The Alabama Water Institute has selected Dr. Gregory Starr as the 2022 Distinguished AWI Faculty Fellow. The program recognizes UA faculty for outstanding research, extension and education programs that significantly advance UA’s interdisciplinary water-related communities of science.

“These AWI Fellows exemplify the depth and quality of our faculty at The University of Alabama, as well as the research they conduct,” said Scott Rayder, AWI executive director. “I am excited to work with these new fellows who will be terrific ambassadors for water research here in Alabama and beyond.”

Selected fellows have shown evidence of strong interdisciplinary, water-related research, education, and extension programs. Their research, education and extension priorities align with AWI’s mission to both carry out cutting-edge and applied research and to train the next generation of scientists to provide actionable, novel solutions for a more water-secure world.

AWI Faculty Fellows serve as representatives committed to contribute to AWI’s initiatives during their term and help promote the institute across UA, its partners and to the public. AWI Faculty Fellows also increase the visibility and impact of the institute by participating in its monthly talk series and by submitting interdisciplinary AWI proposals.

The creation of the AWI demonstrated the commitment of UA to be a premier research and education institution around water-related issues. AWI’s goal is to become a world-class interdisciplinary water research institute that develops pathbreaking, holistic and environmentally friendly solutions to ensure people and ecological systems in our community, state, nation and around the world have access to clean water and are resilient to extreme events.