UI-Boise Hire Expected To Help Water Users Statewide

The University of Idaho is expanding its water research efforts in Southwest Idaho, a move the school says is aimed at helping farmers, irrigators and other water users across the Gem state. Earlier this year, the Idaho Water Resources Research Institute hired Boise-based water scientist Kendra Kaiser to lead its statewide research team. She started her new role earlier this month.

“I think the biggest priority for IWRRI in the first year is going to be engaging stakeholders and the research community,” Kaiser said. “This will ensure we have a comprehensive set of water research needs as well as an understanding of the research capacity that we have across the state.”

By basing the institute's director in Boise, the University says it will strengthen partnerships with state and federal agencies, helping ensure Idaho water users have better access to the science and information needed to make informed water management decisions.

Kaiser, most recently an assistant research faculty member at Boise State University, graduated with her doctorate in watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry from Duke University in 2017. Her research focuses on applied hydrology and the co-production of research, which involves working collaboratively with water managers, water users, and various agencies to generate knowledge.

Established in 1964 by the U of I Board of Regents, IWRRI conducts and directs research to support the water resource needs of the state of Idaho, the northwest region and the nation. According to the school, IWRRI’s mission is to serve all of Idaho, with staff and affiliated faculty at various locations statewide.

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