UM BRIDGES trainees win CUAHSI "Let's Talk About Water" grant to spark community engagement in water science

UM BRIDGES Trainees applied for, and won, a CUAHSI "Let's Talk About Water" grant to engage audiences in critical thinking about our water resources via film showings and discussions. The project will kick off in March around World Water Day and will conclude with a film screening and panel discussion in the fall of 2019. 

CUAHSI (Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrological Science) is a program funded by the National Science Foundation which seeks to strengthen interdisciplinary collaboration, empower communities, and promote education around water science. The Let's Talk About Water program provides support for local communities to "bring attention to water and environmental issues using film as a catalyst for discussion between science experts and the public". 

UM BRIDGES Trainees Jordan Jimmie, Zach Lauffenburger, Mariah McIntosh,  Kaitlin Perkins, Scott Robinson, Kristin Sleeper, and Nick Thiros, along with Lauren Sullivan - a masters student in Systems Ecology - worked together to develop the successful grant proposal in late 2018. Kaitlin Perkins, one of the leads on the proposal said "This event will be great because we are focused on connecting the broader Missoula community through film, art, and a lively discussion oriented around water." 

The Missoula film showing and associated activities will be announced in the future, and the planning team hopes to also organize a Day of Action and art contest to engage community members of all ages in thinking about the critical role clean water plays in our lives. Look for more information in the coming months!