Education

A Multidisciplinary Approach

Witek and PhD graduate student Luciana Cunha

Professor Witold Krajewski working with former PhD student Luciana Cunha.

IIHR gives graduate students the tools they need to address complex global issues through a multidisciplinary education that integrates:

An understanding of the physics of flow and flow-related processes
Development of analysis, modeling, and simulation skills
Use of state-of-the-art equipment, instrumentation, and computer methods
An understanding of environmental, economic, social, and international issues
Communication skills for a successful professional career

Areas of Study

Because IIHR is not an academic department, students do not apply to IIHR for admission. The University of Iowa Graduate College and the Office of Admissions manage admission for prospective graduate students. Students can affiliate with IIHR based on their research interests in fluids and hydroscience and their academic advisors’ affiliation with IIHR.

Most of our students are accepted to a department within the College of Engineering, but IIHR also has students in other departments, such as geosciences and mathematics.

For admission requirements, deadlines, and more, visit the Graduate and Professional Admission website. Most IIHR graduate students apply for and receive half- or quarter-time research assistantships with partial tuition reimbursement.

Dedicated Faculty Mentors

Pablo Carrica with students working on wind turbine nacelle

Professor Pablo Carrica (right) working with students on a wind turbine nacelle.

IIHR graduate students benefit from collaboration with dedicated, knowledgeable faculty representing several departments.

Students get hands-on experience and training through fundamental and applied investigations in diverse areas of study.

Advanced Research

IIHR students engage in cutting-edge research and learn about practical applications. Research areas include:

Ship hydrodynamics, turbulent flows, and biological fluid flow
Atmospheric boundary layer, air pollution, hydrogeology, hydrology, hydrometeorology, and remote sensing
Structures, river and dam hydraulics, fish passage at dams, sediment management, heat dispersal in water bodies and power production, water-quality monitoring, and air-water exchange processes

IIHR offers a unique combination of state-of-the-art in-house capabilities in both computational and physical modeling. With extensive computer and laboratory facilities, IIHR provides varying and complementary approaches for investigating and solving a wide variety of flow problems. Financial support is equally divided between grants-funded research and private contracts.

International Reputation

IIHR’s long history of global partnerships and new technologies make it possible for students to work with individuals worldwide. International Perspectives in Water Resources Science and Management, a study-abroad course, gives students an international travel opportunity focusing on water resources and issues in a particular country or region.