Skip to main content

Faculty Water Research Grant Program

NM WRRI provides support for water-related research through its Faculty Water Research Grant Program. Funds are made available through the Institute’s federal base grant (Section 104B of the Water Resources Research Act – [Public Law 109-471]) and through state appropriations. These “seed money” projects allow New Mexico university faculty to pursue critical areas of water resources research while providing training opportunities for their students. The grants generally provide about $30,000 per project. The grants help faculty to explore and develop research ideas that can attract more substantial outside funding. Grants are available to tenure track faculty members in any department at one of the state’s six research universities (UNM, NM Tech, NMSU, NMHU, WNMU, and ENMU).

Understanding the Costs of Arid Inland Communities’ Potable Water Reuse Options; Caroline Scruggs, University of New Mexico, School of Architecture and Planning


Communities with exceptional water scarcity, including some in New Mexico, are considering planned potable reuse to meet future water needs. The objective of this project is to fill the knowledge gaps using a large, urban New Mexican community as a case study. The research will contribute to the literature and lay the foundation for future research, which will ultimately provide a transformative set of tools for planning and decision-making with respect to planned potable reuse in arid, inland communities.


Arsenic Removal from Water by Porous Polymers; Reza Foudazi, NMSU, Department of Chemical Engineering


This project aims to produce a new type of porous monolith that is capable of adsorbing arsenic from drinking water. The monolith will have practical advantages over commercially available methods. Eventually the hope is to produce a new generation of economical adsorbents for arsenic and heavy metal removal from water resources.

Self-Sustaining Produced Water Treatment for Concurrent Renewable Energy Production, Desalination and Organic Removal; Pei Xu, NMSU, Civil and Geological Engineering


The study will develop an innovative microbial capacitive deionization cell (MCDC) to simultaneously remove organic substances and salts from produced water so it can be recycled and reused. Moreover, compared to other energy intensive systems, MCDC uses bacteria to convert biodegradable pollutants into direct electricity, which offsets operation energy use or supplies additional energy for other systems. Investigators will develop novel modular systems for produced water treatment using advanced carbon materials as electrodes, and optimize reactor configuration to improve the removal of solutes in the reactor. The proposed system can be used as a standalone process or as pretreatment for membrane desalination processes to reduce energy consumption and fouling potential.


Doing Hydrology Backwards in New Mexico to Estimate a Statewide Water Budget; Ricardo Gonzales-Pinzon


This project will implement a methodology to estimate statewide water budgets based on streamflow time-series because they integrate watershed processes and flowpaths that operate at different spatial and temporal scales. This research complements and further develops and implements a parsimonious and pseudo real-time methodology that allows estimates of statewide water budgets. The key product of this research is the characterization of watershed-fluxes of precipitation and evapotranspiration as well as the rainless conditions that prevail during most of the hydrologic year in New Mexico. Hypotheses will be tested in four major NM basins: Canadian River, Rio Grande, Gila River, and the Pecos River.

Draft Technical Completion Report

Policy alternative for controlling nitrate pollution from New Mexico’s dairies; Jingjing Wang, University of New Mexico, Department of Economics


The project will produce a white paper that illuminates the potential impacts of alternative policies for controlling nitrate pollution from New Mexico’s dairies. The paper will be aimed at policymakers and will include ample simulations of the policy impacts on nitrate pollution control and farm incomes.

Draft Technical Completion Report

Identification of law and policy options for best water management practices; Adrian Oglesby, Utton Transboundary Resources Center, University of New Mexico


The project will survey drought responses made in law and policy within New Mexico, across the West, and in other arid parts of the world. The objective is to provide meaningful water law and policy options for New Mexico lawmakers that can be successfully implemented in New Mexico to promote water conservation and efficiency.

Draft Technical Completion Report

Assessment of water table and water quality variations with respect to river flow along Rio Grande between Garfield NM and Fabens TX; Blair Stringam and Manoj Shukla, New Mexico State University, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences


The water budget estimation requires accurate knowledge of interactions between surface water including irrigation water and precipitation, crop water uptake, deep percolation, and recharge to groundwater. This project’s objectives are to analyze fluctuations of water table on a monthly basis along the Rio Grande river south of Garfield NM down to Fabens, TX and develop a model that describes the influence of the river and canal systems on the water aquifers; analyze fluctuations in groundwater quality by collecting water samples from over 50 observation wells and river water; and develop a preliminary water budget for the experimental area and identify the influence of surface and groundwater interaction on water quality.

Technical Completion Report No. 372

Drought, Salinity, and Invasive Plants: A New Model for Sustainable Water Management; Geno Picchioni, NMSU, Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences and Brian Schutte, NMSU Department of Entomology, Plant Pathology and Weed Science


The study will look at data that will reveal the importance of soil water sodicity assessment as a predictive tool for assessing risk of lands to invasive and weedy plants. This metric is of significant value to the diverse stakeholders in predicting plant invasions before they become a problem.

Technical Completion Report No.368

The transport and accumulation of pyrogenic black carbon in fire-prone watersheds and implications for water quality; Daniel Cadol, New Mexico Tech, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences


This research is expected to open new lines of inquiry into the water quality effects of wildfire. The study will measure the black carbon concentration in depositional zones of three recently burned watersheds in New Mexico (Whitewater Baldy fire in the Gila National Forest, Little Bear fire in Lincoln National Forest, and the Las Conchas fire in the Valles Caldera National Preserve and Bandolier National Monument). The PI will test for the presence of certain contaminants found by previous researchers to be associated with wildfires. It will identify the relative importance of mass movement and overland or river flow in transporting pyrogenic black carbon through recently burned semi-arid watersheds by identifying the dominant depositional zones – floodplains, river banks, or depositional debris fans.

Updating the Digital Hydrogeologic-Framework Model of the Mesilla Basin Area with Specific Reference to the Transboundary Aquifer Assessment Project (TAAP); John W. Hawley, NM Water Resources Research Institute


The primary objective of the study is to provide hydrogeologic information in digital GIS formats at scales appropriate for development of the groundwater-flow and hydrochemical models needed to support water-resource planning and management in the binational Mesilla Basin-Paso del Norte region. The area of extensive and locally-thick basin-fill aquifer systems proposed for digital characterization includes the entire Mesilla Basin, the Rincon and Mesilla Valleys of the Rio Grande, and adjacent parts of the southern Jornada (del Muerto) and Palomas Basins that are located between Caballo Dam and El Paso/Ciudad Juarez.

