NewsDrop-March-April-2026

AQUIFER SCIENCE

By: Rebecca Nunu Principal Geoscientist

INTERNSHIP PROGRAM GIVES STUDENTS THE OPPORTUNITY THE EDWARDS AQUIFER AUTHORITY (EAA) TO GAIN REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE

while exploring careers in science, engineering, communications, policy, and other water-resource fields.

Former interns Maddison Orquiz, Sue Ellen Gibbs-Huerta, and Erica Martinez at the weir they helped build at the Field Research Park.

By working alongside staff mentors, interns build practical skills, deepen their understanding of the aquifer system, and see firsthand how science informs water stewardship in our region. One recent group of Aquifer Science interns led a standout project at EAA’s Field Research Park (EAA FRP), where they developed and implemented an atmospheric deposition monitoring effort from concept to completion. After researching best practices, the interns designed a site-specific sampling approach, installed collection equipment, and established procedures for ongoing monitoring and analysis at EAA Each semester, interns join teams across the organization and contribute to meaningful projects that support the EAA’s mission to manage, enhance, and protect the Edwards Aquifer.

Former intern Paulina Quinonez setting up cables for geophysical measurements at the Field Research Park.

Current intern Abby Doderer processing samples from Project SCAR to calculate total suspending solids.

Laboratory as part of Project Sustainable Channel Restoration and Assessment (SCAR), and helping build a weir to support our hydrologic monitoring. These experiences allow interns to apply classroom knowledge, develop technical confidence, and directly support our ongoing aquifer research efforts. Through its internship program, EAA invests in the next generation of water professionals while advancing its mission-driven work. Interns leave with valuable experience, mentorship, and a deeper connection to the Edwards Aquifer, which prepares them to contribute to sustainable water resource management in Texas and beyond.

FRP. The project strengthens EAA’s ability to track airborne inputs (such as nitrates) into the aquifer. This project highlights the lasting impact interns can have on EAA science initiatives. Aquifer Science interns also contribute to field and laboratory efforts. Recent work has included assisting with geophysical data collection at the EAA FRP, designing a method to analytically measure total suspended solids in EAA’s Camden

Former intern Paulina Quinonez next to the atmospheric deposition station at the EAA Field Research Park.

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