Kate Nelson, associate professor in the School of Natural Resources, has been named co-director of the Missouri Water Center, joining Baolin Deng, Curators’ Distinguished Professor and Andrew A. Davidson Professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her appointment was effective Jan. 1, 2026. Patrick Market, director of the School of Natural Resources, served as interim co-director previously.
The Missouri Water Center, a partnership between the College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources and the College of Engineering, serves the state of Missouri and the nation through innovative scientific research on managing water resources, training students for water-related professions, and creating and transferring knowledge that enhances safety and the economic, environmental and social status of its people.
Nelson has been an affiliated faculty member of the Missouri Water Center since joining Mizzou in August 2024 from Kansas State University. She recently led the strategic planning process for the Water Center; the plan is now available on its website.
“Dr. Nelson has been affiliated with the MWC for a short time, but her leadership skills have only strengthened in that period,” Market said. “I have no doubt that she will represent CAFNR exceedingly well in the coming years.”
Water is a critical resource in the state, providing drinking water, irrigation, power generation, industrial uses, commercial navigation and serving as fish and wildlife habitat. In addition to severe droughts, Missouri experiences severe floods, showcasing the importance of drought planning, flood control and flood risk reduction. The Missouri Water Center uses rigorous and innovative science to address Missourians’ pressing water-related challenges.
Nelson’s background is in environmental engineering; she brings a whole-system approach to water research.
“I’m hoping that’s what I can offer here,” Nelson said. “We’ve got people coming at water from different areas; I can help speak the language and help create ties.”
Her research interests have covered aquatic chemistry, materials science, flood equity and much more over her career. Current projects look at the connections between climate, water systems, agriculture and community impact, in addition to watershed management planning from a whole-system approach – the “land/water connection,” she said. She received an NSF Early CAREER award in 2024 for examining ties between crop diversity and resilience of rural farm communities.
Nelson said she is excited to take this leadership role in the Missouri Water Center, as it gives her the opportunity to go beyond her own research.
“I am interested in helping facilitate others’ work; build bridges and put some of the pieces together,” she said. “I have this varied background and this will make good use of my skills.”