Penn State Water Conference 2025

The Penn State Association of Water Students (PAWS) and the Water Council proudly present the 2025 Water Conference, set for March 20-21, 2025, at the University Park campus, State College, PA. This annual, student-led event unites experts, researchers, and students across disciplines to explore pressing domestic and global water challenges. With a forward-looking perspective, the conference fosters dialogue on innovative solutions for sustainable water management. Join us to engage in dynamic discussions and shape the future of water research and policy. Theme: Water on the Horizon

Conference Agenda 

Day 1: Thursday March 20th

  • 8:00 - 9:00 am Welcome, Check in
  • 9:00 - 10:00 am Keynote Talk: Dr. Thabo Nkambule, University of South Africa
  • 10:15 - 11:45 am Presentation Session: Global Perspectives on Water Challenges
  • 12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch
  • 1:00 - 3:00 pm Keynote Panel Discussion: Next Generation of Chesapeake Bay Science and Management
    • Panelist:
      • Jill Whitcomb, Deputy Secretary, PA Department of Environmental Protection
      • Allyson Gibson, Executive Director, Lancaster Clean Water Partners
      • Gary Shenk, Hydrologist, USGS Chesapeake Bay Program
    • Moderator:
      • Matthew Royer, Director, Agriculture and Environment Center Penn State
  • 3:00 - 4:00 pm Presentation Session: Innovations in Water Research
  • 4:00 – 5:00 pm Poster Session

Day 2: Friday March 21st 

  • 8:00 - 9:00 am Welcome, Check in
  • 9:00 - 10:30 am Presentation Session: Horizon Scanning: Water in the Future
  • 10:45 - 12:00 pm Presentation Session: Domestic U.S. and Regional Mid-Atlantic Water Challenges
  • 12:00 - 1:00 pm Lunch
  • 1:00 - 2:30 pm Presentation Session: Global Perspectives on Water Challenges
  • 2:30 - 3:30 pm Panel Discussion: Science and Policy Intercross
  • 3:30 – 4:30 pm Poster Session