IWhat Do Bulldogs Know About Water Quality?

Earth Day Edition: Drake University Students Lead the Way in Watershed Science

Professor Claire Hruby— Drake University

Watershed Talks Recap: Earth Day Edition

On April 21, we hosted a special Earth Day–inspired Watershed Talks featuring Dr. Claire Hruby and her senior research students from Drake University. The event spotlighted the next generation of water scientists and their hands-on work addressing real-world environmental challenges across Iowa.

Through Dr. Hruby’s Research Program, these students are part of a Soil and Water Assessment team using applied science to better understand contamination in soil and water systems. Their research plays a critical role in identifying pollution sources, evaluating impacts, and informing strategies to protect public health and natural resources.

Dr. Hruby opened the session with an overview of the program, followed by engaging presentations from her “All-Star Seniors,” each sharing findings from their individual research projects:

• Lindsey Siebert — Pesticides and Pharmaceuticals in Vulnerable Groundwater
• Harrison Ziegler — Nitrate in Fourmile Creek
• Paige Robertson — Source Tracking in the Catfish Creek Watershed (Dubuque)
• Alex Colby — Source Tracking and eDNA Assessments in Northwest Iowa

Together, these presentations highlighted the importance of data-driven approaches to tackling some of Iowa’s most pressing water quality issues.

About Dr. Claire Hruby
Dr. Hruby joined Drake University in 2023 after a 20-year career with the Iowa Department of Natural Resources. Her work has focused on groundwater quality, PFAS in drinking water, and watershed monitoring. She now leads applied research efforts with her students across Iowa, working to identify pollution sources, assess environmental risks, and develop practical solutions grounded in science.