Dr Teodóra Szőcs
Biography
Teodóra has a PhD on flow systems and water-rock interaction from the Eötvös Loránd University (2006). Prior to working at the Geological Institute of Hungary from 1993, Teodóra studied the detection of heavy metals in soils and organic samples at the University of Amsterdam. She became Head of the Hydrogeology Department in 2007 and subsequently at the Geological and Geophysical Institute of Hungary, the Mining and Geological Survey of Hungary, and recently at the Geological Survey of the Supervisory Authority of Regulatory Affairs.
Her main research areas are groundwater surveys and hydrogeochemical evaluation, particularly arsenic, water-rock interaction, and hydrogeological modelling of flow systems, including stable and radioactive isotopes.
For 15 years she was a hydrogeological-hydrogeochemical expert in a Hungarian national project investigating a site for low and intermediate level nuclear waste disposal. She was the hydrogeochemical expert for background values, threshold values and evaluation of chemical status of groundwater bodies of Hungary for all three WFD River Basin Management Plans. For the past decade she focused on joint surveys of transboundary aquifers, on thermal-water geothermal energy resource evaluation and management and on lithium resource research.
She is an invited lecturer in hydrogeochemistry at the University of Miskolc. She has more than 60 peer reviewed publications and 150 internal reports.
Teodóra was President of the IAH Hungarian National Chapter (2008-2010). In 2013 she initiated and contributed to the bi-annual IAH Central European Groundwater Conference held in Mórahalom (HU). She was IAH Regional Vice President for Western Europe (2012-2016) and VP for Finances and Membership between 2016-2024.
She is active in the International Association of Geochemistry, is national representative for Hungary in the EuroGeoSurveys Water Resources Expert Group, member of the Hydrogeological Subcommittee of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences since 2012 and was hydrogeology expert of the IGCP Scientific Board between 2017-2020.
Personal statement
I have been working with the IAH Executive, Council, National Chapters and Secretariat for the past 12 years and very much look forward to continuing my work in my new role as IAH President for the coming four years.
My past experience will help me drive the continued development of IAH, strengthening the organisation while making it a strong voice and key advocate to promote the visibility of groundwater and improve groundwater governance globally.
This requires a large and active membership. Although the last few years have proved challenging, including a global pandemic as well as food and water security issues, IAH’s membership is again back to the pre-pandemic numbers of more than 4000. Our stable financial position provides a sound basis for continuing our existing services and exploring the possibilities of launching new ones such as educational for our members and the wider hydrogeological community.
IAH through its governance aims to ensure that the diversity of its membership is recognised, so that all members are given equal opportunity to participate in IAH activities and to benefit from their membership. I consider it very important that IAH strengthens its existing commitment to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in all its activities. My goals include exploring how IAH can provide more support to our Commissions, Networks, National Chapters and all members.
I will also work to strengthen IAH’s influence on global (ground)water policy, promoting IAH’s mission with other organisations, continuing the outreach activities already started by previous presidents, council members and devoted and enthusiastic members. I will increase the visibility of IAH by increasing the collaboration with the UN, other international water related organisations, and NGOs.
Prof. David Kreamer
Biography
David Kreamer, Ph.D. is a Professor of Geoscience, and past Director of the interdisciplinary Water Resources Management Graduate Program at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
Dave formerly served as Vice President for Science and Programme for the International Association of Hydrogeologists (IAH), past IAH Vice President for North America, and as IAH U.S. National Chapter Secretary. Dave also served as Division Director of the National Groundwater Association, and is a past President of the Universities Council on Water Resources.
Dave’s research includes work on water and international security, maintaining good water quality supply for people and ecosystems particularly in economically developing regions, combating environmental contamination, and water quality and quantity analysis and improvement. His current research includes: groundwater contamination studies, groundwater dependent ecosystem sustainability in U.S. National Parks and public lands, and water supply in Africa. He has authored over 65 professional publications, recently co-authoring the 3rd Edition of the textbook “Contaminant Hydrogeology” (Waveland Press). He has given over 150 invited lectures.
David has served as a professional consultant/ expert witness, and testified before the United States Congress. He also has given presentations at over 40 Universities, and has been an invited speaker in Europe, Asia, the Caribbean, Pacific island nations, South America, Africa and the Middle East.
Jane Dottridge
Biography
Jane Dottridge is a hydrogeologist with over 45 years’ experience in groundwater and contaminated land. She was elected as Secretary General of IAH in 2020. She is also a consultant to Mott MacDonald, where she was a Technical Director for 15 years, providing technical oversight to the contaminated land and water resources teams in Cambridge, UK.
