Student Spotlight
Janine Imperial
Janine Imperial is a Graduate Research Assistant at the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR), where her academic focus is centered on environmental and water-related research. Janine’s educational background has provided her with strong analytical, laboratory, and field-based research skills, particularly related to water resources, environmental processes, and data analysis. Janine’s long-term career goal is to contribute to sustainable water management, hydrology, and environmental research through applied science and professional collaboration.
Janine learned about NWRA through academic and professional connections within her field of study. As she explored opportunities related to water resources and environmental research, NWRA stood out as an organization that strongly supports student development and professional networking. Janine joined as a student member to build industry connections and gain exposure to real-world water resources work. Welcome aboard, Janine! We look forward to getting to know you and hope to see you at an NWRA event soon!
Janine intends to become involved with NWRA by attending conferences, participating in student engagement programs, and networking with professionals in water resources and environmental science. She is also interested in contributing through volunteer opportunities, research collaboration, and outreach initiatives that allow students to apply their academic training in professional settings.
In Spring 2025, Janine was received NWRA’s S.A.S.S. Award! The award has been incredibly meaningful to her, as it not only provided financial support but also reinforced her motivation to stay actively involved in NWRA and continue pursuing her academic and professional goals. Congratulations, again, Janine! We are moved to hear the award’s impact. You earned it!
Janine shares that NWRA provides valuable support through professional networking, mentorship, conferences, and student-focused programs that directly align with her career goals in water resources and environmental science. These opportunities allow her to connect with professionals working in the field, gain insight into industry practices, and better prepare for transitioning from graduate research into a full-time professional role.
To maximize opportunities that NWRA offers, Janine suggests students stay actively involved, attend conferences and workshops, apply for scholarships and awards, and take advantage of mentorship and networking opportunities. She states that engaging with professionals early helps students better understand career pathways and gain valuable insight beyond the classroom.
Additionally, Janine encourages students to be proactive, ask questions, and take full advantage of networking and professional development opportunities. Building relationships with professionals, participating in events, and staying informed about NWRA programs can significantly strengthen both academic and career growth.
A final piece of advice for the NWRA Board of Directors to assist current and future students during their involvement with NWRA is to expand structured mentorship programs, increase student research presentation opportunities, and continue growing scholarship support. She says it would be extremely beneficial for students. Also providing more hands-on workshops and clearer pathways to student leadership involvement would further strengthen the impact of NWRA on student success.
Thank you for this advice and perspective, Janine! We look forward to connecting with you over the next year and beyond. All the luck to you with your remaining courses and launching the next phase of your career.
