Noted scientist to speak at Oklahoma Governor’s Water Conference and Research Symposium

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

James J. Butler Jr., senior geohydrologist for the Kansas Geological Survey, will be a featured speaker at the 36th Annual Oklahoma Governor’s Water Conference and Research Symposium Dec. 1-2 at the Embassy Suites in Norman.

An expert on groundwater flow and transport, well hydraulics and stream-aquifer interactions, Butler served as president, International Commission on Groundwater, International Association of Hydrological Sciences from 2013-2014.

“The conference is an unparalleled opportunity to hear from and interact with noted specialists in the field of water use, management and stewardship, such as Dr. Butler and others who will be providing insights on topics of importance to Oklahoma and beyond,” said Garey Fox, director of the Oklahoma Water Resources Center.

Walk-in registration will be available at the door for the cost of $250. Students can attend at the special rate of $45 per day.

The concurrent conference and research symposium annually attracts hundreds of water officials, community leaders and private citizens who share an avid interest in Oklahoma’s water resources, and for good reason.

“Each year, the latest developments in water management and quality, infrastructure financing, and many other related issues are addressed by state, federal, and local experts,” Fox said. “In addition, recipients of the Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award are recognized during a special ceremony.”

The Oklahoma Water Pioneer Award was initiated in 1985 to honor individuals who have made significant contributions in the planning, development, management and conservation of the state’s water resources.

As for the scientific studies presented as part of the research symposium, Fox said people should not be hesitant to attend: A typical symposium session is a presentation by a researcher that is aimed at a lay audience.

“The researchers understand most of their audience is not as familiar with the topic as they and so present it in appropriate terms,” he said. “The idea is to communicate and educate so that people can make informed decisions. Presenting the material in a way that is understandable by non-experts is a key component.”

One of the more popular aspects of the research symposium is the Student Poster Contest, wherein university students present their original research via posters.

“Every year, participants tell us their interactions with these students are among the highlights of the event,” said Fox, who serves as the Thomas E. Berry Endowed Professor in Integrated Water Research and Management with Oklahoma State University’s Division of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources.

Additional information about the concurrent conference and symposium is available online through the OWRC website at http://water.okstate.edu/activities/symposium/2015-symposium.