Science | Water Alliance

Water science is studied by experts not just in natural and physical sciences, but also in social science, engineering, public health, to name a few. The MSU Water Alliance brings these disciplines together into six interest and affinity groups called hubs, where experts can coalesce around ideas and work together.

Water Alliance Hubs

FEW

This hub focuses on the interface of agriculture, food, water, energy, & industry. Example research areas include:

Water use and efficiency
Water quality
Irrigation water
Food production & processing
Agricultural policy
Nonpoint source water pollution
Pollutant fate & transport

OneHealth

This hub will address risks to health from inadequate access to safe, reliable water. Example research areas include:

Water access
Waterborne pathogens and contaminants
Risk assessment & management
Environmental justice
Household water insecurity
Water infrastructure

Eco

This hub focuses on how to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural and modified ecosystems to benefit both biodiversity and human well-being. Example research areas include:

Nature-based design and solutions
Coastal ecosystems
Sustainable fisheries
Flooding
Integrated water management
Water quality and quantity
Water infrastructure

Data & Tech

This hub will focus on innovations in data science and technology to support water science, education, and engagement. Example research areas include:

Modeling & monitoring to support decision making
Big data
Robotics
Sensors
Artificial Intelligence
New technologies

Science to Action

This hub will focus on understanding and empowering informed decision-making. Example research areas include:

Collaboration across boundaries
Participatory decision-making
Behavior change
Water governance
Water diplomacy
Translational science & practice
Community-based science & practice

Needs & Drivers

This hub addresses five key drivers and needs that cut across many water challenges: climate change, water quality, environmental justice, issues of scale, and community engagement.

Microplastics are Under the Microscope for New MSU Packaging Assistant Professor

Flexible plastic packaging is ubiquitous but problematic, as it degrades into microplastics that pollute our water, food, and air. MSU's Yoorae Noh is investigating how these plastics interact with harmful substances in water systems, aiming to contribute to the developing science on their environmental and health impacts.

Building Resilience in Coastal Communities

As Great Lakes coastlines face the dual threats of rising water levels and severe erosion, MSU researchers are helping Michigan communities build resilience through data-driven planning. By collaborating with local leaders and equipping them with crucial insights, they're preparing for the inevitable return of high waters and the challenges they bring.

Joan rose sitting by the Red Cedar river

Rose Honored for Career Protecting Public Health

Water microbiologist Joan Rose was honored for her lifetime of water research with the International Water Association Global Water Award. She was recognized Aug. 10 at the IWA World Water Conference in Toronto, Canada.

Lake in autumn with trees with colorful leaves

October

National Nature Assessment Road Show: East Lansing

The U.S. Global Change Research Program is undertaking a National Nature Assessment, which will take stock of U.S. lands, waters, wildlife and the benefits they provide to our economy, health, climate, environmental justice, and national security. This event is open to the MSU community and the public.

How to Stop the Human Waste Problem on Michigan Beaches

Michigan's beaches face a serious contamination issue, largely due to failing septic systems that leak human waste into lakes, leading to E. coli outbreaks and other health risks. MSU expert Joan Rose is working with communities to modernize waste management and restore water quality, providing a roadmap for future improvements.