Student Spotlight
Dylen Swan
Dylen Swan is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Graduate Program of Hydrologic Sciences (GPHS) at the University of Nevada, Reno. With a Bachelor of Science in Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences, Dylen is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Hydrogeology, with a research focus on firn-ice processes within the cryosphere. Her academic path reflects a deep commitment to understanding the Earth's frozen water systems and their implications for global hydrology and climate.
Dylen became aware of the Nevada Water Resources Association (NWRA) through her graduate program and quickly saw value in becoming a student member. Her involvement with NWRA has already yielded success—she tied for third place in the 2025 Annual Conference Student Poster Competition, an achievement that underscores both the quality of her work and the welcoming platform NWRA provides for diverse research topics. Looking ahead, Dylen hopes to continue her engagement by attending the Annual Conferences, applying for scholarships, joining organizational committees, and competing in future research competitions.
She views NWRA as a key contributor to her academic and professional development, especially through its networking opportunities, conferences, and financial support. For current and future student members, Dylen recommends taking full advantage of what NWRA offers: participate in poster competitions, apply for available scholarships, and make an effort to attend the Annual Conferences. She emphasizes that even students whose work may not fall directly under traditional definitions of “water resources”—such as those focused on cryosphere studies—they should still feel encouraged to get involved.
In offering advice to the NWRA Board of Trustees, Dylen highlights the importance of inclusivity. She shares that initially, she felt uncertain about her place within NWRA because her research on ice cores and ice sheets diverged from the typical U.S.-based water resource topics. She urges the organization to continue promoting an inclusive message: that contributions from a wide array of hydrologic disciplines are valued and welcome. Doing so will not only broaden participation but will also enrich the collective understanding of water-related issues in a changing global environment.
