A University of Iowa undergraduate student studying civil and environmental engineering has been named the 2025 Student of the Year by the American Water Works Association.
Kristin Stein, a senior from West Des Moines, was nominated by colleagues at the City of Cedar Rapids Water Plant. During her summer internship, she researched aquifer storage and recovery — a sustainable water management method the city plans to implement within five years.
“Clean water leads to healthy communities, so it is vital that we protect this shared resource,” Stein said. “I’m honored to receive this award and excited to continue working in the water industry.”
Stein also led a study aimed at improving chlorine residuals across the city's water distribution system, analyzing fire hydrant flushing strategies and collecting field data to support system-wide improvements.