Computational Fluid Dynamics Modeling of Karst Conduit-Matrix Exchanges with Relevance in Contaminant Transport, and Chemical Reactions; John L. Wilson, NM Tech, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences


Karst aquifers supply water to 25% of the United States, and almost all water to some regions, e.g., 90% of Florida’s population. Much of the southern New Mexico Pecos Watershed is karst. The proposed mathematical models and field project are designed to illuminate karst conduit to matrix water exchanges and their role in a wide variety of natural and anthropogenic (bio)geochemical processes, including contaminant transport and sequestration in karst aquifers. These issues are of concern to water supply, water quality, and environmental agencies and interest groups at the local, state and federal level.

Technical Completion Report No. 362

Mitigation of Membrane Biofouling by Harnessing Bacterial Cannibalism; New Mexico Tech; Frank Huang, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Snezna Rogelj, Department of Biology


Millions of barrels of produced water are generated during gas production in New Mexico each year. While not drinkable because of the high salt content, trace organics, and heavy metals, produced water can be treated for agricultural and industrial purposes. Using produced water for industrial purposes would free up freshwater for other uses. A major problem with treating produced water with membrane separation, as is commonly done, is that its large-scale implementation has been plagued by the reoccurring biofouling of the membranes and the associated high operating costs. Conventional de-fouling techniques, such as acid and alkaline/detergent cleaning, are generally ineffective. This research looks at using bacteria’s ability to “eat” their neighboring siblings under nutrient-limited conditions and feed on the released nutrients. This “cannibalism” may be used to control membrane biofouling.

Technical Completion Report No. 338

A Physically Based Parsimonious Approach for Spatial Disaggregation and Recovery of NEXRAD Precipitation Data in Mountainous Terrains; New Mexico Tech; John Wilson, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences


Mountain rains are a major source of fresh water in New Mexico. Characterizing the spatial variability of precipitation is critical for understanding and predicting both natural and human-influenced hydrologic responses, like recharge, runoff, and reservoir releases. NEXRAD radar is used to provide continuous temporal and spatial precipitation data. This study provides a statistical approach to improve the quality of NEXRAD estimation, which will be valuable to water resources managers, water regulators, planners, and decision makers like the Office of the State Engineer and the Interstate Stream Commission.


Development of Geospatial Modeling Tools for Watershed-Based Water Resources Management in New Mexico; New Mexico Tech; Enrique Vivoni, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences


Providing decision makers with better forecasts of water supply is the aim of this research that will develop new geospatial modeling tools for managing water supplies in New Mexico using scientific knowledge on climate, surface, and groundwater relations. Although the modeling results are sophisticated, they will be made amenable to water managers via the web in a similar fashion to existing drought maps. The modeling tool is expected to provide detailed simulation capabilities for flood and drought forecasting, estimate runoff, evaporation and aquifer recharge, and simulate basin water storage and supply.

Technical Completion Report No. 345

Predicting Land Use Change and Its Effect on Nonpoint Source Pollution; University of New Mexico; Jennifer Thacher and Janie Chermak, Department of Economics


The two researchers are heading a project that will provide an economic model of land use change within the Middle Rio Grande basin. The model will be used to predict future land use patterns in the region and to estimate future nonpoint pollution levels. City managers and water quality agencies could use this model for planning purposes.

Technical Completion Report No. 346

Estimating Water Use through Satellite Remote Sensing; New Mexico State University; Max Bleiweiss and Rhonda Skaggs, College of Agriculture and Home Economics and Zohrab Samani College of Engineering


Recently, an evaluation of the Lower Rio Grande indicated that over half the water is unaccounted for in the water budget. That water is likely used for households, riparian vegetation, supplemental farm irrigation, and off-season runoff. In order to determine how the water is being consumed, the researchers will use innovations in satellite technology that have made it possible to process satellite data to estimate evapotranspiration. A team of investigators at NMSU have developed the software to provide regional ET maps from the NASA-TERRA satellite. These maps can be used to help schedule irrigation, for example. The maps will also allow for assessing the impact of water conservation policies on a regional basis by measuring water use before and after the implementation of policies. Real time ET maps will be made available to the public thereby allowing farmers to compare the water use of different crops and determine the best irrigation schedule.


Land Application of Industrial Effluent on a Chihuahuan Desert Ecosystem; New Mexico State University; Manjo Shukla, John Mexal and Ted Sammis, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture


In many areas of southern New Mexico and the border region, there is a need to develop low-cost wastewater treatment methods. These areas are experiencing rapid population growth, urban expansion, and environmental pollution. Using conventional treatment technologies to treat wastewater to a high standard is not always practical, especially in communities that lack the required infrastructure and cannot afford the installation and maintenance. This research looks at land application systems, a biological treatment technology that has low costs and easy management compared to conventional technologies. This project will evaluate a land application system installed at the West Mesa Industrial Park near the city of Las Cruces.


Solar Desalination of Brackish Water Using Membrane Distillation Process; New Mexico State University; Shuguang Deng, Department of Chemical Engineering


This research will try to improve the distillation process used for desalinating brackish water in our state. This technology consumes low energy and can use low grade energy. This will drastically reduce the cost for treating brackish water to produce high quality fresh water. Specifically, Deng and his research team are evaluating the technical and economic feasibility of a solar evaporative desalination process that uses membrane distillation technology. Membrane distillation is a relatively new process that is being looked at worldwide as a low cost, energy saving alternative to conventional separation processes such as distillation and reverse osmosis. The technology uses a porous hydrophobic membrane that excludes liquid from the pores but not vapors. The process can be operated at a lower temperature than regular thermal distillation. This process could be powered with New Mexico’s solar energy.

Technical Completion Report No. 342

Sustainable Recovery of Potable Water from Saline Waters; New Mexico State University; Nirmala Khandan, Department of Civil and Geological Engineering


This researcher is developing a solar-powered desalination system and will conduct pilot scale studies on the system. His approach has the potential for wider applications in reclaiming high quality water from wastewaters and industrial side streams such as produced waters from oil fields. An advantage to his approach is that it does not consume nonrenewable energy resources, reduces reliance on energy imports, and is not harmful to the environment.


