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(June 5, 2012) -- The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched the Water Institute of Texas to promote collaboration between nearly three dozen UTSA researchers who are studying water-related issues. Scholars in the institute will provide data, information, and technology and policy solutions for decision makers and companies developing short- and long-term water sustainability strategies.
The scarcity of water is one of the most significant challenges facing humanity today. Although water resources are immense, less than one percent of the world's water is available for human consumption. Today, nearly 600 million people around the world face a water shortage. In 2025, nearly three billion people will face a water shortage.
"Typically, we think of water shortages as problems that affect only third-world countries," said Mauli Agrawal, dean of the UTSA College of Engineering. "However, water scarcity is a major issue for South Texas, where the land is arid and the population continues to grow. Locally, farmers, city residents, businesses, energy producers, the oil and gas industry and natural species all vie for water, leading to a unique spectrum of technological, social and political issues."
Researchers in the new UTSA water institute will focus on five key areas:
UTSA master's and doctoral students, particularly those in civil and environmental engineering, geology, environmental sciences, public policy, education, architecture and business, will conduct research in the Water Institute of Texas. Special efforts will be made to include undergraduate students in WIT research, training, community education and outreach activities.
WIT scholars also will partner with water utilities such as the San Antonio Water System, the San Antonio River Authority and the Edwards Aquifer Authority as well as businesses, educational institutions, social agencies and community groups. UTSA anticipates that researchers will study water management, aquifer storage and recovery, desalination processes and plant improvements, bacteriological source tracking, wastewater treatment, water policy and other related topics.
A.T. Papagiannakis, professor and Robert F. McDermott Endowed Chair of the UTSA Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, will serve as the institute's interim director while UTSA conducts a national search for a permanent director. Alan Dutton, associate professor and chair of the UTSA Department of Geology, will serve as the institute's assistant director.
The town hall is an opportunity for the campus community to learn more about the President's Initiative for the Downtown Campus, ask questions, and offer perspectives on potential challenges and benefits.
Buena Vista Street Building Aula Canaria (BVB 1.328), Downtown Campus
Get your tickets for 2 sausage wraps, chips, and drink for $6 to help the United Way and efforts to improve health and well being in South Texas.
Sombrilla Plaza, Main Campus
The town hall is an opportunity for the campus community to learn more about the President's Initiative for the Downtown Campus, ask questions, and offer perspectives on potential challenges and benefits.
Student Union Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02), Main Campus
This unofficial Fiesta celebration offers students and the community an alcohol-free alternative to Fiesta with music, games, food and fun. The 10th annual celebration is bigger than ever before with a new location, the Student Union Ballrooms and features a casino night theme.
Student Union Ballrooms (HSU 1104/1.106), Main Campus
UTSA Athletics will host a watch party for the first round of the NFL Draft. Roadrunners are invited to see which team selects former student-athlete Marcus Davenport.
Walk-On's, 11075 IH-10 West, San Antonio
UTSA students and the San Antonio community are invited to this event where people shave their head and raise money to fight childhood cancer.
Student Union Lawn, Main Campus
The former curator of literary collections for The Huntington Library will share Secrets from the Stacks: Untold Stories of Collecting the Papers of Contemporary Authors. Lecture is free and open to the public.
John Peace Library (JPL 4.04.22), Main Campus
Come learn about Korea and its culture through food tasting, music, dance and percussion performance, games, arts, crafts, presentations and more.
Student Union Retama Auditorium (SU 2.02.02), Main Campus
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The University of Texas at San Antonio is dedicated to the advancement of knowledge through research and discovery, teaching and learning, community engagement and public service. As an institution of access and excellence, UTSA embraces multicultural traditions and serves as a center for intellectual and creative resources as well as a catalyst for socioeconomic development and the commercialization of intellectual property - for Texas, the nation and the world.
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