Most of Jane’s career was as a consultant hydrogeologist, initially working on water resources projects, before focussing on contaminant hydrogeology. Her specialist expertise is in groundwater contamination, risk assessment and modelling of contaminant fate and transport, from point sources to catchment scale nitrates and pesticides. Jane acts as a peer reviewer for regulators and industrial clients, She is the author or co-author of over 50 papers and conference presentations. During the 1990s, she was a senior lecturer in Hydrogeology at University College London, teaching MSc and undergraduate students while undertaking research in groundwater contamination and modelling. Her international experience includes projects in Algeria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, India, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Poland, Romania, Spain, UAE, USA, and Yemen.
She is a graduate in Natural Sciences (Geology) from Cambridge University, with a MSc in Hydrogeology at the University of Birmingham. Jane is a Chartered Geologist, a member of IAH since 1990 and chaired the British National Chapter from 2006-2011. She participated in the mentoring scheme and was one of the judges for the Applied Hydrogeology Award from 2016-19. She is also an active member of the Geological Society in the UK, who awarded her the Whitaker medal in 2017. She was a council member and trustee from 2013-2016 and has chaired both the hydrogeology and contaminated land specialist groups. Jane was the Editor in Chief of the Quarterly Journal of Engineering Geology and Hydrogeology from 2018-2022.
Personal Statement
Since being elected as Secretary General in 2020, I have worked with the executive, council, members and staff of IAH to develop the organisation, defining and implementing a strategy for 2021-2030 based on feedback from members. This role is a challenge, and I am standing for a second term to provide continuity and benefits from lessons learned over the last four years.
The Secretary General has a range of responsibilities for both external and internal matters. I will continue to promote equality, diversity and inclusion in IAH, with active involvement of more members in committees, congresses, education, outreach and interaction with international organisations. For the Association’s future, I recognise the importance of the Early Careers Network and encouraging students to join through free membership.
As Secretary General, I will work to enhance IAH’s influence on global policy and continue collaboration, alliances and communication with UN agencies, international organisations and NGOs involved in water science and policy. IAH’s contribution to the UNESCO groundwater summit in 2022 raised our profile and was followed up at the UN water summit in 2023. It was a privilege to share the Australian National Chapter’s Indigenous Groundwater declaration with an international audience. Creation of a wider working group, started at the Cape Town congress, will provide closer liaison with international organisations, and ensure that IAH can continue to make the invisible visible and promote the role of groundwater in water resources management.
While these activities are my priorities, an essential part of the role is to ensure that IAH maintains good governance and meets its charitable objectives, as well as supporting the secretariat, overseeing publications, and assisting national chapters when needed. For these tasks, I apply the experience gained as a manager in consultancy and previous roles as a trustee and editing a journal.
Marco Petitta
Biography
Marco Petitta, PhD, is Full Professor of Hydrogeology at Sapienza University of Rome, Italy, where he teaches Basic Hydrogeology, Groundwater Hydrodynamic and Applied Hydrogeology. He has supervised 14 PhD students in the last 20 years. He is author of more than 100 papers on international journals and more than 100 articles on national journals and proceedings. After obtaining a PhD in groundwater modelling, his research focuses on groundwater management, interaction between stream and groundwater, human influences on groundwater quantity and quality, remediation of polluted sites, isotope techniques for groundwater studies, the role of groundwater in environmental and ecological studies, and groundwater-seismicity relationships. He coordinated the European Project Horizon2020 KINDRA (2015-2018), he had national responsibility for the EU PRIMA project KARMA (2019-22) on karst aquifers in Mediterranean area and he is currently involved in the EU Horizon Europe project NINFA (2022-26).
A member of IAH since 1997, he was Chairman of the Italian Chapter from 2012 to 2016. In 2015 he was Chair of the 42nd International Congress of IAH, AQUA2015. Between 2016-21 he served as Vice-President of IAH for Western and Central Europe. Since 2021 he is Vice-President for Science and Programme. He was also Coordinator of the Panel of Experts in Hydrogeology of the EFG (European Federation of Geologists) and Member of the Working Group of Groundwater of the European Commission, for the Common Implementation Strategy of Water Directives. He has active international research links with several Universities and Research Centres in Europe and worldwide.
