U of I increases water research and technology center's presence, hires new director in Boise

BOISE, Idaho — The University of Idaho-administered Idaho Water Resources Research Institute (IWRRI) is increasing its presence in the Southwest Idaho region through the hiring of a Boise-based director.

IWRRI is one of 54 water research and technology centers across the nation, and Kendra Kaiser will join U of I in July to lead a statewide team including members at U of I Coeur d’Alene.

“Our Boise center is home to an incredible team of researchers leading the way in water research,” U of I Boise Center Executive Officer Chandra Zenner Ford said. “We’re excited about IWRRI’s return to the Southwest Idaho region, as well as the benefits that will come from Kendra’s leadership and her impressive background addressing water issues for Idaho stakeholders.”

Established in 1964 by the U of I Board of Regents, IWRRI conducts and directs research to support the water resource needs of the state of Idaho, the northwest region and the nation. IWRRI’s mission is to serve all of Idaho, with staff and affiliated faculty at various locations statewide.

Kaiser, most recently an assistant research faculty member at Boise State University, graduated with her doctorate in watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry from Duke University in 2017. Her research focuses on applied hydrology and the co-production of research, which involves working collaboratively with water managers, water users, and various agencies to generate knowledge.

“I think the biggest priority for IWRRI in the first year is going to be engaging stakeholders and the research community,” Kaiser said. “This will ensure we have a comprehensive set of water research needs as well as an understanding of the research capacity that we have across the state.”

Kaiser’s location in Boise will further position IWRRI to play a critical role in building relationships and networks across the state and nation.

“Being in Boise is really important because most of our state and federal agencies are located here,” Kaiser said. “These are the folks who have an understanding of both statewide issues and national efforts and concerns.”

Kaiser will hold a faculty appointment as a University of Idaho Extension specialist in the Department of Soil and Water Systems.

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Media contact

Alissa Korsak
Marketing and Communications Manager
University of Idaho Boise
208-771-0821
akorsak@uidaho.edu