Whether you call it water, agua, čúuš, 水, 물, nước, вода, or something else, it’s a part of daily life. From drinking water and cooking to agriculture, manufacturing, recreation, art and much more, water is key to surviving and thriving on our planet. 

How do you translate a personal interest in water into academic research or a career? Or as a professional, how do you connect with others who work in water-related disciplines or research water issues? Read on to learn more about opportunities at PSU and beyond.

At PSU, undergraduate and graduate students pursue a broad range of degrees, minors, and certificates that connect with water. Unique partnerships, internships and research experiences provide the opportunity to explore disciplines and build professional skills. At PSU, students can study water in the context of other disciplines, such as ITECK, communications, conflict resolution and more.  Learn more by clicking on one of the links below.

Did you know?

In the next 10 years, approximately 50,000 water workforce-related jobs are projected to be available in Oregon. Most of these jobs require at least a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree.

Upcoming Events and Opportunities

USGS-PSU Partnership (UPP): Between January and May of 2024, the UPP is holding monthly science seminars focused on various water topics. Recent topics include environmental monitoring sensors and emerging contaminants. These seminars are held in-person and are 1 hour long--45 minutes for presentations, 15 minutes for Q&A. All are welcome to join!

Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area staff build bundles of willows and other hardwoods and plant them along sections of the Klickitat Wild & Scenic River

Water@PSU has compiled a list of faculty across disciplines to foster connections between faculty, staff and other water professionals as well as current and prospective students.

Water@PSU: In the News

Healing the Soul by Healing the Land

Indigenous Traditional Ecological and Cultural Knowledge Helps Reshape a Community

Researchers study ‘bomb cyclone’ storms

PSU researchers are studying how extreme precipitation affects landslides and debris flows in wildfire-affected areas

photo of columbia river running through landforms with sunshine on the far right of the image

A new approach to conservation: ‘Indigenize’ not ‘decolonize’

Serina Fast Horse began working as an intern with the Environmental Services’ Community Watershed Stewardship

Do You Swim in the Willamette?

A pilot study by Portland State researchers is investigating how Willamette River water quality changes over time

river flows swiftly over rocks with trees along the bank

Contact 

waterpsu@pdx.edu

 

Updated: March 26, 2024