Water Management Policy & Science

Research Focus

Human impact on Earth’s surface processes, with research focused on hydrologic systems in arid and semi-arid Western North America.

Current Projects

Springs Ecohydrology

Studying the ecological and hydrological aspects of springs systems in arid environments.

Environmental Flow Needs Assessment

Evaluating water flow requirements for ecosystem health and sustainability.

Citizen Science Springs Monitoring

Engaging communities in monitoring and protecting springs resources.

Riparian Habitat Conservation

Research on protecting and restoring riparian ecosystems.

Aquifer Recharge Studies

Investigating groundwater recharge processes and management strategies.

Faculty Expertise

• Abe Springer - Hydrogeology
• Denielle Perry - Water resources policy
• Pranay Ranjan - Water governance

Research Areas

• Hydrologic systems analysis
• Springs ecology and hydrology
• Environmental flow assessment
• Water resource policy
• Groundwater studies
• Riparian ecosystem management
• Community-based water monitoring

Career Outcomes

Graduates work in:

• Private sector consulting
• Governmental agencies
• Non-governmental organizations
• Water resource management
• Environmental consulting
• Policy research

Regional Focus

Specialization in:

• Arid and semi-arid Western North America
• Springs systems
• Desert hydrology
• Water-limited environments
• Regional water management

Student Opportunities

• Field-based research experiences
• Policy analysis training
• Community engagement projects
• Interdisciplinary collaboration
• Professional development

Who We Are

Our faculty includes:

• Abe Springer - Hydrogeology, ecohydrology, karst
• Denielle Perry - Water resources policy and management
• Julie Mueller - Environmental economics
• Pranay Ranjan - Water governance, conservation behavior
• Rebecca Best - Aquatic ecology and evolution
• James Sample - Tectonics, geochemistry, geoscience education

Collaborators

At NAU:

• Ecological Restoration Institute

Outside NAU:

• Grand Canyon National Park
• Springs Stewardship Institute at the Museum of Northern Arizona
• Grand Canyon Monitoring and Research Center

For Students

Students can pursue degrees in:

• Bachelor’s (BS) in Environmental Sciences or Geology
• Master’s (MS) in Environmental Sciences and Policy or Geology
• PhD in Earth Sciences & Environmental Sustainability

Contact Information

Email: SES.Admin@nau.edu
Phone: 928-523-9333
Location: Room A108, Ashurst Building, NAU, Flagstaff, AZ