News Article

Utah State University has designated 2015 as “The Year of Water.” Acknowledged both nationally and internationally as leaders in water-related research and management, USU’s engineers, hydrologists, agronomists, sociologists, climate scientists and others will have their work spotlighted and lauded as part of the university’s year-long recognition.

To highlight Year of Water events and expertise, Utah Public Radio (UPR) recently announced its exciting year-long plans to present fascinating stories and in-depth information about water-related projects and USU faculty members and researchers whose work helps farmers, climatologists, economic development specialists and average citizens deal with water issues.

UPR’s coverage includes a new, hour-long program, The Source, as well as educational segments and news reports on water research and issues in the state. Programming will be hosted and spearheaded by UPR reporter Jennifer Pemberton. Pemberton reports on environmental and natural resource issues in the state and produced UPR’s award-winning 2013 series “Five Billion Gallons.”

“There is a wealth of stories related to water among the faculty and students at Utah State University,” said Pemberton. “And the ripple effect of the research here can be found throughout the state, the West and even in waterways on other continents. Chasing these stories is the most exciting part of my job for the next 12 months.”

UPR will air The Source from 9-10 a.m. the last Friday of every month throughout 2015. Shorter feature stories will air during the popular drive-time news programs Morning Edition and All Things Considered.

“Utah Public Radio serves an audience that is keenly interested in natural resources,” said Station Manager Peg Arnold. “We are excited with this opportunity to tell stories about USU’s research in engineering, irrigation, conservation, climate and art; all meaningful and engaging topics to our listeners.”

UPR also will be involved in community outreach programs related to the Year of Water such as the Science Unwrapped series at USU’s Logan campus and StoryCorps in Vernal. UPR supports a variety of community voices in addition to expert commentary.

Financial support for this year-long effort to tell Utah water stories comes from iUTAH’s Education, Outreach and Diversity Catalyst grant and Utah State University’s 2015 Year of Water campaign.

UPR broadcasts from the main campus of Utah State University in Logan and is part of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, providing national news and public radio programming as well as local Utah news on a statewide network of translators. Tune in to 91.5 or 89.5 in Logan or listen anytime online.

Writer and Contact: Kerry Bringhurst, UPR news director, Kerry.bringhurst@usu.edu