Academia-Industry Collaboration: Water Chemistry and Environmental Education

Collaboration between academia and industry has been demonstrated to be vital for students’ career skill development and employability. These partnerships can bridge the gap between theoretical and practical applications by promoting internships, networking events, and collaborative research projects. Employers in any laboratory environment, including water and wastewater utility laboratories, value experience in both soft skills, such as communication and teamwork, as well as technical skills with basic and advanced analytical chemistry instrumentation. Collaborative partnerships can lead to unique research opportunities, help guide academic curricula and standards to better match industry needs, and expose students to real-world experiences. Academic institutions also benefit from access to industry resources that would otherwise limit teaching and research opportunities. Ultimately, these types of collaborations can contribute to preparing students for various job markets while generating academic growth and industrial interest. This article will discuss how the City of Wichita Falls Cypress Environmental Laboratory has worked to bridge this gap by collaborating with three universities to help prepare students for entering the workforce.