Water and Climate Expert Series

Dr. David Warsinger is a mechanical engineer whose research explores challenges at the food-water-energy nexus. In this episode, Dr. Warsinger describes the thermofluid and nanoengineering approaches he uses for water treatment design, as well as their application across numerous fields. He discusses some of the technological challenges associated with technologies such as microgrids and batch reverse osmosis, and how to make water treatment processes more sustainable both in the United States and around the globe. Dr. Warsinger reminds us that water scarcity is an increasingly pressing issue for so many people and through innovation and investment, clean water could be made available to all. To learn more about Dr. Warsinger's work, check out: warsinger.com.

Dr. Jennifer Lee Johnson’s research examines human-environment interactions in and around water at the confluence of gender, history, and the politics of sustainability. In this episode, Dr. Johnson lends her insights on life along the shorelines of Lake Victoria, where lucrative fishing activities directly compete with fishery sustainability. She brings together and discusses the complex social, economic, and environmental aspects of life in this ecosystem and what these interactions mean for building sustainable futures around the world. Dr. Johnson reminds us that we have the opportunity through our actions and even the words we use to communicate with each other to create more just, prosperous, and healthy communities. To learn more about Dr. Johnson's work, check out: jenniferleejohnson.org.

Dr. Frisbee is a hydrogeologist who utilizes hydrology, geology, geochemistry, and ecology to study groundwater and surface water interactions. One of his main research goals is to explore the role that groundwater plays in watershed response to climate change. In this episode, Dr. Frisbee describes climate change impacts on aquifers in a variety of ecosystems, as well as the conceptual models that are used to understand groundwater movement and aquifer response to a changing climate. Dr. Frisbee points out that groundwater is a precious resource, making up less than 1% of Earth’s total water, yet we rely on it for our day-to-day water needs. He reminds us that although technological solutions for restoring groundwater/surface water resources are underway, the individual actions of people are just as important if we want to maintain the sustainability of this critical resource. To learn more about Dr. Frisbee's work, check out: eaps.purdue.edu/frisbee/.

Dr. Jane Frankenberger is an expert in water quality and watershed management, particularly in agricultural systems. In this episode, Dr. Frankenberger addresses how climate change is affecting drainage practices in Indiana, and describes how her project, Transforming Drainage, is working to improve agricultural climate resilience with innovations in water storage. She describes how GIS models are relevant to her work and how technology advancements are making it easier for farmers to use digital tools to manage their fields. Additionally, through this project, Dr. Frankenberger and her team are investigating policies that would help support farmers in their transition to adopting these new conservation methods. Dr. Frankenberger reminds us that our actions here in Indiana and the midwest affect other areas of the country - and even the world. To learn more about Dr. Frankenberger’s work, check out transformingdrainage.org/.