General Announcements
WellAware Program Targets Rural Drinking Water
This summer, the IWH will be working with rural residents in Evans and Tattnall County to test private drinking water wells for hazardous contaminants. Supported by a grant from the CARES Foundation, this study will focus on cancer-causing pollution found in drinking water. Participants can get a free drinking water test for filling out a short survey. Survey answers will help us to understand how the health and experiences of drinking from private wells may impact cancer screening initiatives. A town hall event in each county will bring together communities to discuss concerns and possible solutions for the future. Currently, this project will support doctoral-level research, but we look forward to the expansion of this project in the years to come.
Meet the Team at the IWH
The Institute for Water and Heath at Georgia Southern relies on our interdisciplinary team to get things done for our communities on the Georgia Coast and beyond. We use a blend of science, expertise, communication, and technological know-how to answer questions that lie at the intersection of water and health. In this video, produced by our Communications Student Vanessa Countryman, Dr. Asli Aslan, Director and founder talks about our mission and how our diverse expertise gives us an edge when we are solving the complex issues around water. Dr. Jake Loveless, our Lab Manager discusses his background and the importance of conservation. Luke Roberson, the Community Engagement and Outreach Coordinator goes over how communication is essential to making a public impact with research, and Victoria Clower, our Graduate Researcher recalls her personal connection to rural water quality and her dedication to the mission of the IWH.
The IWH Celebrates Grand Opening of its Lab with New Federal Funding
On Monday, March 25th, The Institute for Water and Health celebrated its grand opening and was awarded $2.04 million in federal funding for its Safe Water Together Program. Founding director, Asli Aslan was joined in the ribbon-cutting ceremony by Georgia Southern University President Kyle Marrero, Representative Buddy Carter, Provost Carl Reiber, Vice-President for Research and Economic Development Christopher Curtis, and many others who were instrumental in bringing this dream to fruition.
“Today is an important milestone for our journey started two years ago, a vision born out of recognizing the need for a research center for our most valuable resource in the region,” said Dr. Asli Aslan, Director of The Institute for Water and Health.
The Institute for Water and Health (IWH) was established in 2021 in response to the critical need for a research center focused on our region’s precious water resources. The opening of the IWH laboratory marks a significant step forward in confronting intricate water-related challenges and improving public health by employing advanced technology. As the lab was under construction, IWH staff worked with community members, policymakers, and Georgia Southern-affiliated faculty to create several innovative research projects.
”We thank our university leadership for supporting us. Our institute will serve as a beacon for research, innovation, and collaboration, aiming to improve water resources and promote well-being for generations to come.”
Dr. Asli Aslan, Founding Director of the IWH
“The institute conducts water research, develops new technologies, and partners with our community stakeholders to tackle complex issues and provide scientific data and solutions that foster safe and sustainable water uses,” said Dr. Kyle Marrero, President of Georgia Southern University.
The Institute continues to grow in capacity and capability, serving as an example of Georgia Southern’s dedication to providing the highest quality technological resources for its students, faculty, and community. The new funding will empower local communities to develop and implement holistic solutions, fortify infrastructure resilience, and guarantee equitable access to pristine water for all citizens.
New IWH Video Highlights Safe Water Together with our Affiliated Faculty
The Institute for Water and Health is proud to work with Vanessa Countryman, a Georgia Southern Journalism student, in producing a new video about some of the people who make our mission possible. Viewable on the IWH YouTube page, the movie includes interviews with a few of our affiliated faculty and their feelings about partnering with the IWH on research projects. Drs. Stetson Rowles (engineering), Anthony Siccardi (biology), and Dr. Lacey Huffling (education) talk about what safe water means in their disciplines. We want to thank all our great partners and faculty for spreading the word about Safe Water. Together.
RaMP: Mentoring and Research Opportunities for Careers in Coastal Science (MROC2S)
This opportunity is accepting applications now!
The Mentoring and Research Opportunities for Careers in Coastal Science (MROC2S) Program at Georgia Southern University provides year-round mentoring, professional development, and diverse research training opportunities in natural resource science for postbaccalaureate participants. MROC2S aims to develop a strong and inclusive research and technical skills program that produces a more diverse STEM workforce. Participants will be integrated into a diverse network of natural resource professionals devoted to research, management, and conservation efforts in the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coast regions to expose them to careers and opportunities in this field. MROC2S consists of a network that includes academics as the primary research mentors, partnerships with state/federal agencies and NGOs, and long-term research sites. Network partners contribute to projects and experiences centering on the restoration, conservation, and management of natural resources of the region.