Common Waters was developed in 2024 as a new initiative of the 3RQ program at the West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI). The initiative aims to accomplish greater collaboration between students and real-world environmental research. Through the program, students have the opportunity to connect with local watershed groups to complete STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and math) projects, benefitting both the students and the communities they serve.
Watershed groups often have specific problems that need solved through research or technical assistance, but don’t have the personnel or expertise to tackle them. At the same time, students often complete research projects as course or degree requirements with little to no real-world impact. While students apply a significant amount of time toward these projects, the result of their research often doesn’t leave the classroom.
Common Waters aims to connect WVU students in STEAM programs to watershed groups, resulting in a win-win for both sides. By partnering with watershed groups, the students will not only be given a project with real-world impact, but also assistance elevating their project through access to existing data, local knowledge, resources, and physical sites for research. Students will learn how to engage communities in research and will be exposed to potential careers.
The first phase of the initiative will ensure that the program is set up for long-term success by gathering information from WVU professors, clubs, and programs to ensure that Common Waters is filling gaps to strengthen existing efforts rather than replicating efforts.
About WVWRI
Since 1967, the
West Virginia Water Research Institute (WVWRI) at West Virginia University has
served the people of the state by developing solutions to important
environmental and economic development issues and disseminating the results to
the public, legislators, and government officials. Two of WVWRI’s longest-running
programs include Three Rivers QUEST (3RQ) and the National Mine LandReclamation Center (NMLRC). Strong partnerships with watershed groups, state
agencies, and other nonprofit organizations are vital to both programs.
About 3RQ
Three Rivers QUEST (3RQ) brings together academic researchers, citizen scientists, and conservation groups to collect, analyze, and monitor important water quality data within the rivers and headwaters that drain into the Ohio River. 3RQ not only collaborates with watershed groups for research purposes, but also provides them with resources and tools, as well as networking opportunities. For example, 3RQ provides a data warehouse and online mapping tools free to watershed groups and hosts an annual roundtable series. 3RQ has a repository of data and research prompts that could be employed by WVU students.
Common Waters is graciously funded by the Colcom Foundation.