Utilization of Saline and Other Impaired Waters for Turfgrass Irrigation; New Mexico State University; Bernd Leinauer, Department of Extension Plant Sciences and Ryan Goss, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture


This project looks at trying to make use of the vast amount of brackish water in New Mexico by determining if saline and other impaired waters can be utilized for turf irrigation. New and improved salt tolerant warm season grasses have made the prospect of using these grasses in conjunction with saline irrigation water quite promising. These grasses are now being tested for their combined cold hardiness and salt tolerance under harsh high altitude climate conditions.

Student Water Research Grant Program

When funds are made available, usually through the New Mexico State Legislature, the NM WRRI supports the Student Water Research Grant Program. These awards support the training of New Mexico’s future water experts through grants to university students throughout the state for their water-related research projects.

Student Water Research Grants are intended to help students initiate research projects or to supplement existing student research projects in water resources research. Budgets typically include expenditures for student salaries, supplies, sample analysis costs, field equipment, travel to field sites, and travel to present results at professional meetings. Student grant recipients work under the guidance of a faculty advisor. During FY20, awards of up to $7,100 were made for typically one-year projects.

Full-time undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in any degree program at one of the eight New Mexico Public Education Institutions (New Mexico State University, University of New Mexico, New Mexico Tech, Eastern New Mexico University, Western New Mexico University, New Mexico Highlands University, Northern New Mexico College, and Diné College) are eligible to apply. The NM WRRI announces a Call for Proposals when grants will be available.

