We are pleased to announce that - following an open call - Helen Dahlke is taking on the role of leader for the Water Strategic Initiative (officially known as the Water Quality, Quantity and Security SI).
Helen is associate professor in integrated hydrologic sciences in the UC Davis Department of Land, Air and Water Resources. Helen brings a rich history of experience having done her undergraduate and masters in her native Germany before doing her Ph.D. at Cornell University. After her Ph.D., she did postdoctoral work at Stockholm University in Sweden before joining UC Davis in 2013.
Helen's current research interests include surface water – groundwater interaction, water resources management, vadose zone transport processes, and applications of DNA nanotechnology in hydrology. She comes with a broad appreciation of the multiple roles for issues facing water across the state from the mountains to the sea. One of her main research efforts focuses on testing the feasibility of using agricultural fields as recharge sites for groundwater replenishment.
We welcome and thank Helen for adding this new role to her ongoing activities. The SI leaders are the champions for the broad umbrellas of work across the organization. The SIs help people connect while helping unify, communicate and advocate for the work across the state. The SI leaders are part of Program Council, which provides input for programmatic policy and direction for the organization.
Please welcome Helen in her new and expanded role.
Mark Bell
Vice Provost Strategic Initiatives & Statewide Programs