The University of Idaho has hired Kendra Kaiser, a well-known hydrology researcher in the Boise area, to direct its water research and technology center.

Hiring a Boise-based director for the UI-administered Idaho Water Resources Research Institute increases its presence in the region, and Kaiser’s background and research experience make her an ideal fit for the job, according to a university news release.

Kaiser will start in July and will be based at the UI Boise Center. She will lead a statewide team.

Her research focuses on applied hydrology and the co-production of research, an approach by which researchers work together with water managers, users and staff in various agencies to acquire knowledge.

The UI Boise Center “is home to an incredible team of researchers leading the way in water research,” Chandra Zenner Ford, the center’s executive officer, said. “We are excited about IWRRI’s return to the southwest Idaho region as well as the benefits that will come from Kendra’s leadership and her impressive background addressing water issues for Idaho stakeholders.”

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UI’s Board of Regents about 60 years ago established the Water Resources Research Institute.

It is one of 54 water research and technology centers in the country. The institute conducts and directs research to support the water resource needs of the state, Northwest and U.S.

“The biggest priority for IWRRI in the first year is going to be engaging stakeholders in the research community,” Kaiser said. “This will ensure we have a comprehensive set of water research needs as well as an understanding of the research capacity that we have across the state.”

Being based in Boise, near many state and federal agency offices, is important, she said. “These are the folks who have an understanding of statewide issues and national efforts and concerns.”

Kaiser, most recently an assistant research faculty member at Boise State University, earned a doctorate in watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry from Duke University in 2017.

She will hold a faculty appointment as a University of Idaho Extension specialist in the Department of Soil and Water Systems.