We’re thrilled to announce that Holly Young has been selected as the 2025–2026 recipient of the William R. Walker Graduate Research Fellow Award, presented by the Virginia Water Resources Research Center!
Holly holds a BA in Geological Sciences from the University of Kentucky and a MS in Geography from Virginia Tech. Her master’s thesis applied spatial epidemiological techniques to investigate potential links between adverse birth outcomes (e.g. low birth weight) and exposure to regulated and unregulated drinking water contaminants. After graduating from Virginia Tech, Holly worked at the USEPA where she managed implementation of National Primary Drinking Water Regulations, collaborated with water utilities to help them become more disaster resilient, and staffed the water/wastewater desk at FEMA’s National Response Coordination Center during emergency declarations. Holly is returning to Virginia Tech to pursue her PhD in Biological Systems Engineering.
This fellowship honors the legacy of William R. Walker, the founding director of the Center, and has been awarded annually since 1999. It recognizes graduate students who are making meaningful contributions to water resources research—especially those who are either shifting fields from their undergraduate studies or returning to academia after time in the professional world.
Please join us in congratulating Holly on this well-deserved recognition!
