Prof. Deborah L. Swackhamer
A longtime professor and administrator at the University of Minnesota, Deborah (Deb) Swackhamer was among the leading voices in the nation at the intersection of science, policy, and water resources. She conducted influential scientific work on the behavior of organic pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. In the broader water resources community, she is remembered for her advocacy of scientific integrity and for incorporating science-based knowledge into policy making. This work elevated her to numerous leadership roles at the state, national, and international levels. During her career, Deb mentored students and young faculty and ardently supported them, challenging them to conduct rigorous science, guiding them to successful careers and connecting them with colleagues in her network.
Following Deb’s untimely passing in 2021, the Minnesota Water Resources Conference committee approved a new award to be given in her name. In remembrance of her commitment to early career scientists and professionals, as well as her example of authentic leadership, the Deborah L. Swackhamer Early Career Award is meant to spotlight future leaders in the understanding, management, and care of our water resources.
2024 Deborah L. Swackhamer Award Recipient
Xue Feng
Xue Feng is a McKnight Land-Grant Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Environmental and Geo- Engineering (CEGE) at the University of Minnesota. Xue received her PhD degree from Duke University in 2015 and, following a two-year postdoc at UC Berkeley, joined the CEGE faculty in 2017. Xue’s research interest centers on the role of plants in controlling the water cycle. Her work is highlighted by the multiple space and time scales she considers and the mathematical and mechanistic sophistication with which she couples plant physiology to hydrological outcomes.
Two projects in Xue's research portfolio closely mirror the combination of fundamental science and strong societal impact that were a hallmark of Professor Swackhamer's work. In the first, Xue’s field-based research in the peatlands of Northern Minnesota is providing critical information on how climate change will affect the State’s and the country's future water cycle. In the second, Xue's research within the UMN-based NSF urban LTER, focuses on how to best control and manage the water cycle in urban environments to ensure the safety and well-being of our society.
Xue is also a leader in the scientific community. Of note, is her role in promoting women in the hydrological sciences, editing a special issue in the Journal of Hydrology entitled “Women in hydrology: celebrating the contributions of mentors, researchers, and leaders”.
Stephanie Hatzenbihler
Stephanie Hatzenbihler champions water resources by welcoming, educating, and empowering people to be environmental stewards. Stephanie began her career with a BS in Biology from Western New England University and jobs in environmental education. Following her Fellowship with Eagle Bluff Environmental Learning Center in Southeastern Minnesota, she transitioned to nonprofit management roles while earning a Master’s in Natural Science and Environmental Education from Hamline University.
In 2017, Stephanie joined the City of Rochester as an Environmental Education Specialist with the stormwater team. She exceeded minimum permit requirements, by focusing on inclusive public engagement for surface water management, behavior change research and programming for chloride and pet waste pollution reduction, and utilizing Co-Design for Community Resilience Hub visioning. Stephanie also facilitated effective collaborations between city departments, Olmsted County SWCD, MPCA, and other stakeholders. Stephanie's efforts to reduce barriers to participation and build trust included working with DEI specialists for inclusive community engagement, mentoring future water resource champions through MN GreenCorps and MN Water Stewards programs and engaging the community with programs like Adopt-a-Drain, Litter Bit Better, and residential rain garden grants.
In March 2023, Stephanie joined Stearns County SWCD as a Water Plan Coordinator. She leads the Mississippi River-Sartell One Watershed One Plan, supports Wellhead Protection Plans, and hosts initiatives like the We Are Water exhibit. Stephanie also coaches the Sauk River Watershed Collaborative in Community-Based Social Marketing and serves as co-chair of the Minnesota Source Water Protection Collaborative and the Blue Thumb Steering Committee.
Past Recipients of the Deborah L. Swackhamer Award
| Year | Recipient |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Dr. Bridget Ulrich |
| 2023 | Madeline Nyblade |
| 2024 | Xue Feng, Stephanie Hatzenbihler |
About the Award
Eligibility
This award is intended to recognize individuals early in their career working toward the betterment of Minnesota water resources. Eligibility is limited to individuals with 10 years or less of relevant experience. Current graduate students are eligible nominees. Current members of the Minnesota Water Resources Conference committee are not eligible.
Selection criteria
Inspired by Deb Swackhamer’s example and the values she imparted on those she mentored, this award will recognize authenticity, integrity, passion, and a mindset of service to others. Nominations should describe an individual’s exceptional contributions that are likely to shape Minnesota's water future. These contributions may include, but are not limited to:
- Collaborating in ways that motivate and build the skills of others
- Advancing justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in workplaces and communities
- Developing innovative approaches to address water resource problems
- Communicating science to elucidate public debate and policy choices