Personal Statement
My previous activities for Western Europe and as chair of the Italian Chapter allowed me to acquire substantial experience of IAH programmes and vision. I had opportunities to meet colleagues from other chapters, especially in Europe, enlarging my views on groundwater issues. During the previous mandate as Vice President for Science and Programme I had the opportunity to better understand the need and the activities of IAH’s Commissions, Networks and Working Groups. I have also updated my skills at international level by participating in several European groups and associations related to EU policy and EU research programmes (e.g. Water4All, GSEU/Eurogeosurvey). Based on these recent experiences, I believe there is room for increased visibility of groundwater issues at the international scale, after the positive outputs of the WWD in 2022, dedicated to “Making Groundwater Visible”. I am ready to coordinate the additional efforts required for the IAH community to meet the new 21st century challenges. e.g. climate change effects on groundwater resources, water-food-climate-energy nexus, implementation of SDGs and policy and governance of water and groundwater. My intention is to continue to promote networking of National Chapters at the world-wide level, I will try to improve the visibility of IAH promoting interaction among Commissions and Networks, raising awareness on the importance of groundwater not only in the technical and scientific community, but for stakeholders and the general public too.
Julian Conrad
Biography
Julian Conrad commenced his professional career in 1986 as a geotechnical geologist modelling slope stability of an open-cast mine in Namibia (previously South West Africa). Subsequently, he transitioned to the research industry (the CSIR), and has acquired 34 years of experience in managing groundwater resources. His proficiency is predominantly in groundwater management, encompassing groundwater exploration, yield and quality assessments, monitoring, legal compliance, and integrated water resource assessments. He has a Masters’s Degree in geohydrology and GIS from URI (USA). In 2001, he established GEOSS South Africa (Pty) Ltd, headquartered in Stellenbosch, with a staff of 32 employees. Currently, Julian serves as the Managing Director of the company. GEOSS South Africa focuses mainly on Hydrogeology projects within South Africa but also extends to international projects in countries such as Namibia, Botswana, DRC, Mozambique, Saudi Arabia, Côte d’Ivoire, Sweden, and Denmark. He also worked extensively with local and national government departments. He has mentored numerous young hydrogeologists who now hold senior positions in their companies, both locally and internationally. Supporting peers and mentoring future leaders is integral to what he does. He has also served on various committees, GWD MANCO and IAH_SA EXCO BOARD and is a member of various professional bodies.
Personal statement
Julian Conrad has been involved with the IAH since 1990. Initially as an IAH member and then as part of the organising committee of the IAH2000 Congress held in Cape Town, South Africa. Thereafter, his involvement remained with the IAH and also the Groundwater Division of South Africa. He has played a role in being Chairperson, Treasurer or Secretary or serving on the MANCO of these organisations for a number of years. Julian was co-chair of the organising committee of the IAH2023 Congress, held once again in Cape Town, South Africa. Over the years, Julian has attended a number of the IAH Congresses in various beautiful cities around the world. With the IAH2023 Congress, Julian was also responsible for the development and management of the entire Congress budget and the securement of sponsorships. It is with this depth of knowledge, that Julian is applying for the post of Vice President for Finance and Membership. Management of organisational finances and ensuring current members are maintained through providing “value-for-money” as well as generating new members to join the organisation are activities he is familiar with. Julian is keen to extend and apply this knowledge to the Executive Committee of the IAH. An organisation he is committed to serving.
Bartolomé Andreo Navarro
Biography
Bartolome is a Full Professor of Hydrogeology at the University of Málaga (Spain), IAH member for over thirty years and Past President of IAH Spanish Chapter (2015-2021). In 2019, he was the President of the Organizing Committee of 46th IAH Congress in Málaga, with 750 attendees. He is co-founder of Eurokarst conference and has organised 6 International Symposiums on Karst in Málaga, with hundreds of participants.
He promoted the creation (2007) of the Centre of Hydrogeology at the University of Malaga, of which he is Director. He promoted and coordinated the Master’s Course (2008-2024) and Doctorate Program (2009-2016) on Water Resources and Environment at the University of Malag -RHYMA. The RHYMA Master’s was awarded the Manantial Prize in 2022 by the Spanish Groundwater Club. He has successfully supervised 16 PhD students.
Training courses he has coordinated and participated in include HYDROKARST (12 editions), in cooperation with the Spanish Geological Survey and supported by UNESCO-IHP and IAH; and education and dissemination activities on Hydrogeology (co-promoter of Hydrogeoday).
