How can young scientists help improve flood forecasting, protect communities and save lives?

In this episode of the AWI Podcast, we talk with Danna Villarreal, a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Arkansas and participant in the Water Prediction Innovators Summer Institute at The University of Alabama.

Danna shares her experience working alongside fellow researchers to improve water prediction models, the importance of collaboration and the connections she's made throughout the program. She also discusses her passion for science communication and why making research accessible to communities and policymakers is essential to creating meaningful change.

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Atmospheric rivers can bring much-needed water to the West, but they can also produce devastating floods. Dr. Marty Ralph, founding director of the Center for Western Weather and Water Extremes at UC San Diego's Scripps Institution of Oceanography, joins the AWI Podcast to explain the science behind these powerful storms and how researchers are improving their prediction.

Ralph discusses atmospheric river reconnaissance, forecast-informed reservoir operations and the importance of bringing researchers and forecasters together to turn science into better tools for water managers. He also shares how CIROH is helping strengthen those connections and advance the future of operational hydrology.

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About AWI

Website: http://awi.ua.edu

Join the conversation on AWI's social media:

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/alabama-water-institute

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlabamaWaterInstitute

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Flash floods can develop in minutes, leaving communities with little time to respond. Improving those forecasts and getting critical information to the people who need it most is one of the biggest challenges in operational hydrology.

In this episode, Dr. Katie van Werkhoven of RTI International discusses her work advancing flash flood forecasting through CIROH and her career bridging research and operations. She shares how new technologies, including artificial intelligence, improved forecasting tools and stronger partnerships with local stakeholders, are helping create faster, more actionable flood forecasts that can better protect lives and communities.

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About AWI

Website: http://awi.ua.edu

Join the conversation on AWI's social media:

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/company/alabama-water-institute

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlabamaWaterInstitute

X/Twitter: https://x.com/alabamawater

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alabama_water

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlabamaWaterInstitute