The Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute (DWFI) at the University of Nebraska welcomed its 2025–26 cohort of supported students at its annual Fall Welcome event on September 24 at the AKRS Champion Club. The event served as an introduction to the institute — its mission, programs, and people — and marked the beginning of a new academic year with research dedicated to advancing global water and food security.
Orientation and insights for new student cohort
Designed to help students understand how their work connects to DWFI’s broader mission, the event featured sessions on institute programs, research impact, and science communication.
Students heard from:
- Peter McCornick, DWFI Executive Director, who gave an overview of the institute’s history, mission, and global partnerships
- Christopher Neale, Director of Research, who shared how DWFI-supported research is making an impact in Nebraska and around the world
- Frances Hayes, Director of Communications and Public Relations, who offered guidance on writing strong impact statements to communicate research value and relevance
Students also had the chance to meet DWFI programs and staff, ask questions, and explore ways to get involved throughout the year.
Supporting research across disciplines
Supported students work with DWFI Faculty Fellows across a wide range of disciplines — including agronomy, natural resources, engineering, biological sciences, and agricultural economics. Their research addresses critical issues such as nitrate contamination, groundwater resilience, irrigation innovation, soil health, and sustainable crop production.
About the student support program
Since its launch in 2014, DWFI’s Student Support Program has made more than 132 awards to Faculty Fellows across the University of Nebraska system. The institute has invested more than $4.9 million in student research, with $4.2 million matched one-to-one by faculty.
The program provides stipends to postdoctoral, graduate, and undergraduate students whose work contributes to the institute’s mission of ensuring greater food security with less pressure on water resources. Many program alumni have gone on to leadership roles in academia, industry, and international development.
Looking ahead
DWFI looks forward to working with this year’s student cohort as they advance their research, share their successes, and contribute to a more water- and food-secure world.
