WKU News

Trayson Lawler, a graduate student in the Geoscience program, is the winner of the third WKU 3MT competition.

Lawler’s research involves using over 50 water level monitors and several weather stations in the Lost River watershed in Bowling Green to measure flooding and the fluctuation of the water surface above and below ground under various weather conditions. Using primarily rainfall, water levels, and current groundwater storage conditions, his goal is to produce a predictive flood model for urban karst groundwater areas and develop a methodology for use in other flood-prone communities to create real-time warning of potential flood risk.

“We are incredibly proud of Trayson and his representation of WKU in the 3MT competition,” said Dr. Jason Polk, Professor of Environmental Geoscience and Lawler’s research mentor. “He came to WKU to follow his passion for karst groundwater and his research will have real and meaningful benefits to the City of Bowling Green regarding the complex flooding issues we face, while also serving as a model for other communities dealing with the threat of flooding.”

Dr. Ranjit Koodali, Associate Provost for Research and Graduate Education, attributes the success of the 3MT competition to careful planning and creativity by Samantha Hines, Research and Graduate Education Outreach Coordinator; Lizzie Doerr, Office Coordinator in the Graduate School; and Felicia McCroskey and Lynnsey Cole, undergraduate student workers in the Office of Research and Creative Activity. Additionally, the 3MT information session that featured Professors Lauren Bland and Gary Hughes helped students deliver a compelling presentation.

Lawler will represent WKU at the Midwestern Association of Graduate Schools (MAGS) 3MT competition on March 31 in Chicago as part of the annual meeting. Dr. Koodali serves on the Executive Committee of MAGS as the Past-Chair and is excited to see a WKU graduate student share their research at this regional meeting.

Contact: Graduate School, (270) 745-2446