World Water Day is an annual event that focuses on accessing clean water globally, and Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences (CAHS) did its part to participate in the effort. On Tuesday, March 22, 2022, CAHS Endowed Professor Ali Fares, Ph.D., led a panel discussion with three water experts that delineated the need to innovate water consumption and conservation in light of the planet’s climate change urgency.

Texas A&M University Associate Professor Gretchen Miller, Ph.D., began the panel with a discussion analyzing groundwater and what can be learned from the resource to battle climate change. Susan O’Shaughnessy, Ph.D., is a renowned Research Agricultural Engineer with the United States Department of Agriculture – Agricultural Research Service, who uses precision irrigation technology to manage crop water. And finally, Michael Young, Ph.D., Senior Research Scientist at the University of Texas – Austin, led a presentation on reimagining energy conservation to save the future.

CAHS administrators also highlighted the university’s efforts to promote healthy habits and create water outreach programs.

“Our 4H agents have been involved with reducing water usage in the home,” Cooperative Extension Program Executive Associate Director Carolyn Williams, Ph.D., said. “Also, in disaster management, we are working with the water boards to ensure families understand how to keep water safe when things happen.”

CEP agents also created several videos to demonstrate how to properly wash hands to combat the coronavirus and launched podcasts to discuss how to remain safe during the pandemic. The college is also developing a master’s program in natural resources and environmental sciences.

“I hope, of course, to train students, the next generation of researchers and leaders who can go out there to address these issues that continue to confront us,” said Associate Dean of the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Kwaku Addo, Ph.D.

Pascale Mondesir
Communication Specialist II
pamondesir@pvamu.edu
(936) 261-5155