 with a mission goal of building upon the interdisplinary nature of current water resources issues. Three groundwater focus committees exist within EWRI: (1) Groundwater Hydrology, (2) Groundwater Planning and Management, and (3) Groundwater Quality. These committees have begun the process of working together to ensure more efficient and effective offerings of symposia and other opportunities at future EWRI events. The different committees are currently considering the possibility of a future groundwater council to more effectively foster future groundwater related activities and planning. Each of these committees has members that represent academia, industry, consulting, and government. Many of these members are serving or have served as an officer on the committee or higher level leadership within EWRI. In addition, many of the individual committees have members that are recognized as international leaders in their respective areas of research or practice. The opportunity for emerging professionals in academia and professional practice to interact with these individuals and to benefit from a dynamic environment is available and strongly encouraged by these well respected leaders.
The next few decades, like the past, will require a focus on more complex interactions between scientists and engineers, and consideration of the ever changing policy climate. Many researchers are predicting that water safety and shortages will plague future groundwater decision makers. Membership on the three groundwater committees within EWRI offers an opportunity to be at the forefront in a leadership role. If you are not a member consider contributing in any number of ways to these EWRI groundwater committees. Seek out a leadership role and become acquainted with the host of respected international experts that currently are members and/or officers on these committees. The benefit to you and to the continued efforts of these respective committees will be greatly enhanced.
1 Assistant Professor, The University of Tennessee, Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering, 62 Perkins Hall, Knoxville, TN 37996, Tel: (865) 974-7718, Fax: (865) 974-2668, Email: rgentry@utk.edu