April 2022 Final Report Wastewater treatment and water recycling through use of byproducts from hydrothermal liquefaction of food waste Hengameh Bayat, Chemical and Material Engineering, NMSU, PhD (Advisor: Dr. Catherine Brewer)
March 2022 Final Report Mitigation of Harmful Algal Blooms Using Modified Clays Wijayalath Kodige Nimasha Lakshani Abeykoon, Civil Engineering, NMSU, MS (Advisor: Dr. Yanyan Zhang)
February 2022 Final Report Hydrogeochemical Analysis of Springs in the Cibola National Forest: Implications for Springs/Wetlands Sustainability & Geochemical Response to Forest Fire Naomi T. Delay, Earth and Planetary Sciences, UNM, MS (Advisor: Dr. Laura J. Crossey)
January 2022 Final Report Sediment Transport Management in New Mexico’s Water Systems Using CFD Platform Flow 3-D Code Saman Mostafazadeh-Fard, Civil Engineering, NMSU, PhD (Advisor: Dr. Zohrab Samani)
December 2021 Final Report Occupancy and detection of Rio Grande cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi) on the Pecos River Laramie Mahan, Biology, ENMU, MS (Advisor: Dr. Ivana Mali)
November 2021 Final Report Template Report Format A Comparative Overview of Legal Frameworks and Conflict Resolution Mechanisms in the Nile and Rio Grande Basins Stephen D. Earsom, School of Law, UNM, JD (Advisor: Dr. Adrian Oglesby)
October 2021 Final Report Determination of naturally occurring radioactive materials (NORM) in groundwater around the WIPP site Rong He, Chemical and Materials Engineering, NMSU, PhD (Advisor: Dr. Meng Zhou)
September 2021 Final Report Nesting Ecology of the Rio Grande Cooter (Pseudemys gorzugi) on the Black River, New Mexico Francisco Rodriguez, Biology, ENMU, MS (Advisor: Dr. Ivana Mali)
August 2021 Final Report Quantifying groundwater to surface water exchanges in the Belen reach of the MRGCD Ethan Williams, NMT, (Advisor: Dr. Alex Rinehart)
July 2021 Coming Soon Living with Water-Insecurity: How do people adapt and cope with poor water quality and access? Hailey Taylor, Anthropology, NMSU, MS (Advisor: Dr. Kathryn Olszowy)
June 2021 Coming Soon Techno-Economic Analysis to Determine Cost of Atmospheric Water Capture Technologies Natalie Gayoso, Civil, Construction and Environmental Engineering, UNM, MS (Advisor: Dr. Anjali Mulchandani)
January 2021 Final Report Improving Continuous Sediment Monitoring in an Ephemeral Arroyo in Central NM Kyle Stark, Earth and Environmental Science, NMT, PhD; (Dr. Daniel Cadol)
February 2021 Final Report The effect of concentration and composition on PFAS adsorption at air-water interface Zahra Abbasian, Chemical & Materials Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Reza Foudazi)
March 2021 Final Report Water Quality Monitoring of the Upper Pecos River; Protecting the Pecos with Baseline Data Megan Begay, Natural Resources Management, NMHU, BS; (Dr. Jennifer Lindline)
March 2021 Final Report Solar reforming of microplastics in water for H2 production and degradation using nanocomposite photocatalysts Thiloka Edirisooriya, Civil Engineering, NMSU, MS; (Dr. Huiyao Wang)
April 2021 Final Report Recovery of Rare Earth Elements and Potable Water from Produced Water Lin Chen, Civil Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Frank Ramos)
April 2021 Final Report Evaluating Soil Lead Bioavailability in Agricultural Fields across Animas Watershed Bianca Wright, Plant & Environmental Science, NMSU, BS; (Dr. April Ulery)
May 2021 Final Report Assessment of the cyanobacterial Harmful Algal Blooms (cHABs) and toxins in the blooming water bodies of New Mexico Sergei Shalygin, Plant & Environmental Science, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. F. Omar Holguin)
May 2021 Final Report Improving Green Water Use Proportion in a Center Pivot Irrigation System by Using Circular Grass Buffer Strips Paramveer Singh,Plant & Environmental Science, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Sangu Angadi)
July 2020 Final Report Exploring surface water as the reservoir of CRE infecting patients in SE New Mexico Kasandra Velarde, Biology, NMT, BS; (Dr. Linda DeVeaux)
August 2020 Final Report Bioderived PolyHIPE Hydrogels Designed for Improving Water Scarcity Solutions Ryan Zowada, Chemical & Materials Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Reza Foudazi)
August 2020 Final Report Development of The Navigator: A smart sensing system to characterize aquatic ecosystems Aashish Khandelwal, Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, UNM, PhD; (Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez-Pinzon)
September 2020 Final Report Transport and biogeochemical controls on nutrient retention along stream corridors Jancoba Dorley, Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, UNM, PhD; (Dr. Ricardo Gonzalez-Pinzon)
October 2020 Final Report Investigating the effects of flow on growth and survival of larval pelagic-spawning minnows of the Pecos River, NM Richard Raymondi, Biology, ENMU, MS; (Dr. Jesse Filbrun)
November 2020 Final Report Evaluation of Heavy Metal Adsorption onto Microplastics Jasmine Anne Quiambao, Civil, Construction & Environmental Engineering, UNM, MS; (Dr. Jorge Gonzalez Estrella)
December 2020 Final Report Environmental Chemistry of the Upper Pecos River; Understanding Natural and Anthropogenic Influences on Water Quality Letisha Mailboy, Natural Resources Management, NMHU, BS; (Dr. Jennifer Lindline)
July 2020 Final Report Wastewater Treatment Using Food Waste Char Obtained from Hydrothermal Liquefaction as a Low-Cost Adsorbent Material Hengameh Bayat, Chemical & Materials Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Umakanta Jena)
June 2020 Final Report Surface Area of a Local Clay Material to Elucidate Uranium Abatement for Potable New Mexico Water Management Moticha M. Franklin, Chemistry & Biochemistry, NMSU, BS; (Dr. Antonio S. Lara)
June 2020 Final Report Determine the Usefulness of Surface Water as a Proxy for Precipitation in a Semi-Arid, Mountainous Environment Victoria Blumenberg, Animal & Range Sciences, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Michaela Buenemann)
May 2020 Final Report Modeling Rainfall-Runoff Relationships in Conjunction with Sediment Transport Measurements in Ephemeral Channels Madeline Richards, Earth & Environmental Sciences, NM Tech, MS; (Dr. Daniel Cadol)
May 2020 Final Report Assessment of Disinfection Byproducts (DBPs) Formation in Algae-Treated Wastewater for Safer Reuse in Unrestricted Applications Srimali Preethika Munasinghe-Arachchige, Civil Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Nirmalakhandan)
April 2020 Final Report Herbicide Phytotoxicity Under Drought Conditions in Warm and Cool Season Turfgrass Jackson Powers, Plant & Environmental Sciences, NMSU, MS; (Dr. Ryan Goss)
April 2020 Final Report Wasterwater-Treatment Algae-Derived Hydrochar for Heavy Metal Adsorption and Recycling Jiuling Yu, Chemical & Materials Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Hongmei Luo)
March 2020 Final Report Domestic Wastewater Treatment Using Algal Systems in Winter Climate Isuru Sachitra Abeysiriwardana Arachchige, Civil Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Nirmalakhandan)
February 2020 Final Report Tracking CRE in the Rio Grande: Determining Correlation Between the Appearance of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria in Surface Waters and Local Infection Rates Kimberly McNair, Biology, NM Tech, MS; (Dr. Linda DeVeaux)
January 2020 Final Report Monitoring Toxic Metal Uptake by Corn Grown in Agricultural Fields Across Animas and San Juan Rivers Michael Whiting (Gaurav Jha, student mentor), Geology, NMSU, MS; (Dr. April Ulery)
December 2019 Final Report Design of Optimized Produced Water Treatment Units for the Agricultural Irrigation Muchu Zhou, Chemical & Materials Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Reza Foudazi)
November 2019 Final Report Electrochemical-Assisted Ultrafiltration Membranes for Simultaneous Removal of As, Cd and Cr Alireza Bandegi, Chemical & Materials Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Reza Foudazi)
October 2019 Not Available A Survey: New Mexicans’ Willingness to Pay for Produced Water Treatment for Beneficial Re-Use Alyssa Latuchie, Economics, UNM, PhD; (Dr. Janie Chermak)
September 2019 Final Report Enhanced Water Recovery and Membrane Scaling Mitigation for Desalination Using Innovative Electromagnetic Field (EMF) and 3D Printed Open Flow Channel Membranes Juliano Penteado de Almeida, Civil Engineering, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Pei Xu)
August 2019 Final Report Water Quality Monitoring and Assessment of the Rio Mora at the Rio Mora National Wildlife Refuge, Mora County, NM Johnson Adio, Natural Resources Management, NMHU, MS; (Dr. Jennifer Lindline)
Not Available Final Report Developing a 2/3D Model for Improving Fertigation Scheduling Under Salinity Stress for Pecan Esmaiil Mokari, Plant & Environmental Sciences, NMSU, PhD; (Dr. Manoj Shukla)
