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'We're a tight-knit group that takes pride in our work'

Doing work that benefits farmers and the Earth is the best part of Zach Reynold's job at the Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University.

"We help farmers grow their profits while reducing adverse impacts to the environment," Reynolds said. "The work we do at the institute plays a pivotal role in agricultural sustainability and environmental responsibility, not only in Mississippi but throughout the Mid-South."

As a project manager, Reynolds helps bridge research and real-world applications to improve farming practices for corn, rice, soybeans and cotton—agricultural staples in Mississippi and the Mid-South.

His job involves developing proposals for state and federal funding, overseeing project execution, and synthesizing data to benefit both growers and funding agencies.

One of the institute's partners is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which is currently funding a project that uses precision technology to improve fertilizer application and reduce environmental impacts.

Institute researchers also are leading a collaborative rice project in multiple states to test irrigation practices that use less water without reducing yields—another example of innovative problem-solving to achieve success.

"We do a lot of diverse work at the institute, but ultimately, we are problem solvers," Reynolds said. "Our team has a unique combination of expertise, ranging from civil engineering to weed science, which enables us to address real-world challenges effectively. By maintaining strong relationships with growers and commodity boards, we make sure our research is relevant and impactful."

Another part of Reynold's work involves collaborating with students whose academic journeys intertwine with research projects, fostering a new generation of agricultural scientists. Ultimately, the institute is carrying out the mission of Mississippi State by focusing on education, research and extension.

"The institute is bigger now than when I started three years ago, but we're still a tight-knit group that takes pride in our work," he said. "Some of us have known each other for more than a decade, and that's hard to find. We try to think about everything we do from a holistic point of view—how our work creates benefits for growers, our state and the region."

The Water Resources Research Institute at Mississippi State University is a leader in addressing critical water and land use challenges. Collaborating with leading water resources officials, the institute develops innovative research solutions that benefit Mississippi, the region and the nation. Learn more about the institute at www.wrri.msstate.edu.

Mississippi State University is taking care of what matters. Learn more at www.msstate.edu.

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