Welcome to the Student Chapter of the National Capital Region Section of the AWRA!

The Student Chapter of the National Capital Region Section of the AWRA (NCR-AWRA), Environmental Sustainability Leadership (ESL) is housed in the University of District of Columbia. We, the ESL members are dedicated to water resources scholarship and, advancing sustainability, developing a network of emerging professionals. We hold monthly meeting, organize social events such as kayaking socials and planting trees at the UDC campus. We participate in the annual NCR-AWRA Water Symposium along with local and national water resources and sustainability conferences. Our organization welcomes students from diverse academic backgrounds who are passionate about creating a more sustainable future. Graduates have gone on to work in various water, environmental, and government organizations.

Our Mission:

Our mission is to advance environmental stewardship and sustainability practices around the world through engaging the water resources and environmental sustainability students or future leaders in service learning at the University System of the District of Columbia and the surrounding community. ESL strives to create a lasting relationship among the student body, alumni, faculty, staff, and the surrounding community members. The function of this chapter is to nurture leadership in environmental stewardship among young water resources and sustainability scholars and facilitate opportunities that provide a bridge from the academic setting to the workforce.

Click here (http://awrancrs.org/membership.html) to become a member

For a copy of our organizational bylaws, bylaw.

Student Chapter Officers:

President – Jacob Wynn: Undergraduate Degree: B.S. in Biology, St. Lawrence University Graduate Degree: PSM in Water Resources Management Research Interest: Reforming and revitalizing urban drainage systems through the application of ecological engineering and environmental stewardship. Hobbies: Woodworking, gardening, cooking, and eating. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vice President- Janina Jones Undergraduate Degree: BS in Civil Engineering from the University of the District of Columbia.  Graduate Degree: PSM in Water Resources Management  Research Interest: System approaches to sustainability that center most impacted communities, green infrastructure, stormwater retention systems, and accessibility to water.  Hobbies: Gardening, making beaded jewelry, and hiking. Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Treasurer- Lydia Kidane Undergraduate Degree: BA in Urban Sustainability from UDC Graduate Degree: PSM in Water Resource Management Research Interest: Increasing water quality and accessibility to communities at greater risk and communicating science data to increase education on climate issues related to water. Hobbies: Road trips, swimming, baking Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Secretary:Shanna White   Undergraduate Degree: BArch from Massachusetts College of Art and Design Graduate Study: PSM in Urban Agriculture Research Interest: Carbon sequestration utilizing C4 plants, the environmental impacts of shifting from animal to plant protein, utilizing plants for bioremediation. Hobbies: Kettlebells, martial arts, hiking, meditation and trying new food.    Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Student Chapter Events:

Annual Events:

• Annual Water Symposium – The student chapter assists in hosting the annual water symposium and quarterly water workshop organized by NCR-AWRA.
• Career Night -The Student Chapter hosts this event each winter and it is open to the entire student body. It features a panel discussion with professionals in the water resources field and is followed by an informal networking and social hour. 
• Earth Day – This Student Chapter loves celebrating it! Each year we get together at the Main campus to enjoy tree planting and gardening activities.
• Kayaking Social: Each year, this student club organize soil gathering at the most beautiful part of waterfront for kayaking and networking. 

Special Events:

• Community Service Events - Each year, the Student Chapter participates in community service events like stormwater retrofitting, tree plantings and river cleanup.

Monthly Meetings:

• Every month, the Student Chapter hosts meetings and social hours for chapter members. At these meetings, we engage in lively discussions of current events and personal research in the world of water. We also encourage networking and civic engagement in the field of water resources and sustainability practices.