He has participated in hydrogeology research projects, including those supported by the EU, UNESCO, and IAEA. He is active in hydrogeological consultancy with companies and public administrations. He has experience of work and research collaboration on aquifers from Europe, America, and North Africa and is author of several hundred of scientific publications, with 100 in peer reviewed international journals included in Journal of Citation Reports.
He is Advisor to agencies on evaluation for hydrogeology research projects and university staff professors, including to the Spanish Ministry of Ecological Transition for the Groundwater National Action Plan and of the Andalusian Government as member of the Committee of Experts against the Drought.
Personal statement
My main aim will be to increase the role of groundwater and the hydrogeologist in society, through creating greater visibility of the IAH, increasing membership in Western and Central Europe (amongst universities, geological surveys, water companies and water resource regulators). Joint activities with such organisations will be promoted (such as fora and seminars) in the frame of which training and discussion will be offered. Regional conferences on problems concerning groundwater will be organised, for example on droughts and groundwater budgets of aquifers in the Mediterranean areas, groundwater contamination and remediation in Central Europe.
Online seminars involving European experts will be organised to update the state of art in various fields: groundwater budget, managed recharge, modelling, karst hydrogeology, etc.
The connection between the IAH and international organisations (such as UNESCO, IGRAC, FAO, European Union) should be done by organizing joint activities and workshops, and by involving these institutions in IAH conferences.
Links will be established between universities and the employment market of the public administrations and water companies. A compilation of master and doctorate programmes on groundwater in Europe will be produced. Master and doctorate studies on hydrogeology should be adequately connected with the needs of the society. An initiative will be to promote the values of groundwater in society by means of education and dissemination, and hydrogeoday (https://iah.org/education/professionals/hydrogeoday) will be enhanced to European scale.
Luis Camilo Suescún
Biography
Luis Camilo Suescún is a Civil Engineer with an MSc in Water Resources, who graduated with honours from the National University of Colombia. He is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in uncertainty analysis for mine closure at Flinders University, Australia. In his professional career spanning 10 years, Luis has worked as a Hydrogeologist in various public and private institutions, specializing in numerical and inverse modelling, advanced programming methods, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis, conceptual models, fractured media, and geological and groundwater models applied in the tunnelling, mining, and oil & gas industries in Latin America. He has been Senior Hydrogeologist Modeller and Project Manager in the mining group in DHI Group since 2017. He is part of the Staff of recognized instructors to teach modelling courses with the FEFLOW tool at The Academy by DHI and provides technical support to users in the LATAM region. Luis Camilo has served as president of the Colombian chapter of the IAH and the Colombian Association of Hydrogeologists (ACH), where he has been a catalyst for international collaboration, forging knowledge and support networks that extend beyond borders, linking Colombia with IAH chapters in Europe and LATAM. Under his leadership, programs and webinars have been developed that enhance the understanding and management of groundwater, fostering a more connected, informed, and educated hydrogeological community. He is part of the Early Career Hydrogeologists Network (ECHN), engaging in volunteer activities related to groundwater knowledge among young professionals. He has been a volunteer for SPE-Colombia where he has contributed to the development of the Petrolcopa Reto Escolar educational program, which to date has trained more than 3,000 young students from urban and rural areas in Colombia to develop skills and knowledge for the water and oil and gas industry. He also contributes to The Groundwater Project by sharing knowledge and translating materials related to groundwater.
Personal statement
I am Vice President for Latin America and the Caribbean. With a deep passion for hydrogeology and our association for more than 10 years, coupled with an unwavering commitment, I am convinced that I can make a significant contribution to the mission of the IAH in our region. Throughout my career as a Hydrogeologist, I have collaborated in numerous international settings and received accolades for my work, underscoring my deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in managing groundwater resources in our Latin America and the Caribbean region. As Vice President of the region, my main goal will be to represent the interests and aspirations of IAH members diligently and dedicatedly in Latin America and the Caribbean, ensuring that our region plays an active and significant role in the global dialogue and initiatives in hydrogeology within the IAH. Additionally, I aim to foster collaboration and increase the relationships and programs of our national chapters, and fundamentally, to facilitate knowledge transfer and generational evolution. I look forward to contributing to the growth and continued success of the IAH in our region.
Valentina Rakhimova
Biography
Valentina Rakhimova is a Senior Researcher at the Laboratory of Modeling Hydrochemical and Geoecological Processes of the Institute of Hydrogeology and Geoecology named after U.M. Akhmedsafin (Almaty, Kazakhstan). Upon completing her undergraduate studies, Valentina pursued a PhD in Hydrogeology and Engineering Geology at Satbayev University, where she focused her research on aspects of groundwater treatment from hexavalent chromium using an in-situ method. Since 2014, she has been an active member of the International Association of Hydrogeologists and attended the 48th IAH Congress in Belgium.
