The environmental, water resources, and coastal engineering (EWC) group holds an annual research symposium every spring semester. This student-organized symposium features research presentations by graduate students to highlight some of the current research conducted by this group, as well as a keynote speech by an invited speaker. The symposium provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in preparing and delivering presentations of their research. In addition, the symposium serves as an opportunity to connect with research and professional communities both locally and nationally. Keynote talks have been delivered by the following speakers:

• 2026 (Agenda): Tom Clasen, Emory University
  • The (randomized controlled) trials and tribulations of environmental health research in low- and middle-income countries
• 2025 (Agenda): Jay Lund, University of California, Davis
  • How we manage complex and changing problems – Portfolio approaches to water problems and disasters – The good, the bad, analysis and institutions
• 2024: Paola Passalacqua, University of Texas at Austin
  • The complex dynamics of low-gradient landscapes
• 2023: Meagan Mauter, Stanford University
  • Build (Back) Wiser: Maximizing the Value of Infrastructure Investments for Human and Environmental Benefit
• 2022: Julian Marshall, University of Washington
  • Environmental justice issues surrounding exposure to air pollution
• 2021: Industry and Alumni Virtual Panel
  • Jason Patskoski, Lauren Wellborn, and William Eleazer
• 2020: Kara Nelson, University of California, Berkeley
  • A global perspective on wastewater as an agricultural resource: knowledge gaps
• 2019: Janet G. McCabe, Indiana University
  • The past, present, and future or environmental protection: threats and opportunities
• 2018: Scott C. Hagen, Louisiana State University
  • How to assess climate change impacts at the coastal land margin and produce transdisciplinary research outcomes
• 2017: Paul Westerhoff, Arizona State University
  • Overcoming Implementation Barriers for Nanotechnology in Drinking Water Treatment
• 2016: Tami C. Bond, University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign
  • The Anthropocene Era and Energy for the Bottom Billion
• 2015: Allen L. Robinson, Carnegie Mellon University
  • The shale gas revolution: green energy or a bridge to nowhere?
• 2014: Marc Edwards, Virginia Tech
  • The Washington D.C Lead Crisis and Its Aftermath
• 2013: Nancy Love, University of Michigan
  • At the Confluence of Nutrients, Pharmaceuticals and Sustainability: Emerging Issues in Wastewater Management
• 2012: Arpad Horvath, University of California, Berkeley
  • How Much Energy Does Water Cost? How Much Water Does Energy Cost?
• 2011: Cliff Davidson, Syracuse University
  • Educating Engineers for the 21st Century: The Challenge of Sustainability
• 2010: Heidi Nepf, MIT
  • How Vegetation Alters Water Motion, and the Feedbacks to Environmental System Structure and Function
• 2009: Debbie Niemeier, University of California, Davis
  • Maria’s House
• 2008: Rich Vogel, Tufts University
  • A Methodology for Water Census
• 2007: Julie Zimmerman, Yale University
  • Green Engineering: The “How” of Sustainability
• 2006: N. C. Vasuki, Delaware Solid Waste Authority
  • Solid Waste Processing and Disposal: Another Frontier in Environmental Management
• 2005: Ana Barros, Duke University
  • Climate Variability and Engineering Design – An Opportunity to Rethink Infrastructure in the Context of Contemporary Challenges
• 2004: Bill Homan, NC Environmental Management Commission
  • Environmental Opportunities in the New Century
• 2003: William F. Hunt Jr., EPA
• 2002: Lester Lave, Carnegie-Mellon University
  • Recycling, Electric Cars, and Diapers: Lessons for Improving Environmental Quality and Sustainability