July 2019 Final Report Recyclable monolithic aerogels as efficient adsorbents for chromium VI removal from rural ground-water resources Zahra Abbasian, NMSU, PhD student (Reza Foudazi)
June 2019 Final Report Energy and Nutrient Recovery from Co-Solvent Hydrothermal Liquefaction of Wastewater-Grown Algae Zheng Cui, NMSU, PhD student (Catherine Brewer)
May 2019 Final Report Hydroelectric management on the Rio Chama: examining costs and benefits from nonconsumptive flow management between the El Vado and Abiquiu reservoirs Suzanne Stradling, UNM, PhD student (Janie Chermak)
May 2019 Final Report Herbicide Phytotoxicity Under Drought Conditions in Warm and Cool Season Turfgrass Jackson Powers, NMSU, master’s student (Ryan Goss)
April 2019 Final Report Ecological responses in a river with more and less water: a case study of the highly managed Chama River, New Mexico” Monika Hobbs, UNM, master’s program (Rebecca Bixby)
April 2019 Final Report Optimizing fertilizer application and leaching under abiotic stresses within and below the Root Zone of Pecan Orchards” Esmaiil Mokarighahroodi, NMSU, PhD student (Manoj Shukla)
March 2019 Final Report Surface Water Quality Implications of Valles Caldera Geothermal Fluids on Jemez Watershed: A Holistic Hydrogeochemical Investigation Jon K. Golla, UNM, master’s student (Laura J. Crossey)
March 2019 Final Report Speciation of metal(loids) in agricultural field soils impacted by Animas/San Juan River after the 2015 Gold King Mine Spill Gaurav Jha, NMSU, PhD student (April Ulery)
February 2019 Final Report Recovery of Ammonium and Magnesium from Produced Water by Struvite Precipitation Lei Hu, NMSU, PhD student (Yanyan Zhang)
February 2019 Final Report Preparing a sediment monitoring station on an ephemeral channel for summer monsoon flows Kyle Stark, NM Tech, master’s student (Daniel Cadol)
January 2019 Final Report Gold King Mine Spill: Contaminant Removal of San Juan County Rivers via Phytoremediation Jason Fechner, NMSU, bachelor’s student (April Ulery)
January 2019 Final Report Monitoring basking activity and assessing water conditions in relation to basking of Rio Grande cooters along the Black River Thanchira Suriyamongkol, ENMU, master’s student (Ivana Mali)
December 2018 Final Report Developing new strategies to mitigate antimicrobial resistance for safe water reuse Xiaoxiao Cheng, NMSU, PhD student (Yanyan Zhang)
November 2018 Final Report Water Reuse and Desalination with Self-cleaning Photocatalytic Membrane Distillation Lin Chen, NMSU, PhD student (Pei Xu)
November 2018 Final Report Mineralogical and Kinetic Considerations for Uranium Leaching Alexandra Pearce, NM Tech, PhD student (Kierran Maher)
October 2018 Final Report Historic and Ancient Ditch Irrigation Inform Current Systems: A Cross Cultural Comparison from Creekside Village of Tularosa, New Mexico Christine Gilbertson, ENMU, master’s student (John Montgomery)
September 2018 Final Report The Everyday Politics of Irrigated Agriculture and an Uncertain Future Holly Brause, UNM, PhD student (David Dinwoodie)
September 2018 Final Report An efficient forecasting of hydrologic extremes under climate change Khandaker Islam, NMSU, PhD student (Christopher Brown)
August 2018 Final Report Potable Water Recovery Through Energy Efficient Algal Wastewater Treatment and Hybrid Membrane Processes Chathurika Bandara, NMSU, PhD student (Nirmala Khandan)
July 2018 Final Report Antibiotic resistance in wastewater treatment: the effects of different treatment methods on the differential survival of antibiotic resistant pathogens over non-resistant bacteria through the treatment process of two different wastewater treatment plants Angelica Cave, NM Tech, master’s student (Linda DeVeaux)
June 2018 Final Report Further Investigation of the Complex Hydrology at La Cienega, Santa Fe County, NM Ryan Mann, NMHU, master’s degree (Jennifer Lindline)
January 2018 Final Report Pore-Scale Transport of Strontium and Chromate During Dynamic Water Content Changes in the Unsaturated Zone William Weaver (Lambis Papelis) NMSU, Civil Engineering, PhD
December 2017 Final Report Spatial prediction of soil hydraulic properties accounting for variable wildfire burn severity, Valles Caldera, New Mexico Michael Wine (Daniel Cadol) NMTech, Earth & Environmental Science, Hydrology, PhD
November 2017 Final Report Monitoring water quality parameters within a known range of Western River Cooters (Pseudemys gorzugi) within Black River Drainage Andrew Letter (Ivana Mali) NSMU, Geography, MS
October 2017 Final Report Solar Energy Assisted Water Purification: Incorporation of an Environmentally Benign Porous Graphitized Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalyst with Graphitized Polyacrylonitrile (g-PAN) for Efficient Oxidation of Toxic Arsenite [As(III)] Stephanie Richins (Hongmai Luo) NMSU, Chemical and Materials Engineering, BS
September 2017 Final Report A lab and pilot scale comparison of attached growth and suspended culture for the algal remediation of arsenic from water Chase Stearnes (Andrew Schuler) UNM, Civil Engineering, BS
September 2017 Final Report Gila National Forest Stream Temperature and Intermittency Monitoring Network for Species of Special Interest Tyler Wallin (Colleen Caldwell) NMSU, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, MS
August 2017 Final Report Effects of NRCS and BLM Conservation Practices on Plant and Soil Biological Communities and Hydrologic Processes in the Rio Puerco Watershed Jeremy Schallner (Amy Ganguli) NMSU, Animal and Range Sciences, MS
July 2017 Final Report Post Wildfire Geomorphic and Hydrological Effects in the Upper Santa Fe Municipal Watershed Manuel Lopez (Daniel Dugas) ENMU, Biology, MS
July 2017 Final Report Investigation of soil composition from burned areas affecting water quality changes following wildfires Amanda Otieno (Rebecca Bixby) UNM, Biology/Water Resources Program, MS
June 2017 Final Report Developing the Water-Budget and Calculating the Recharge for the Mesilla Bolson Aquifer Pooneh Pahlavani (Zohrab Samani) NMSU, Civil Engineering, MS
May 2017 Final Report San Jose Mining District Groundwater Investigation Moticha Yellowman, Antonio Lara, Dennis McQuillan
March 2017 Final Report Integrated geological, geophysical, and hydrological study of field-scale fault-zone cementation and permeability Johnny Hinojosa (Peter Mozley) NMTech, Earth and Environmental Science, MS
Februrary 2017 Final Report Economic Impact of Water Conservation, Storage Capacity Development, and Crop Diversity in the Tucumcari Project of East-Central New Mexico Befekadu Habteyes (Frank Ward) NMSU, Ag Economics and Ag Business, PhD
Februrary 2017 Final Report Is there a relationship between tree canopy cover change on the landscape and the discharge of Gallinas Creek through time (from 1939 to 2015) in Las Vegas, NM? Behnaz Yekkeh (Edward Martinez) NMHU, Natural Resource Management, MS
November 2016 Final Report Characterization of Pathogenic Bacterial Regrowth and Impairment Potential along the Rio Grande near Albuquerque James Fluke (Ricardo Gonzalez-Pinzon) UNM, Civil Engineering, MS
Not Available Final Report Improved Meteorological Infrastructure for Water Management in the Middle and Lower Rio Grande, New Mexico Garrett Gibson (Salim Bawazir) NMSU, Civil Engineering, BS
Not Available Final Report Uranium Abatement for Contaminated, Limited Water Resources Using Clay Pellets Nhat Nguyen (Antonio Lara) NMSU, Chemistry and Biochemistry, BS/BA
November 2016 Final Report Characterization of Pathogenic Bacterial Regrowth and Impairment Potential along the Rio Grande near Albuquerque James Fluke (Ricardo Gonzalez-Pinzon) UNM, Civil Engineering, MS
Final Report Improved Meteorological Infrastructure for Water Management in the Middle and Lower Rio Grande, New Mexico Garrett Gibson (Salim Bawazir) NMSU, Civil Engineering, BS
February 2017 Final Report Economic Impact of Water Conservation, Storage Capacity Development, and Crop Diversity in the Tucumcari Project of East-Central New Mexico Befekadu Habteyes (Frank Ward) NMSU, Ag Economics and Ag Business, PhD
March 2017 Final Report Integrated geological, geophysical, and hydrological study of field-scale fault-zone cementation and permeability Johnny Hinojosa (Peter Mozley) NMTech, Earth and Environmental Science, MS
November 2017 Final Report Monitoring water quality parameters within a known range of Western River Cooters (Pseudemys gorzugi) within Black River Drainage Andrew Letter (Ivana Mali) NSMU, Geography, MS
July 2017 Final Report Post Wildfire Geomorphic and Hydrological Effects in the Upper Santa Fe Municipal Watershed Manuel Lopez (Daniel Dugas) ENMU, Biology, MS
Final Report Uranium Abatement for Contaminated, Limited Water Resources Using Clay Pellets Nhat Nguyen (Antonio Lara) NMSU, Chemistry and Biochemistry, BS/BA
July 2017 Final Report Investigation of soil composition from burned areas affecting water quality changes following wildfires Amanda Otieno (Rebecca Bixby) UNM, Biology/Water Resources Program, MS
