Christopher Oates

2024 – 2025 Global Change Research Fellow

Statement of purpose:

I seek to integrate social and environmental considerations into water resource management through my research. My work explores how climate change, urbanization, and other factors influence the management and conservation of water resources. This research is personal to me. Many rural communities in North Carolina, including my own, face ongoing environmental challenges that often go unaddressed. My connection to the region drives my commitment to supporting communities with limited resources. I am dedicated to bridging the gap between technical innovation and practical needs, ensuring that water management strategies are both effective and sustainable. My goal is to develop solutions that address past environmental challenges while improving future resource management. In the long run, I aspire to become a professor or federal research scientist, where I can continue working on initiatives that serve the public interest.

Description of research:

My research examines the intersection of water resource management and socio-environmental factors, focusing on how disparities in water quality monitoring disproportionately impact socially vulnerable areas. I aim to bridge gaps in environmental data availability and accessibility by advocating for enhanced water quality standards that incorporate social considerations. My work addresses the broader impacts of water quality on public health and well-being, emphasizing the need for improved monitoring practices to ensure all communities can adapt and thrive in a changing environmental landscape, particularly those in areas with limited water quality initiatives.

Contact Information:

Email: ccoates2@ncsu.edu

Faculty Advisor:

Dr. Natalie Nelson (Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering) and Dr. Khara Grieger (Applied Ecology)