In addition to her research, Valentina is a passionate advocate for groundwater conservation. She has spoken at international conferences, participated in policy discussions on transboundary aquifers, and collaborated with NGOs to raise awareness about the importance of preserving groundwater reserves.
Valentina is a free lecturer at Satbayev University on groundwater modelling and also works as a supervisor and consultant for hydrogeology graduates. A significant number of articles have been written in peer-reviewed journals in collaboration with scientists from Europe, Israel, and Central Asia for the last few years. Future scientific works and projects are planned in Kazakhstan to assess natural groundwater reserves, focused on managed aquifer recharge and irrigated agriculture.
Valentina has received numerous accolades for her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge and protecting groundwater reserves from overexploitation, including a letter of gratitude from the Committee of Geology of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Personal statement
Having dedicated years to the study and practice of hydrogeology, I have witnessed first-hand the critical importance of water resource management, especially in regions as diverse and complex as Eastern Europe and Central Asia. From addressing water scarcity challenges to ensuring sustainable groundwater utilization, the issues confronting our region demand innovative solutions and collaborative efforts. As Vice President, I envision leveraging the platform of IAH to foster partnerships, facilitate knowledge exchange, and advocate for policies that promote sound hydrogeological practices.
My commitment to the advancement of hydrogeology is not just academic, but also deeply rooted in my ability to unite diverse stakeholders. Throughout my career, I have successfully engaged with local communities, governmental bodies, and international organizations, promoting awareness about groundwater conservation and management. I believe that effective leadership requires not only technical expertise but also empathy, communication skills, and a deep understanding of diverse stakeholder perspectives. In this role, I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of hydrogeologists across Eastern Europe and Central Asia, ensuring that their insights and experiences shape our collective approach to water management challenges.
My passion for the mission of IAH to advance hydrogeological science and practice worldwide is what drives me. If entrusted with the role of Vice President, I am committed to upholding the values of integrity, inclusivity, and collaboration that define our association. I will work tirelessly to strengthen the bonds of camaraderie and cooperation among hydrogeologists in our region, fostering a vibrant community that thrives on shared knowledge and mutual support. I am ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, guided by a steadfast commitment to excellence and a passion for advancing the field of hydrogeology. Together, let us embark on this journey towards a more sustainable and equitable water future for generations to come.
Professor A.K. Sinha
Biography
Professor (Dr) Amarendra Kumar Sinha, President of Indian National Chapter of IAH, and former Vice-Chancellor CSMU, Mumbai, served as Professor & Head, Department of Geology, University of Rajasthan; Director, Centre for Water Resource Management & Research, University of Rajasthan; Dean (Research) and Director, Centre for Water and Climate Change, SGVU, Jaipur; Director, Manipal University, Jaipur. India; President (ESS) Indian Science Congress; Expert member INC-Groundwater; Expert member INC-IGCP; Governing Council of IUAC; UGC Expert on SAP Advisory Committees; visiting faculty ICED-GOI. He was an Expert member/consulting member of GWP; IGU commission on water & sustainability; INC- IGCP; Committee for Urban Infrastructure Development; IYPE; IAH working group on Groundwater and Climate Change, National Committee to identify priority areas of research in the Water Sector under Prime Ministers’ Council, India; INC-Groundwater, India; State level Coordinator for EU-Rajasthan State partnership program for Water Resource Development; TAC (DST, GOI).
He established scientific collaboration with national and international organizations including UNESCO-IHP, JICA, CAIRN Energy and national Govt/Non govt agencies such as DST, MOEFCC, Min of JAL Shakti, GSI, CGWB. He has made significant scientific contributions by organizing many scientific activities at different scales, publishing more than 80 research papers and editing/co editing, reviewing, publication of books, articles, chapters, research papers supervising scholars for their doctoral thesis, initiating publication of the e-journal of Geohydrology by INC-IAH as Chief Editor. He was invited to programmes conducted by SIDA, IGC, IAC (Netherlands), UNEP, UNESCO, UN-IAF, EU, WWF, IGU, ASADWA and foreign universities. Prof Sinha is and has been a Member & Fellow of national and international professional and scientific bodies, and received several accolades and awards for his services and contribution in the domain of Groundwater.
