2024 Women Advancing River Research Seminar Series
All seminars will be presented online live at 11:00 a.m. ET on the third Thursday of each month. Seminar recordings will be posted later. Please register in advance for all talks.
Braided and Meandering: Making a Career in Water and Rivers Outside Academia
Kate Brauman, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa (U.S.)
Robin Abell, The Nature Conservatory (U.S.)
Michele Thieme, World Wildlife Fund (U.S.)
Ingrid Timboe, Alliance for Global Water Adaptation (U.S.)
Abstract
River research careers flow far beyond academia. From implementing and evaluating freshwater projects in the field to advising policy makers and corporations, river research is generally incorporated into decisions through the work of non-profits, governments, and companies. We will discuss the career paths, both planned and serendipitous, of four women at the forefront of river work outside of academia. Robin Abell draws on expertise in freshwater conservation science to lead a TNC team working to both reduce freshwater biodiversity loss and deliver value to local water users. Michele Thieme works with WWF offices worldwide, helping them leverage a wide range of interventions to maintain and restore freshwater ecosystems, including green finance, nature-based solutions, and corporate water stewardship. Ingrid Timboe’s work in international climate and water policy with AGWA has helped bring water to the forefront of climate negotiations. Kate Brauman leads a team at GWSC interpreting water and climate science for national security. Each panelist will shed some light on what she does, how she got there, and how she brings river research into her work.