Penn State held “The Confluence: Water Research and Extension In-Service Day” on Apr. 17, bringing together researchers and Penn State Extension educators from across Pennsylvania to strengthen connections between research and community engagement around water issues.
The event aimed to address the growing complexity of water quality questions in the state by creating a more integrated network among those working on water-related topics. Heather Preisendanz, professor of agricultural and biological engineering and director of the Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science (SAFES), said, “The event grew out of a need to better understand the different sides of the University to create a more integrated research-extension-outreach network around water. Water is in every college at this University. It touches every county.”
Participants engaged in breakout sessions focused on six extension water subteams: drinking water, ponds, stream health, youth education, urban stormwater, and agricultural water. Tyler Groh, assistant research professor and watershed management extension specialist who led organization efforts for the event, said: “The goal of the event was to bring Penn State water researchers and educators together for a day of learning, brainstorming and active networking. Both sides are incredibly busy in their respective roles, so there are limited opportunities to learn and grow together as a Penn State water community.”
Organizers noted that some areas like stream health showed strong links between research and extension work while others such as ponds or drinking water revealed fewer connections but new opportunities for partnership. Lauren McPhillips, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering who co-chairs the Penn State Water Council with Groh said: “That network and direct insight into what’s happening on the ground across the state are invaluable.” She added that connecting research with community needs could improve responses to issues like stormwater management.
Support for travel was provided through an Environmental Education Grant from Pennsylvania’s Department of Environmental Protection secured by Faith Kibuye from Penn State Extension. Additional support came from SAFES which also covered food expenses during the event.
According to its official website, Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences operates as Penn State University’s land-grant college with facilities including barns, laboratories, classrooms at University Park campus; it delivers expertise addressing social, educational, physical needs; aims to advance agricultural research/education; extends its reach through Extension in every county; collaborates with industry promoting equity/inclusion.
Groh said early feedback indicated participants were already developing new ideas as a result of their interactions during The Confluence day: “My hope is that both Penn State water researchers and extension educators met someone new they would want to work with in the next couple of years… I think this dream of mine came true.” Preisendanz reflected positively on engagement throughout discussions saying: “Everybody was engaged… To me that’s a sign that people are happy to be there.”
