River Management Society Announces 2024 River Studies and Leadership Certificate Recipients

Graduates launch river careers in fisheries, climate resiliency and wilderness therapy

TAKOMA PARK, MD, May 29, 2024 -- The River Management Society (RMS) has announced 2024 recipients of the River Studies and Leadership Certificate, a program offered in partnership with fourteen US colleges and universities. Nine students have completed a unique profile of interdisciplinary coursework and a field-based practicum in river-related science, policy, conservation, education, and recreation that offers the foundation of knowledge and experience required to pursue river-related careers.

“We’re inspired by these graduates, whose dedication and passion carve a path towards sustainable stewardship and innovative leadership in river management,” says Risa Shimoda, RMS Executive Director. “As veteran river professionals working in the private and public sector transition into retirement and rivers continue to grapple with escalating usage and climate change, these emerging professionals bring fresh perspectives and skills that are critical for the future health of our river systems.”

Recipients include:

Many have already begun river-related careers in positions such as fisheries technician, water quality lab technician, climate resiliency technician, and mental health resiliency ranger.

"The knowledge and experience I have gained about conservation work, climate change, environmental politics and policy, river culture, and outdoor therapies truly cannot be matched," says Amber Martin, who has recently begun her career as the first Mental Health Resiliency Ranger at Colorado National Monument. "I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this incredible training program and know that I will use this knowledge throughout my career and personal river pursuits for the rest of my life."

Students interested in enrolling in this program should reach out to the advisor at their school, or contact RMS at bekah(at)river-management.org if no program has been established. A map of participating institutions and advisors is available on the RSLC web page.

The River Management Society established the River Studies and Leadership Certificate in 2015 to underscore the multi-disciplinary nature of wise, holistic river management for students interested in river-related careers. For more information, contact Bekah Price at bekah(at)river-management.org.

Published May 29, 2025

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