June 2017 Final Report Developing the Water-Budget and Calculating the Recharge for the Mesilla Bolson Aquifer Pooneh Pahlavani (Zohrab Samani) NMSU, Civil Engineering, MS
October 2017 Final Report Solar Energy Assisted Water Purification: Incorporation of an Environmentally Benign Porous Graphitized Carbon Nitride (g-C3N4) photocatalyst with Graphitized Polyacrylonitrile (g-PAN) for Efficient Oxidation of Toxic Arsenite [As(III)] Stephanie Richins (Hongmai Luo) NMSU, Chemical and Materials Engineering, BS
August 2017 Final Report Effects of NRCS and BLM Conservation Practices on Plant and Soil Biological Communities and Hydrologic Processes in the Rio Puerco Watershed Jeremy Schallner (Amy Ganguli) NMSU, Animal and Range Sciences, MS
September 2017 Final Report A lab and pilot scale comparison of attached growth and suspended culture for the algal remediation of arsenic from water Chase Stearnes (Andrew Schuler) UNM, Civil Engineering, BS
September 2017 Final Report Gila National Forest Stream Temperature and Intermittency Monitoring Network for Species of Special Interest Tyler Wallin (Colleen Caldwell) NMSU, Fish, Wildlife and Conservation Ecology, MS
January 2018 Final Report Pore-Scale Transport of Strontium and Chromate During Dynamic Water Content Changes in the Unsaturated Zone William Weaver (Lambis Papelis) NMSU, Civil Engineering, PhD
December 2017 Final Report Spatial prediction of soil hydraulic properties accounting for variable wildfire burn severity, Valles Caldera, New Mexico Michael Wine (Daniel Cadol) NMTech, Earth & Environmental Science, Hydrology, PhD
February 2017 Final Report Is there a relationship between tree canopy cover change on the landscape and the discharge of Gallinas Creek through time (from 1939 to 2015) in Las Vegas, NM? Behnaz Yekkeh (Edward Martinez) NMHU, Natural Resource Management, MS
May 2017 Final Report San Jose Mining District Groundwater Investigation Moticha Yellowman Antonio Lara Dennis McQuillan
Project Abstract Final Report Real Time Monitoring of Flood Control Dams for Emergency Action Management Abdullah Alazmi, Dennis Felipe Jr, Reynold Durden, Malcolm Braughton, Paul Candelaria, Seth Davis, NMSU, Bachelor’s and master’s students (Dr. J. Phillip King)
Project Abstract Final Report Cost‐efficient detection of endocrine‐disrupting compounds in drinking water Maxwell Baymiller, NM Tech, undergraduate student (Dr. Snezna Rogelj)
Project Abstract Final Report Evaluation of Impacts of Silvicultural Operations such as Thinning Treatments on Water Quality and Quantity in New Mexico Forests Onur Beyazoglu and Yasser Almalki, NMSU, master’s students (Dr. Owen Burney)
Project Abstract Final Report Temporal analysis of non‐snow fed streams in New Mexico Fawn Brooks, UNM, PhD student (Dr. David Gutzler)
Project Abstract Final Report Test of the new LAS MkII Scintillometer for validation of statewide New Mexico evapotranspiration maps Reid Brown, NM Tech, master’s student, (Dr. Jan Hendrickx)
Project Abstract Final Report The Detection of Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria (ARB) in the Gallinas River Laurel Carr, master’s student (Dr. Ben Nelson)
Project Abstract Final Report Fire ash influences on aquatic primary producers through changes in water quality Alexander Clark, UNM, undergraduate student, (Dr. Rebecca Bixby)
Project Abstract Final Report Evaluating the Impacts of Particulate Matter Deposition on Snow Melt Processes in the Upper Rio Grande, NM Angela Gregory, UNM, PhD student (Dr. Mark Stone)
Project Abstract Final Report Development of a Bio‐indicator to Assess Water Quality in Ephemeral Ponds Rebekah Horn, NMSU, PhD student, (Dr. David Cowley)
Project Abstract Final Report Enhanced Photocatalysis for Water Purification and Disinfection using Optical Fibers Coated with Nanocomposite Thin Films Lu Lin, NMSU, MS/PhD student (Dr. Pei Xu)
Project Abstract Final Report Linking Forests to Faucets: Investigating Alternative Approaches for Securing Long‐Term Funding for Watershed Restoration in New Mexico Edward McCorkindale, UNM, master’s student, (Dr. Robert Berrens)
Project Abstract Final Report Effects of Turbidity on Group Cohesion in Sand Shiners and Red Shiners from the Pecos River in New Mexico Sabrina Michael, ENMU, master’s student, (Dr. Marv Lutnesky)
Project Abstract Final Report Submerged Aquatic Macrophytes – Ecosystem Engineers in New Mexico Mountain Streams – Effects of Forest Fire Virginia Thompson, UNM, PhD student, (Dr. Clifford Dahm)
Project Abstract Final Report Water Politics and Cultural Difference: Fostering Community Relationships to Promote Environmental Health and Community Wellbeing in Times of Drought Elise Trott, UNM, PhD student (Dr. Erin Debenport)
Project Abstract Final Report Assessment of Water Quality in the Irrigation Drainage Canals as a Source of Reusable Irrigation Water Kai Williams, NMSU, master’s student, (Dr. Salim Bawazir)
Project Abstract Final Report Application of HydroGeoSphere to model climate change effects on three‐dimensional hydrological processes in the Valles Caldera, New Mexico Michael Wine, NM Tech, PhD student, (Dr. Daniel Cadol)
Project Abstract Final Report Investigation of Improved Operational Streamflow Forecasting in the Rio Grande Basin Shalamu Abudu, Civil Engineering (advisor: J. Phillip King), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report The Dependency of Anomalous Transport Behavior on Flow Path Orientation Nicholas B Engdahl, Earth and Planetary Sciences (advisor: Gary S. Weissmann), University of New Mexico.
Project Abstract Final Report Evaluation of Multi-stage solar-powered desalination system Akash Mummaneni, Civil Engineering (advisor: N. Nirmala Khandan), New Mexico State University.
Project Abstract Final Report Aqueous Geochemistry of the Springs and Wells of the Sevilleta National Wildlife Refuge: Evaluating Hydrochemical Pathways and Microbiology Amy J. Williams, Earth & Planetary Sciences (advisor: Laura Crossey), University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Residence Time Distribution in Dynamically Changing Hydrologic Systems Jesus D. Gomez, Earth and Environmental Sciences, (advisor: John L. Wilson), New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Composite Membrane for Membrane Distillation Desalination Process Sai Reddy Pinappu, Chemical Engineering (advisor: Shuguang Deng), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract -- Updating the Groundwater Flow Model for the Southern Jornada Del Muerto Basin – Implementing Reviewers Comments B. V. N. P. Kambhammettu, Civil Engineering (advisor: J. Phillip King), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Assessment of a novel source-tracking protocol for evaluating the significance of municipal wastewater sources on the microbial contaminant levels of discharged wastewaters Jesus Sigala, Plant and Environmental Science (advisor: Adrian Unc), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract -- Effects of Copper Sulfate Treatment on Benthic Macroinvertebrates in Peterson Reservoir Sediments Daryl Williams, Natural Sciences (advisor: Edward A. Martinez), New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract Final Report Uranium Abatement in Water Nicholas G. Beltran, Biology (advisor: Antonio S. Lara), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract -- Removal of Arsenic from Aqueous solution using activated carbon prepared from Pecan shells Ranganath Potluri, Chemical Engineering (advisor: David Roskstraw), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report From Stormwater Management to Stormwater Integration: The Use of Low Impact Development Techniques in the Albuquerque Region KT LaBadie, Water Resources Program and Community and Regional Planning Program (advisor: Bill Fleming), University of New Mexico.
Project Abstract Final Report Feasibility Study of Wastewater Purification by Low Temperature Distillation Method Veera Gnaneswar Gude, Civil Engineering Department (advisor: Nirmala Khandan), New Mexico State University.
Project Abstract Final Report Arsenic Adsorption and Desorption in Storrie Lake Sediments Celestine Ngam, Department of Natural Sciences (advisor: Michael Meyer), New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract Final Report New Mexico Water Rights Prices Database Development Shawn Landfair, Agricultural Economics and Agricultural Business Department (advisor: Frank Ward), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report New Mexico State University Estimating Evaporation from Elephant Butte Reservoir with the Monin Obukhov Simularity Theory Using Simple Instrumentation Jimmy Moreno, Civil Engineering Department (advisor: A. Salim Bawazir)
