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Twenty-two in '26: RMS Celebrates River Studies and Leadership Certificate Recipients

Largest cohort to date completes river-centric university program, launching careers in river science, conservation, and recreation

The River Management Society (RMS) has proudly awarded the River Studies and Leadership Certificate (RSLC) to the greatest number of recipients since the program’s inception in 2015. This year, 22 RSLC recipients celebrate the completion of interdisciplinary coursework and hands-on field experiences, deepening their understanding of river science, policy, recreation, and education.

“They represent the future of river management,” says Risa Shimoda, Executive Director of the River Management Society. “Seeing students enter the field with both the knowledge and practical experience needed to meet the complex challenges facing rivers is exciting for us today, and it will make a difference for the rivers that benefit from their experience, tomorrow.”

Western Colorado University students are the first cohort at their institution to complete the program, and RMS congratulates them and their advisor, Susan Washko, on this milestone achievement.

“RMS was an opportunity I didn't know I needed,” says Paetra Cooke, a WWU certificate recipient. “It opened up a world of experiences in the environmental science field I wouldn't have found on my own. Without RMS I am not sure I would have realized my immense love for working with and protecting our waterways.”

Now, recipients begin careers in fisheries, hydrology, GIS, environmental consulting, recreation management, invasive species prevention, and watershed conservation.

2026 RSLC Recipients:

Fort Lewis College
Hailey Chanler

Hailey Chanler
Lydia Joyce
      
Northeastern State University
Ava Money
        
Northern Arizona University
Jacey Beery
Kennedy Gilmore
Kennedy Gilmore
Kendrick Estes
Kendrick Estes
Jack Lootens
 Trey Kettering
Trey Kettering
Unviersity of Northern Colorado
Lorayne Aguinaldo
Lorayne Aguinaldo
Jayde Cummings
Jayde Cummings
Madelyn Hill
Madelyn Hill
Colbi Heineman
Colbi Heineman
 
  
West Virginia University
 Samuel Bayne
Samuel Bayne
 Cameron Layne
Cameron Layne
 
 
 
Western Colorado University
 Garret Christie
Garret Christie
 Elisa Elsberry
Elisa Elseberry
 Eva Anderson
Eva Anderson
 
  
 
Western Washington University
Caleb Barville
Caleb Barville
Paetra Cooke
Paetra Cooke
Sage Hagopian
Sage Hagopian
Lily Howard
Lily Howard
Cora Murphy
Cora Murphy

 

The River Management Society established the River Studies and Leadership Certificate in 2015 to prepare students for careers in river management through interdisciplinary study and professional experience. For more information, contact Bekah Price at bekah(at)river-management.org.

Published June 9, 2026

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