UPP | Portland State University

Fostering collaborative scientific advancements in hydrology and geology

The UPP: The partnership between the USGS and PSU

>460

Credit Hour Tuition Remissions

>18

USGS Grad Committee Members

18

Years of Collaboration

Millions

In Collaborative Grant Funds

8

Seed Grant Projects So Far

The UPP aims to be a model partnership that redefines the way universities and federal agencies collaborate, advance scientific research, and develop the next generation of connected scientists, stewards, and advocates for our hydrologic and geologic resources.

Learn more in the "About The UPP" Page

Explore Resources at The UPP

A man stands in a stream holding equipment used to measure the flow of the water

Professional Portal

A woman stands in a river measuring the depth of the water

Student Portal

A USGS employee stands in a stream in Idaho with streamflow measurement equipment.

APPLY BY 2/16/26 TO WORK WITH USGS!

The UPP is hiring a student hydrologic technician to work with the USGS Oregon Water Science Center. This position starts March 1, 2026. This is an amazing opportunity for an undergraduate student to gain valuable experience and skills. Download the position description and apply by February 16, 2026.

Get the position description

A man in a warm hat, brown jacket and gloves attaches a white box to a large post next to a river.

2025 UPP Snapshot

The snapshot is an overview of the UPP accomplishments and highlights from the last year. Click on the link below to learn more about the collaborative research, student accomplishments, and events of the year.

2025 UPP Snapshot

A woman wearing sunglasses and a hat smiles sitting next to a USGS gage box that is connected to a laptop.

UPP student featured in PSU Magazine Article

Mary Munt, an environmental science major, chemistry minor and intern at the USGS Oregon Water Science Center, was recently featured in a Portland State Magazine article about PSU's efforts to develop the water workforce.

2025 UPP Seed Grant Recipients

Congratulations to the 2025 award recipients, Shelby Anderson (PSU) and Mackenzie Keith (USGS)! Visit the recipients' webpage to read their abstract, along with those of past honorees.

See Seed Grant Recipients

USGS Oregon Water Science Center instructors prep Malheur National Wildlife Refuge & High Desert Partnership staff to collect streamflow measurements

2025 UPP Symposium: Training and Education Pathways for Growing the Water Workforce

On January 31, the UPP Symposium brought together partners from public agencies and nonprofits for a conversation on growing the water workforce in our region. Read the event summary to explore key takeaways on workforce challenges, high-demand skills, and emerging opportunities.

Read the Event Summary