Project Abstract Final Report Iron(II) Oxidation in New Mexico Waters: Experimental Development of a Molecular-Level Predictive Model Andrea Higdon, Department of Chemistry (advisor: Michael Pullin), New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Drinking Water Purification for U.S.A.-Mexico Border Region Arely A. Torres, Chemical Engineering Department (advisor: Shuguang Deng), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Land Application of Wastewater Containing Arsenic: Impacts on the Sorption and Mobility of Arsenic in Soil Sylvia Nemmers, Plant and Environmental Sciences (advisor: April Ulery), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Carbon Nanotube-Based Biosensor for Pathogens Concentration and Detection Dipendu Saha, Chemical Engineering Department (advisor: Shuguang Deng), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report New Mexico Highlands University, Bioassessment of Arsenic Contamination of the Gallinas River Using Benthic Macroinvertebrates Bildad Eta Eyong, Department of Natural Sciences (advisor: Edward Martinez)
Project Abstract Final Report The Effects of Acequias and Riparian Evapotranspiration on the Rio Grande Flow Levels Ciara Cusack, Animal and Range Sciences (advisor: Sam Fernald), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Investigating Potential Salt Contamination of Aquifers from Irrigated Landscapes Elena Sevostianova, Plant and Environmental Sciences (advisor: Bernd Leinauer), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Characterization of Heavy Metal Binding by Functional Groups Found in Biomaterials Jesus Q. Cantu, Department of Physics (advisor: Jacob Urquidi), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Community and Ecosystem Effects of a Nonnative Fish in Refugia in an Intermittent Stream: Implications for Native Fish Restoration Ryan McShane, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences (advisor: David Cowley), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Relating Fish Abundance and Condition to Environmental Factors in Desert Sinkholes Kristin Swaim, Department of Fishery and Wildlife Sciences (advisor: Wiebke J. Boeing), New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report The Effects of Eutrophication on the Structure and Function of Stream Biofilms David J. VanHorn, Department of Biology (advisor: Clifford Dahm), University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Experimental and Numerical Modeling Analysis of Arsenic-sulfide Precipitation in Groundwater Environments Matthew F. Kirk, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences (advisor: Laura Crossey), University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report The Influence of Predator Detection on Life History Strategies in DAPHNIA Irene M. Roselli, Department of Biology (advisor: Marvin M.F. Lutnesky), Eastern New Mexico University
Project Abstract Final Report The Influence of Larval Culiseta sp. (Diptera: Culicidae) on Behavior and Growth Rate of Tadpole Shrimp Triops longicaudatus (LeConte) (Notostraca: Triopsidae) Nicole M. Harings, Department of Biology, (advisor: Marvin M.F. Lutnesky), Eastern New Mexico University
Project Abstract Final Report Determination of Heavy Metal Distribution in the Gallinas River Using Aquatic Macrophytes Chemanji Shu-Nyamboli and Joel Lowry, Department of Natural Sciences (advisor: Edward A. Martinez), New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract -- Uranium and Heavy Metals in Macroinvertebrates in the Santa Fe River on the Cochiti Reservation Carlos R. Herrera, Department of Natural Sciences (advisor: Michael L. Meyer), New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract Final Report Runoff Processes and the Evolution of Water Chemistry in the Saguache Creek Watershed of the Upper Rio Grande Marty D. Frisbee, Department of Earth and Environmental Science (advisor: Fred Phillips), New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Use of Remotely Sensed Observations for Improved Distributed Hydrological Modeling in the Jemez River Basin Taufique Mahmood, Department of Earth and Environmental Science (advisor: Enrique Vivoni), New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Multi-disciplinary Analysis of a New Mexico Cold Water Tufa Spring Mound Katrina Koski, Department of Earth and Environmental Science (advisor: Penelope J. Boston), New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Cattails and Ostracodes: An Investigation of Prehistoric Water Management in the Chupadera Arroyo Basin, Central New Mexico Monica L. (Enke) Murrell; Department of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology, Eastern New Mexico University
Project Abstract Final Report Groundwater Quality and Well Water Assessment in Las Vegas New Mexico Area Joel Lowry and Simone-Camille Yelah Tar; Department of Natural Sciences, New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract Final Report Surveying Health Risks Associated with Arsenic in the Gallinas Watershed Justin Johns-Kaysing; Department of Natural Sciences, New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract Final Report Riparian Evapotranspiration Estimates on the Middle Rio Grande Using Remote Sensing Maritza A. Macias-Corral; Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Modeling of Mass and Heat Transport in Membrane Distillation Process for Brackish Water Desalination Prajwal Vikram; Department of Chemical Engineering, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Soil Recovery After Herbicide Treatment of Saltcedar Stands and Management Implications Cheryl Rosel; Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Rapid Detection of Human Fecal Contamination Using sIgA as an Indicator Jessica Hamel; Department of Microbiology and Biology, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Numerical Modeling Investigation of Fluid Flow Above and Below Sediment-Water Interfaces Meinhard Bayani R. Cardenas; Department of Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Hydrometeorological Field Studies During the North American Monsoon in the Valles Caldera National Preserve Alex J. Rinehart; Department of Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Investigation of Transpiration Water Loss from Pinyon-Juniper Forests Sue White; Department of Environmental Engineering, New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Water Quality Along the Middle Rio Grande of New Mexico Lydia Zeglin; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Mycorrhizal Colonization in Cottonwood and Salt Cedar Stands Along the Middle Rio Grande: Implications for Water Quality and Water Consumption Jennifer Follstad Shah; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Human Impacts on Nitrate Dynamics in Hyporheic Sediments Using a Stable Isotope Tracer Chelsea Crenshaw; Department of Biology, University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Escherichia coli Source Tracking by DNA Fingerprinting in Diverse Watersheds of Northern New Mexico Greg M. Huey, Department of Natural Sciences, New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract Final Report Using Natural Tracers to Improve Estimates of Groundwater Recharge Resulting from Snowmelt Sam Earman, Department of Earth and Environmental Science, New Mexico Tech
Project Abstract Final Report Water Quality Assessment in the Gallinas Watershed, Las Vegas, New Mexico Thomas Evans, Environmental Geology Program, Department of Natural Sciences, New Mexico Highlands University
Project Abstract Final Report Under What Conditions are Salinity-gradient Solar Ponds Cost-effective as a Source of Heat and/or Electricity for Desalination of Brackish Groundwater? Robin A. Foldager, Environmental Science, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Prehistoric Water Management in the American Southwest Stacy K. Galassini, Department of Anthropology and Applied Archaeology, Eastern New Mexico University
Project Abstract Final Report Mapping Lake Evaporation Using Satellite Imagery Alex Herting, Tim Farmer, and Jordan Evans; Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report The Fate of Pharmaceutically Active Drugs in the Rio Grande and Groundwater Maceo Carrillo Martinet, Department of Biology, University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Can Non-Potable Saline Groundwater Be Used for Turfgrass Irrigation? Casey Johnson, Department of Agronomy and Horticulture, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Identification of Membrane Foulants in Natural Waters Khalid Mehboob, Department of Civil Engineering, University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Effects of Gender and Predation Risk on Depth Choice in the Mosquitofish, Gambusia affinis Tony Spitzack, Department of Biology, Eastern New Mexico University
Project Abstract Final Report Effects of Burning and Thinning on Forest Hydrology Anthony Madrid, Department of Animal and Range Sciences, New Mexico State University
Project Abstract Final Report Geochemistry of Rio Grande Rift Travertine Depositing Springs: Implications for Rio Grande Valley Water Dennis L. Newell, Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of New Mexico
Project Abstract Final Report Climate, Land-use Change, and Hydrologic Response: Modeling the Rio Puerco Basin Robert W Wyckoff, Earth and Environmental Sciences, New Mexico Tech

