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:

• 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
• 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