RETHINKING OUR WATER

From the waters beneath our feet to the ecosystems around us, researchers at the College of Science & Engineering are uncovering new ways to understand and protect our most essential resource.

CAN SCIENCE HELP CLEAN OUR WATER?

From natural wetlands to advanced purification technologies, Texas State researchers are exploring ways to improve water quality. Dr. Sangchul Hwang is studying floating wetlands to reduce bacteria, nutrients and PFAS in Lake Kyle, and Dr. Keisuke Ikehata is investigating ways to prevent biofouling in water purification systems.

Explore their research:

Aerial image of lake kyle
Lake Kyle
Groundwater-obligate snail species.
Groundwater-obligate snail species.

A HIDDEN WORLD BENEATH OUR FEET

Beneath Texas lies a hidden world of groundwater-dependent species essential to aquatic ecosystems. Texas State researchers Dr. Benjamin Hutchins and Dr. Benjamin Schwartz are documenting more than 120 species across the state, building a foundation for understanding and protecting this unique biodiversity.

Meet the researchers:

PREDICTING WATER IN A CHANGING CLIMATE

Can scientists anticipate floods and understand how drought affects our water systems? Dr. Eunsang Cho is investigating how groundwater influences snowmelt-driven flooding, and Dr. Morgan Sobol is studying how microbes in the Edwards Aquifer respond to drought and recharge cycles.


Learn more here:

Aerial image of a spring lake

MORE TO DISCOVER

Click on a card to explore the featured researcher's profile and discover more about their work.

Image of a beach

WHAT'S IN OUR COASTAL WATERS?

What happens to pollutants once they enter coastal waters? Dr. Jessica Dutton's research in Matagorda Bay explores how contaminants move through sediments and affect aquatic life.
An image of a freshwater lake

PROTECTING LIFE IN OUR RIVERS

Beneath the surface of Texas rivers, freshwater mussels play a vital ecological role. Dr. Timothy Bonner's research examines their populations and habitats to inform conservation.
Dark zebra mussels densely covering a rectangular object.

TRACKING AQUATIC INVADERS

Small but disruptive, invasive zebra mussels pose a threat to native aquatic ecosystems. Dr. Astrid Schwalb tracks their presence and spread across Texas waterways.
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RETHINKING WATER PURIFICATION

Access to clean water calls for affordable solutions. Dr. Sujata Mandal is exploring cost-effective purification technologies that could make water treatment more accessible.

YOUR FUTURE IN WATER STARTS HERE

The discoveries happening at Texas State begin with curiosity and a passion for understanding our world. Whether you're interested in aquatic ecosystems, environmental conservation or engineering solutions, explore academic pathways that could lead you into water research.