A Trans-disciplinary & Trans-institutional Effort

Several affiliated faculty and the Rio Grande Research Collaborative are part of the Transformation Network. SUST faculty member and former director Melinda Morgan is leading a $15 million, five-year project funded by the National Science Foundation that engages eight universities and their communities in the American Intermountain West to address the impacts of climate change, including drought, wildfires and community well-being. The TN represents a partnership between eight Western U.S. universities with over 50 partner organizations representing tribal partners, governmental and non-governmental organizations, public utilities, conservation districts, irrigation districts, and municipalities.

This is a transdisciplinary research effort that represents diverse communities, sectors, disciplines, and backgrounds and is aimed at improving resilience for headwater dependent communities, including the Rio Grande watershed. This work is also associated with the Interdisciplinary Science Cooperative.