Every year, the University of Guelph holds a massive campus-wide open house known as College Royal, the largest university event of its kind in North America. It has been a Morwick G360 tradition for our graduate students to take part in this celebration, teaching the general public and potential future students about how groundwater research is carried out and why studying this vital resource is so important.
Quite a few families stop by, and many people were curious to hear about Morwick G360’s research. Popular questions from visitors concerned the nature of Guelph groundwater supply, possible threats and safety measures taken to avoid contamination and over pumping, and questions about water hardness.
The rock core and flow tank displays offered a bit of hands-on hydrogeological learning. Some younger visitors wondered what sort of undergraduate program would lead to a career in the field, while older visitors who were already well versed in geology were keen to talk shop and engage on topics of local importance with regard to groundwater protection.
A big thank you to the team of graduate students who came out to make College Royal such a success this year. As the first ‘in-person’ event for many of us after several years of virtual gatherings, it was great to see such enthusiasm. Groundwater is a key resource that’s worth understanding, for scientists and the public alike. We’re excited to continue to share our research through similar outreach activities going forward, and we can be reached anytime at communications@g360group.org.