Workforce Development News

Michelle Barnes grew up in the Reno-Tahoe, Nevada area. Her love of the outdoors was influential in pursuing her degrees in Environmental Engineering. Michelle received, a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Master’s degree from the University of Alaska, Fairbanks. While in Alaska, she investigated groundwater dynamics in degrading, discontinuous permafrost and the impacts on contaminant transport. Michelle is now pursuing a PhD at Utah State University under the direction of Dr. Bethany Neilson. She is eager to diversify her skill set by studying groundwater/surface water interactions as part of RFA1.

Originally from southern California, Josh moved to Nevada to attend the University of Nevada, Reno where he received a Bachelor’s degree in Atmospheric Sciences with a minor in Mathematics, and was the president of the American Meteorological Society Student Chapter. Josh then attended the University of Alaska, Fairbanks, to further pursue his passion of the atmospheric sciences and receive his Master’s degree. He is currently a PhD student in Climate Science in both the Watershed Sciences, Plants, Soils and Climate departments at Utah Sate University under the supervision of Dr. Jiming Jin. Josh’s research focuses primarily on using downscaling techniques in hydroclimatic modeling to improve climate projections over Utah and the inter-mountain west. Josh enjoys spending his free time in the outdoors: snowboarding, fishing, camping, hiking, mountain biking and off-roading in his Jeep. He is new to the Utah area and is excited to explore the endless outdoor possibilities it has to offer.

On Wednesday, August 27th, iUTAH EPSCoR team members attended Utah State University's Day on the Quad. This event was a valuable opportunity to connect with USU students, and share iUTAH messages. Throughout the course of the day, iUTAH team members reached over 100 students, sharing water sustainability issues and research, and iUTAH programs for undergraduate students. Many students expressed interest in applying for the 2015 iFellows Undergraduate Research Experience. iUTAH hopes to engage students on campuses statewide during similar events this year to advertise the iFellow program. More information about the iFellows Undergraduate Research Experience.

The iUTAH Summer Research Institute 2014 will be July 7 to 11 at Bear River watershed in Logan. More details to come.

The Weber State University Newspaper The Signpost interviewed iUTAH iFellow Stephanie Mitts about encouraging women to become scientists and her involvement with the iUTAH program.