Funded by NSF NRT Program
🌍 Empowering Future Leaders in Water Prediction and Impact
The NSF Water-R2O NRT (National Research Traineeship) program at The University of Alabama equips graduate students with the interdisciplinary knowledge, applied skills, and professional confidence to transform water research into actionable operations. From advanced hydrologic modeling to real-world water forecasting applications, this innovative program prepares students to lead in a future shaped by data, decision-making, and resilience.
🎓 A Transformational Graduate Education Experience
Water-R2O is more than a degree program—it’s a launchpad for purpose-driven, use-inspired research careers in water prediction science. Our approach combines domain expertise in hydrology, artificial intelligence, and decision science with immersive learning and professional growth.
Core Program Components:
- Interdisciplinary Coursework in:
- Applied Hydrology
- Water Forecasting & Decision Science
- AI & Machine Learning Training focused on hydrologic prediction
- Operational Hydrology Seminars & Study Tours
- Experiential Learning Opportunities, such as:
- Internships
- Study Abroad
- Operational Placements in Government or Industry
- Professional Development Workshops on:
- Team Science
- Communication
- Complex Problem Solving
🤝 Driven by Real-World Needs and Stakeholder Collaboration
Water-R2O engages students in stakeholder-driven challenges drawn from our collaborations with federal agencies, NGOs, and the private sector. Students tackle problems that matter—developing solutions that enhance water prediction accuracy, bridge research-to-operations (R2O) gaps, and support effective societal response.
This practice-driven, student-centered model ensures graduates are ready to:
- Design use-inspired, interdisciplinary research
- Translate scientific findings into operational hydrology tools
- Contribute meaningfully to communities of practice across academia, government, and industry
🌐 Why Water-R2O at UA?
The program is anchored by the University of Alabama and the Alabama Water Institute (AWI), leveraging institutional excellence in hydrologic research, AI innovation, and community engagement.
It also applies best practices from professional training models in the life and health sciences—ensuring students gain the skills they need to collaborate, lead, and create impact.
🔍 Our Vision
To build a next-generation workforce capable of:
- Advancing AI-enabled hydrologic forecasting
- Bridging the gap between research and operational decision-making
- Creating water forecast products that foster resilient and informed societal responses