Passing the Torch: IIHR welcomes next generation of water research innovators

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

For decades, the University of Iowa’s IIHR—Hydroscience and Engineering (IIHR) has been at the forefront of research in water science and environmental engineering. Visionary scholars, including Witold Krajewski and Jerry Schnoor, have become pillars of the field, shaping global perspectives of hydrology, climate resilience, and sustainable water systems. Now, as they transition into retirement, IIHR is entering a new era, building upon the momentum of fresh energy and bold ideas.

“Witek and Jerry have set a standard of excellence that is recognized worldwide,” says Larry Weber, IIHR director and Edwin B. Green Chair in Hydraulics. “Their work has improved lives, informed policy, and inspired generations of engineers. As they step back, we’re thrilled to welcome a new wave of researchers who will carry that legacy forward and take it in exciting new directions.”

Preparing for the future, IIHR, a research center within the College of Engineering, began attracting a wave of new talent in 2023. The new scholars were recruited to faculty appointments in the College of Engineering, and they conduct research as faculty affiliates of IIHR. Their research fields span everything from flash flood forecasting to clean energy modeling, while bringing to bear diverse perspectives to tackle some of the most urgent challenges facing our planet.

Sahar El Abbadi

PhD, Stanford University

Joined in January 2026 as an assistant professor in civil and environmental engineering. Her work focuses on reducing the climate impact of water, wastewater, and food systems, rooted in sustainability and resource management.

Yagmur Derin

PhD, University of Connecticut

Started in January 2026, and aims to bridge observations, modeling, and real-world applications to improve precipitation estimation and forecasting, which will benefit predicting extreme weather events.

Jackie Dowling

PhD, California Institute of Technology

Began in January 2026, modeling energy systems to guide the global transition to clean energy.

Jesus ("Chucho") Gomez Velez

PhD, New Mexico Tech

Joined in August 2025 as an associate professor of civil and environmental engineering. His research explores the movement, accumulation, and transformation of water, energy, and matter in complex natural and engineered systems, and their impact on humans and ecosystems.

Humberto Vergara

PhD, University of Oklahoma

Joined in August 2023 as an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering. He specializes in hydrology, numerical modeling, and flash flood forecasting, which addresses the growing risks of climate-driven disasters.

Cong Wang

PhD, California Institute of Technology

Joined in July 2023 as an assistant professor of mechanical engineering. He studies fluid dynamics, turbulent flow, and drag, which have far-reaching applications.

Priscilla Williams

PhD, University of Windsor

Joined in August 2023 as an assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, focusing on river hydraulics, sediment transport, and physical modeling, which are essential tools for understanding and managing waterways.

Topics such as climate mitigation in water systems, advanced weather forecasting, clean energy modeling, flood resilience, fluid mechanics, and river dynamics, will be central to IIHR’s work ahead. Fueled by the next generation of engineers, the 106-year-old institute is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in solving the world's greatest fluids-related challenges.