News
Driving research forward in a new year
By: Jason R. Barrett
WRRI Director
Since launching the WATERMARKS newsletter over a year ago, we've learned that there are many readers out there who are interested in the work we're doing in Mississippi.
That's great news for the Water Resources Research Institute. We're focused on solving Mississippi's water and water-related land use problems, and our work has impacts not just in our state but across the region and nation.
It's amazing how much change can happen in just one year. Mississippi is preparing for a new era of industrial growth with the proliferation of data centers and technological advancements like AI, all of which are heavily reliant on water.
Water also is integral to the success of farmers who power Mississippi's largest industry, agriculture. We work together with growers all over the state to ensure that their water-use practices are economical, sustainable and environmentally beneficial.
How will we balance the resource needs of all industries without harming Mississippi's farmers or depleting our water supply?
That question was the centerpiece of the 2025 Water and Energy Conference at Mississippi State University, which we presented in partnership with MSU's Office of Research and Economic Development. This edition of WATERMARKS includes insights into the conference and our efforts to expand its scope and bring more stakeholders into this critical conversation.
Looking ahead, the institute is focused on ensuring we have the funding necessary to sustain our mission. Most of our operations are funded by federal grants and contracts that support a variety of agricultural research projects and public services, such as SipSafe and the Mississippi Well Owner Network Program.
Our team includes nationally recognized scientists like Dr. Madhav Dhakal, whose groundbreaking research is making waves in the world of soil and water conservation. Our work is supported by a talented staff of professionals and graduate students, including Anne Hollis Dulaney, who make it possible for the institute to thrive.
After 20 years at Mississippi State and nearly six years with the Water Resources Research Institute, I've seen incredible growth—not just in our numbers, but in the scope and impact of our projects. And I believe the best is yet to come, for the institute and for the state we call home.
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