Midwestern State University’s Kimbell School of Geosciences and the United States Geological Survey (USGS) have formed a partnership and established an Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center location in Bolin Science Hall.

“The Kimbell School of Geosciences is excited to partner with the USGS as it continues its vital mission in assessing our area’s water,” said Jonathan D. Price, Chair of the Kimbell School of Geosciences.

The mission of the Texas Water Science Center is to provide high-quality hydrologic data and conduct objective scientific investigations on the quantity, quality, and use and availability of surface and groundwater resources. The department also does much work with local entities.

“I am very pleased that Midwestern State University has partnered with the USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center,” USGS supervisory hydrologic technician Gary Burke said. “Our mission is to collect and disseminate the reliable, impartial, and timely information needed to understand our nation's water resources. I look forward to accomplishing that through strengthened collaboration with the Kimbell School of Geosciences and other MSU programs. This partnership will provide new opportunities for USGS staff and MSU faculty and students, and will lead to a better understanding of local groundwater and surface water issues.”  

The partnership was a natural fit and will benefit students of MSU Texas, Price said. “We’ve long benefitted from their diligent collection and compilation of water data, and their dedication to fostering connections with our students. As a natural consequence of this new partnership, we will be able to expand student involvement, faculty partnerships, and the further incorporation of their expertise into our learning environment.”

It’s a chance for students and faculty to see what techniques the professionals in this field employ.

“I look forward to working with the faculty, students, and staff at MSU," USGS hydrologic technician Monti Haynie said. “I hope to develop opportunities for students to learn about the quality and distribution of local water resources and the various field techniques and data analysis processes implemented by the USGS Oklahoma-Texas Water Science Center.”

About the Kimbell School of Geosciences: The diverse nature of modern environmental science requires a strong background in a directly applicable science. As a B.S. Geosciences major, Environmental Sciences Track, students may choose one of three concentrations in biology, chemistry, or geosciences. Each option requires additional coursework in that discipline beyond the interdisciplinary requirements, including electives that provide a broad or specialized view of the Earth and its environments. More about the Kimbell School.

About the USGS: The USGS is a science bureau within the United States Department of the Interior that provides science about the natural hazards that threaten lives and livelihoods; the water, energy, minerals, and other natural resources we rely on; the health of our ecosystems and environment; and the impacts of climate and land-use change. It was established in 1879 by President Rutherford B. Hayes. Read more on USGS.

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