The Georgia Water Planning and Policy Center at Albany State University has expanded its research and outreach capacity by recruiting Gail Cowie as the Senior Research Professional.

A well-recognized expert on Georgia’s water resources, Cowie recently served as assistant branch chief at the Georgia Environmental Protection Division, coordinating water management in the western half of Georgia. She was instrumental in the development of Georgia’s State Water Plan and regional water planning program. Prior to that position, Cowie served as a University of Georgia public service faculty for 17 years, providing applied research and technical assistance in environmental policy development and implementation.

“Dr. Cowie brings a wealth of knowledge about Georgia’s waters and the benefits they provide to a variety of users,” said Policy Center Director Mark Masters. “In recent years, she has had a particular focus on the resources critical to Southwest Georgia and is committed to advancing our understanding of those resources and approaches to management that ensure long-term availability.”

“I first got up close with the distinctive resources of Southwest Georgia in the 1990s when I worked with the Southwest Georgia Water Leadership Summits,” Cowie said. “I’ve been fascinated by the area’s resource management questions since then and have greatly appreciated the caliber of the people I’ve met working on this topic. I look forward to continuing that experience at Albany State.”

Cowie works with Albany State University faculty, staff, and students in further developing the partnership with the Flint Riverquarium and undertakes additional water planning, research and outreach activities. She began her new position May 16.