Third generation Mountaineer Sarah Nelson makes waves in water research

Native West Virginian and civil engineering master's student, Sarah Nelson is on site during water and data collection. (WVU Photo supplied)

For West Virginia University Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources student Sarah Nelson, water is more than a field of study — it’s personal.

Story by Sloane Heagerty, Storyteller
Photos supplied by Sarah Nelson

Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

Growing up near Wheeling, West Virginia, Nelson spent much of her childhood exploring creeks and woods on her grandfather’s property. She took a course on extractive capitalism that shaped the way she viewed her surroundings and studies. Today, she is channeling that lifelong connection to the environment into research focused on water quality and acid mine drainage treatment systems across Appalachia.

Nelson, a civil engineering master’s student, who will be the first to complete the accelerated bachelor's to master's program, serves as a graduate research assistant with the West Virginia Water Research Institute, where she works on long-term water quality monitoring and watershed remediation projects centered around acid mine drainage, a bright orange and acidic legacy contaminant left behind by the coal mining industry. She hopes for a future where West Virginians can play in the water without worries.

“I mean, increasing recreational opportunities and access due to not having contaminated waterways is extremely important, not only for aquatic ecosystems, but for our mental health,” Nelson said. “I think a lot of West Virginians see an orange stream and think it's normal. That’s what we grew up seeing. It's not normal and we should do something to clean up that contamination,” Nelson said.

Nelson’s current work centers on evaluating acid mine drainage treatment systems in the Deckers Creek watershed. Her research includes site assessments, monitoring contaminant removal rates and studying the effectiveness of emerging treatment technologies.

“One of my main focuses right now is my thesis-related work,” Nelson said. “I’m looking at several acid mine drainage treatment systems in the Deckers Creek watershed, studying how they’re performing, and making recommendations for future treatment throughout the watershed.”

Nelson’s interest in environmental issues deepened during her time at WVU through research opportunities and coursework, including an honors course on extractive industries that explored the impact of industries on Appalachian communities.

“It opened my eyes,” Nelson said. “You don’t realize the true impact that it had on people and also the environment until you actually read about it.”

She said seeing environmental impacts close to home strengthened her desire to contribute to environmental justice efforts in West Virginia.

“I really want to alleviate some of that pressure off of people to be able to, in a way, contribute to environmental justice through treatment of acid mine drainage,” Nelson said.

Nelson first became involved in research through the Research Apprenticeship Program under Associate Professor Leslie Hopkinson, studying water quality trends in the Monongahela River and its tributaries through the Three Rivers Quest program. She later joined the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience program at WVWRI and eventually transitioned into a graduate research role.

Starting in 2009, the Three Rivers Quest program has monitored the Monongahela, Allegheny and Ohio river basins, creating a long-term dataset used to track seasonal trends and identify industrial impacts on water quality.

Nelson credits faculty and staff mentors including Hopkinson, water research project manager Rachel Spirnak and Associate Professor Emily Garner for shaping her academic and professional growth.

“She has been my number one mentor throughout the entirety of my college career,” Nelson said of Hopkinson. “She’s extended so many opportunities to me.”

Nelson said the supportive culture within Statler College encouraged her to seek help, ask questions and pursue opportunities outside the classroom.

“I feel so supported here,” she said. “I’ve never felt like I couldn’t go to a professor and ask questions. It’s just a very welcoming environment.”

Beyond research, Nelson has been heavily involved with the WVU chapter of the American Water Works Association, where she served as social media chair before becoming secretary. The organization connects students with water professionals and hosts HydroLink, an annual networking and career development event.

Nelson has also presented research at conferences across the country, including events in Spokane, Washington; St. Louis; Pittsburgh; and Gulf Shores, Alabama, where she attended the National Association of Abandoned Mine Land Programs conference after receiving a scholarship.

At Statler College, Nelson said one of her most impactful classroom experiences was her civil engineering capstone project, where she served as hydraulics, environmental and drainage team lead on a bridge replacement design study developed alongside industry professionals and the West Virginia Division of Highways.

The project culminated in a presentation delivered to the West Virginia Secretary of Transportation and WVDOT employees.

“It was probably the best presentation I ever gave,” Nelson said.

Nelson is also among the first students participating in the civil engineering accelerated bachelor’s and master’s program at WVU, which allows students to transition directly into graduate study.

Looking ahead, Nelson hopes to continue working in Appalachia on water remediation and treatment projects while exploring different areas of water-related engineering.

For students entering engineering programs, Nelson encourages keeping an open mind and taking advantage of opportunities both inside and outside the classroom.

“Your career interests may change during college, and that’s completely fine,” she said. “Once you find something that interests you, I encourage getting involved in research, co-ops and internships related to that field,” Nelson said.

To learn more about internship and research opportunities available to Statler students, visit the civil and environmental engineering research website.

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