Procedural and Editorial Guidelines for Principal Investigators

Principal investigators (PIs) of research projects sponsored by the Institute are required to follow certain procedural and editorial guidelines. These guidelines allow the Institute to fulfill its obligations to federal, state, and various other sponsors. A copy of the guidelines in .pdf format is available via the link below:

The Institute’s primary objective is to maintain a balanced program of research that addresses water problems critical to New Mexico, the Southwest, and the nation. The Institute’s major program guidance comes from its Program Development and Review Board, composed of representatives of the USGS, state government, each of the major doctoral-granting state universities, and the Institute.

The program uses two approaches:

  1. Support of small “seed money” projects that allow State University faculties to explore and develop research ideas that can attract more substantial outside funding. This is done with the Federal base grant (Section 104B of the Water Resources Research Act – [Public Law 98-242 as amended]) and part of the funds provided by the State of New Mexico. Depending upon the availability of funding, annual request for proposals for “seed money” projects are announced in the fall.
  2. Providing non-federal matching funds required for other programs: i.e., Section 104G. Depending upon the availability of funding, annual request for proposals for “seed money” projects are usually announced in the fall. The Section 104G program is usually announced in November of each year ( https://water.usgs.gov/wrri/FY2020_104g_RFP.pdf ). These grants are available to any tenure track faculty member in any Department at any of the state’s 6 universities (UNM, NMTech, NMSU, NMHU, NMWU, & NMEU). Interested PIs should discuss their ideas with NM WRRI.