The Water Whys team is looking to enroll students for course credit in the Fall 2025 semester. Paid opportunities may be available on a case-by-case basis.
The Water Whys team creates scientifically accurate and easy-to-understand graphical answers to water questions. Our graphics are used by TV meteorologists and reporters to help their audiences better understand current events impacting their communities and their lives. What we create is seen by thousands of people each year.
We answer questions like, “Why is flash flooding more likely after an intense wildfire?” and “Why will the Hoover Dam stop working before Lake Mead is empty?” Broadcast meteorologists often discuss these topics, but want high-quality graphics to show their viewers these scientific processes.
VIP students work collaboratively with faculty/staff with expertise in hydrology, meteorology, graphic design, and journalism. They learn what it takes to make scientifically accurate, visually effective and accessible graphics geared toward a diverse and multi-lingual public. Broadcast meteorologists act as ‘clients’, helping us understand what questions their audiences have about water issues. As students progress through the program, they are given increasing responsibility, leading new students through the graphic design process and managing our social media accounts. Check out our current graphics on our Water Whys Website.
We seek to bring together a truly interdisciplinary group of students with expertise in graphic design, journalism, and physical sciences. All students will learn about the physical processes we will be representing as well as the science behind effective communication. As a group, we will explore what it means to make visuals that are accessible and how to measure the effectiveness of our communication across a diverse public.
We’re looking for students with a range of interests including hydrology/atmospheric science/environmental science, science communication and education, graphic design/illustration/animation and/or social media strategy. During Spring 2025, required group meetings will be held virtually Mondays and Fridays 11am-noon with occasional in-person meetings (same time).
For more information about this team, please visit the Water Whys VIP Website.
