American Water recently announced that Kyle Shimabuku, a doctoral student at the University of Colorado at Boulder, has been chosen as the recipient of the American Water Works Association 2016 American Water Scholarship. The scholarship is an annual award of $5,000 presented to a graduate level student to assist with the development of professionals interested in service to the water industry.

"American Water is pleased to present this prestigious award to Kyle, who was selected among 50 outstanding applicants," says Dr. Mark LeChevallier, vice president and chief environmental officer and member of the award selection committee. "Not only is Kyle an exceptional scholar, he is an experienced leader with a lot to bring to the water industry and has a clear passion for research and engineering. We are proud to help advance his drinking water research studies."

Shimabuku's current research is focused on the application of biochar for removal of organic contaminants from stormwater and wastewater for water reuse purposes. Biochar is produced by pryolyzing biomass like beetle-killed pine or wastewater sludge. Thus, this research would not only improve water quality, but find a useful application for waste products.

Shimabuku received a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from San Diego State University and a master's degree in environmental engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he is also pursuing his doctorate in environmental engineering. Shimabuku is also in the EPA STAR graduate fellowship program, which supports masters and doctoral candidates in environmental studies.

Administered by AWWA, American Water's Scholarship is currently the only one offered by a water utility among the association's 16 active scholarships. Click here for more information about AWWA scholarships. 

About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs more than 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.