Water Center Student Research Grants | Colorado Mesa University

Applications Open!

Apply by our April 19th, 2026 deadline to be considered for this opportunity.

Interested In Conducting Water Research?

We seek proposals for student research projects directly related to water resources on Colorado’s Western Slope or the Upper Colorado River Basin.

Student Research Grant Submission Process

Curious about applying for our student research grants? Scan the QR code to the left or use the button below to see all the details of the submission!

Click Here And Apply By April 19th!

Interested In Research Findings?

Our most recent research was conducted by CMU student Toby Baltus and biology faculty advisor Eriek Hansen!

Check Out 2025-2026 Student Research!

This project looked at the water quality of three lakes in Fruita, CO: Red Rock Lake, Bookcliff Lake, and Snook’s Bottom Lake. These lakes are near the CO River and are important for fishing, boating, wildlife, and irrigation.

Check Out 2024-2025 Student Research!

This project provided an opportunity to monitor long term restoration, and a snapshot of the water quality at a tailings pile. Overall, freshwater systems unite all walks of life and determining how to preserve it is vital.

An Investigation of the Selenium Concentration in Thenardite Efflorescences on Mancos Shale, Western Colorado. Faculty Researchers: Rachael C. Lohse and William C. Hood.

Application of RGB and multispectral drone (sUAS) photogrammetry of alluvial fans in the Grand Valley of Colorado USA for detecting shallowly-buried channel features that may act as groundwater conduits. Student Researcher: KennaLee Worster. Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gregory Baker.

Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Snowmelt and Snow Persistence on the Grand Mesa. Faculty Researchers: Meghan Cline and Joel Sholtes.

Using Waste-Based Biochar to Address the Selenium Issue in Western Colorado’s Water: Final Report. Student Researcher: Blake Shewmon. Faculty Advisor: Freddy Witarsa.

Testing the applicability of microbial source tracking method using qPCR for determining
the source of high levels of fecal contamination in Western Slope waterways. Student Researcher: Amaya Brooks. Faculty Advisors: Zeynep Ozsoy and Freddy Witarsa.

Water Conservation and Contaminant Removal from Greywater Using Colorado Native Plants in a Hydroponic Green Wall. Student Researchers: Holly Stanley and Ashley Emery. Faculty Advisors: Freddy Witarsa, Bill Adams, and Troy Miller.