Personal statement
With the rising extraction of groundwater, Asia -the largest and most populous continent– is experiencing declining groundwater levels, over-exploitation, groundwater contamination, inefficient water-use, and transboundary aquifer and governance issues affecting the sustainability of groundwater use in this part of the world. There is vast scope for collective effort under the IAH umbrella to understand, communicate and address the challenges to the sustainability of groundwater, taking into consideration the challenges of 21st century e.g. water-food-climate-energy nexus, as well as challenges towards the realization of the SDGs of 2030 development agenda. IAH is a most prestigious global organization engaged in addressing the groundwater challenges worldwide. The VP of Asia needs to continue promoting the IAH’s mission, goals, ideals and activities more vigorously with enhanced innovations to empower its members and to attract and include potential regional members, young budding students and professionals, non-technical and rural folk to the IAH fold for this purpose. Encouraging colleagues particularly from the Asian countries to publish scientific papers in Hydrogeology Journal, IAH books and monographs, and to organize and conduct workshops, conferences, and seminars to address the regional groundwater issues, and to create wider awareness and dissemination of knowledge among the groundwater community, under the aegis of different IAH commission and its networks, would constitute important tasks for the VP of Asia. Linking all the National Chapters in the region through an online network for establishing meaningful collaborations and communications, and for facilitating the timely accomplishment of the IAH’s mission would be the VP of Asia’s priority. To be IAH Vice President of Asia is a matter of honour and an opportunity indeed for me to contribute towards the accomplishment of IAH mission, particularly in the domain of Education and Outreach, including IAH’s Mentoring activities.
Sarah Bourke
Biography
Dr Sarah Bourke is a Hydrogeologist with expertise in environmental tracers, surface water – groundwater interaction and contaminant hydrogeology. Sarah is a Lecturer and Course Coordinator of the Master of Hydrogeology in the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Western Australia. She has extensive links to government and industry and a demonstrated capacity to deliver high-quality, practical outcomes through collaborative research projects.
Sarah completed her Bachelor of Earth Science at Flinders University, with studies in Japan and the USA. She completed an Honours year at the University of Western Australia before working as a Hydrogeologist for the state government for five years. Her PhD, through Flinders University, was a collaborative research project with Rio Tinto Iron Ore applying environmental tracers to understand surface water – groundwater interaction in areas modified by mining. Her presentation on this work was awarded best presentation by an early career Hydrogeologist at the IAH congress in 2013.
Following her PhD Sarah worked as a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, Canada, studying potential impacts on groundwater from mining and agricultural operations overlying clay-rich sediments.
She returned to the University of Western Australia in Perth, where she works as a passionate advocate for Hydrogeology practice, research and training. Current research projects understanding responses of groundwater systems to changes in climate and human groundwater use. She also has an interest in decolonizing the practice of hydrogeology and working with Aboriginal communities on issues that affect them (declaration.iah.org.au).
Sarah has been engaged with IAH for almost 20 years and is the past Chair of the Western Australian chapter and Regional Vice-President for Australasia and the Pacific. When not thinking about groundwater, Sarah sings in choirs and potters in the garden.
Personal statement
At a local level, I am currently the Vice Chair of the Western Australian Branch of the IAH. Participation in IAH at this grass-roots level has allowed me to build an understanding of the value of the organization to practicing hydrogeologists across a range of stakeholder groups and career levels. I have also been the IAH Vice President for Australasia Pacific for the past 4 years. This role has allowed me to expand my understanding of the organization and better appreciate the international scope and context for the work of IAH. I have also recently agreed to lead the IAH efforts in Education and Outreach, providing strategic direction and support to the broader organization.
I continue to believe that the IAH community must expand through awareness and inclusion of people from diverse backgrounds, including gender, racial and socio-economic diversity. As VP, and in consultation with National chapters, I would continue the focus on diversity of membership, and diversity of voices. It’s not enough to simply have diverse members, they also need to be visible and heard. The rapid uptake of online tools for meeting and communicating during the COVID crisis points to one way that we can be more inclusive. I am also focussed on improving the inclusion of Indigenous and First Nations perspectives through increased visibility and relationship building to facilitate effective partnerships.
As climate change impacts become increasingly obvious and the world’s population expands past 8 billion people, IAH and its members have a vital role to play, ensuring that groundwater resources take their rightful place among competing priorities. I am honoured to continue to play a leadership role within IAH over the coming four years as VP for the Australasia and the Pacific.
