The U.S. Geological Survey Oregon Water Science Center (USGS) has moved to the Portland State campus and developed a joint agreement with the University for collaborative research, education and outreach.

This new joint partnership will expand applied research in water supply, water quality, hydrologic hazards, and biological resources, all of which are important issues to both Oregon and the nation. In addition to local and basinwide studies, the USGS-PSU collaboration will include basic research to advance the fields of hydrology (study of water processes), geology and biology. The USGS recently moved its office to the Portland State campus from its previous location in East Portland, where it was housed since 1989.

"The move is important due to the breadth of research on water science that the USGS brings to PSU," said Andrew Fountain, professor of Geology and chair of the department. "Their scientists are actively engaged in water quality issues and in assessing stream/river flows and quantities of groundwater. This research group, in collaboration with PSU faculty, presents many science opportunities for our students and potential for joint scientific studies. Having the USGS on campus enhances PSU efforts to serve Oregon's water interests."

"The scientists and technicians of the Oregon Water Science Center are excited about being on the PSU campus and are looking forward to expanded collaboration with faculty and students," said Dennis Lynch, director of the USGS Oregon Water Science Center. "The USGS has employed many PSU students over the years, and having our office on campus will make it convenient for students to work with the USGS and for its scientists to collaborate with PSU faculty on hydrologic research, data collection, and teaching. This is a very exciting time."

The USGS and PSU have a long history of collaboration on a variety of research and education activities. With this new agreement, the USGS hopes to expand its number of PSU adjunct faculty members, continue to work with and employ undergraduate and graduate students, and collaborate with Portland State faculty and students on research proposals. Initial areas of focus will include watershed modeling and management; geohydrology and contaminant transport; data collection, field methods, and hydrologic databases; application of geographic information systems to land-use planning; impacts of human activities on biological systems; and geologic and hydrologic hazards.

"Some of my fondest memories as a developing scientist occurred when I was a PSU undergraduate in the mid-1970's. I was given the chance to participate on the large PSU-USGS research project that lead to the eventual clean up of the Willamette River," said Lynch. "That's the kind of high-impact science we want this collaboration to foster, and that's the kind of opportunities we want to give to the next generation of PSU students. There is no better way to teach than to mix the classroom experience with real-world experience in using those newly acquired skills."

For more information on the new partnership contact Bill McFarland, U.S. Geological Survey, at 503-251-3200.

The USGS Oregon Water Science Center is located at 2130 SW 5th Avenue, Portland, OR 97201. For more information call 503-251-3200, e-mail info-or@usgs.gov or visit www.usgs.gov.


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (#07-113)

Source: Dennis Lynch (503-231-3265)
U.S. Geological Survey Water Science Center