The Penn State Association of Water Students (PAWS) and the Penn State Water Council invite abstract submissions for the Penn State Water Conference 2026. Faculty, postdoctoral researchers, graduate and undergraduate students from all institutions and backgrounds are invited to attend, participate in discussions, and present their research through oral and poster presentations.
Abstract submission deadline: February 27
Conference Highlights
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Crystal Ng (University of Minnesota)
Professor Ng is a hydrologist and hydrogeologist whose research integrates atmospheric processes, vegetation, soils, microbes, and geochemistry to understand how Earth systems respond to environmental change. Her work combines field observations with hydrologic and biogeochemical modeling and increasingly includes community-engaged research in glacier-fed tropical watersheds.
Penn State Extension Discussion Panel
Ever wondered how the Penn State Extension operates or how your work can connect with it? Join us for an open-forum Q&A discussion with Extension staff to learn how Extension bridges research and real-world communities, Penn State Extension, and how you can be a part of that work.
Community Engaged Water Research Discussion
Ever wondered how your classroom experiences can translate into meaningful partnerships with real-world communities? Join us for a session led by Penn State Sustainability Program Director Ilona Ballreich, exploring pathways from academic learning to community-engaged sustainability work, and how students and researchers can build impactful collaborations beyond campus.
Conference Agenda
Day 1: Thursday, March 26th
- 8:30–9:00 Welcome, Check in
- 9:00–10:00 Keynote Talk: Dr. Crystal Ng
- 10:15–11:45 Oral Presentation Session
- 12:00–1:00 Lunch
- 1:15–2:30 Penn State Extension Panel
- 2:45–3:45 Oral Presentation Session
- 3:45–5:00 Poster Session
Day 2: Friday, March 27th
- 8:00–9:00 Welcome, Check in
- 9:00–10:00 Oral Presentation Session
- 10:15–11:45 Community-engaged Water Research Panel Discussion
- 12:00–1:00 Lunch
- 1:15–2:30 Oral Presentation Session
- 2:45–3:45 Poster Session