Active grants, funding, and collaborations I lead at the Institute for Water and Health · Georgia Southern University
Throughout my career, I've focused on turning science into lasting institutional capacity. $8.5M in diversified federal, state, non-profit, and local government funding let me develop an institute, build international consortia across dozens of countries, and shape a growing university's research agenda. I've successfully led USEPA, NOAA, and NSF grants, with substantial grantsmanship experience across others including USDA, USGS, and DOD, and I've stayed close to federal science through partnerships and service: the USEPA Science Advisory Board Subcommittee, NOAA workshop organizing, and NSF grant reviewing. Every one of those relationships feeds back into the same goal, building an institution whose funding strategy, credibility, and partnerships let it keep growing well beyond any single grant cycle.
This project focuses on understanding and protecting blackwater systems (BWS) in Georgia. The project aims to define scientifically defensible water quality criteria, especially for pH and dissolved oxygen (DO), to better reflect natural conditions and protect aquatic life. Key activities include compiling and analyzing existing water quality and biological data, conducting GIS-based watershed characterizations, performing targeted field sampling to address data gaps, and applying advanced statistical and machine learning techniques to understand ecological processes. The outcomes will inform new, protective standards for BWS ecosystems, ensuring regulatory alignment and improved non-point source pollution management across the state.
Safe Water Together (SWT) is a research and community education initiative designed to support the long-term sustainability of water resources across Coastal Georgia. In response to growing pressures from sea-level rise, economic growth, and aging water infrastructure, this program equips communities and decision-makers with real-time water quality data, source tracking tools, and regional monitoring networks. By integrating nature-based solutions and advanced monitoring technologies, SWT promotes cost-effective strategies to protect drinking water, reduce infrastructure burdens, and support continued economic development in sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and the ports. It aims to enhance regional workforce development through student training and applied research that aligns with Georgia's economic and environmental priorities.
Nationwide, community water systems are managed by specialized professionals to ensure safe water every time we turn on the tap. However, about 50% of water operators working at these utilities will retire in the next decade, and only 10% are expected to be replaced. Training the next generation of water operators and developing leaders for rural water systems is a matter of national security. IWH is committed to launching a regional program to equip future water managers with the necessary skills to ensure safe water. This pilot project lays the foundation for this goal and aims to expand the program throughout the Southeastern United States.
The MROC2S program, led by Dr. Colón-Gaud, brings together a network of scientists, educators, and experts from various sectors to support participants from groups traditionally underrepresented in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. It trains individuals with limited research experience in a cohort setting to develop the next generation of natural resource professionals, providing year-round mentoring, professional development, and research training opportunities for postbaccalaureate participants. IWH serves as a co-principal investigator, contributing to a common scientific theme centered on the restoration, conservation, and management of natural resources in the Atlantic Coastal Plain and Gulf Coast.
Led by IWH affiliate Dr. Lacey Huffling from the College of Education, SWAMP 2 GULF is an immersive experiential professional development program for Florida middle school science teachers to monitor local watershed conditions and examine the health and resilience of local ecosystems along the Gulf through place-based research service learning. Teachers use integrated place-based citizen science projects and create inquiry-based lessons to increase students' understanding of local watersheds in the Gulf region to support Gulf Research Programming. IWH staff provide support for community-engaged research activity development and implementation.
A targeted assessment of groundwater conditions in the Floridan Aquifer System serving Bryan and Bulloch Counties, Georgia, to inform local water resource planning and management.
An ongoing water testing and community education initiative assessing drinking water quality for residents of Evans County, Georgia.
Glynn County, on Georgia's southeastern coastline, includes the beach communities of Jekyll Island, St. Simons Island, and Sea Island, and is home to four Superfund sites. During the COVID-19 pandemic, County Commissioner Allen Booker approached IWH about an increase in subsistence fishing in Terry Creek, a waterway known for high pollution levels, despite posted advisories and EPA monitoring. In response, IWH partnered with the nonprofit Rebuilding Glynn County to establish a community-based research and educational program. Twelve local pastors underwent extensive training in water quality testing and became certified through Georgia's Adopt-A-Stream Volunteer Program, and IWH staff oversaw the establishment of a new, community-owned water quality laboratory. These community researchers continue to collaborate with IWH on new projects today.
This feasibility study advances the understanding of how existing anaerobic digestion (AD) capacity at pulp and paper mills can be sustainably leveraged to treat food waste from university campuses. Led by IWH affiliate Dr. Rowles at the College of Engineering, the project aims to reduce food waste going into landfills by feeding ADs with campus food waste. IWH provides laboratory and environmental microbiology expertise to advance these systems, improving industrial wastewater treatment capacity and protecting our water environment.