Sushant Mehan talking to a student and showing her soil samples

Empowering Water Stewardship and Next-Gen Water Scientists through Community Participation

Story by Sushant Mehan, Ph.D.

Dr. Sushant Mehan, an Assistant Professor and Extension Water Resource Engineer Specialist at South Dakota State University (SDSU), has rapidly become a key figure in advancing water resource management and natural resource engineering. Through his work, Dr. Mehan has fostered collaborative relationships with stakeholders across South Dakota and beyond, focusing on practical solutions that address immediate water management challenges in the face of weather extremes.

Pioneering Educational Outreach: Inspiring Future Generations in Water and Resource Management

Sushant Mehan talking to a student about soil samples
Dr. Sushant Mehan demonstrating soil health’s impact on water quality at a community outreach event.

Dr. Mehan has developed a range of educational initiatives that engage students from K-12 to college, particularly in Agricultural and Biosystems Engineering. His programs introduce students to natural resources engineering through hands-on demonstrations, including tile drainage systems that simulate real-world water management techniques. These events not only engage young minds but also build awareness of sustainable practices in agriculture and resource conservation.

In addition to his youth outreach, Dr. Mehan has become a prominent figure at state conferences and workshops. At the 3rd South Dakota Student Water Conference, he led a workshop on “Advanced Data Analytics for Natural Resources Management using R,” attracting 20 participants from 10 states. His leadership continued with the 4th Annual South Dakota Student Water Conference in 2024, which welcomed 49 presenters and over 65 attendees, creating a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange among students, researchers, and professionals.

Research and Collaboration: Bridging Gaps in Water Resources Management

Sushant Mehan doing a demonstration for a father and son
Dr. Sushant Mehan engaging with future engineers, demonstrating the Tile Drainage System model at a community event, and educating the next generation on sustainable water management practice.

Dr. Mehan’s research is deeply collaborative, connecting him with the Water Resource Institute, local producers, and environmental stakeholders. As Principal Investigator for the project, Bridging Community Insights and Solutions in Water Resources Management, he is spearheading efforts to enhance water resource management throughout South Dakota. His project emphasizes community engagement, aiming to ensure water policies and practices resonate with local needs.

His collaborative spirit extends beyond South Dakota’s borders. Dr. Mehan represents SDSU and South Dakota at the Annual Drainage Research Forum, where he joins experts from institutions such as Iowa State University and the University of Minnesota to tackle pressing drainage issues. Looking forward, SDSU will host the 2025 Drainage Forum, further positioning the university as a leader in regional water research.

Publications and Extension: Driving Awareness and Knowledge in Water Quality and Cybersecurity

Promotional document promoting a South Dakota Water survey
Dr. Mehan and collaborators at SDSU are helping shape South Dakota’s water future! The survey is designed for SD Citizens to share how they value and use rivers, lakes, and streams and support sustainable water management for our communities.

Dr. Mehan’s dedication to public outreach is reflected in his numerous extension publications. His co-authored guides on flood preparedness fact sheets, and soil health analyses address critical topics for farmers, water resource managers, and the public. These accessible resources are published through SDSU Extension, underscoring his commitment to sharing knowledge on environmental sustainability and risk management.

Community Engagement and Training: Empowering Local Stakeholders

Sushant Mehan with students and facility and the SDSU mascot - the jackrabbit
Dr. Sushant Mehan and the SDSU Agricultural & Biosystems Engineering team at an outreach event, showcasing their commitment to advancing water resource management and engaging with the community alongside SDSU’s mascot.

In June 2024, Dr. Mehan led a water quality training at the Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) event in Huron, South Dakota. His presentation provided local stakeholders with insights into effective water quality management strategies. Dr. Mehan’s impact extends to public events such as the Big Sioux Water Festival, Senior Day, and SDSU Day at Washington Pavilion. Through these events, he engages with local residents, bringing water quality awareness to the forefront of public consciousness in South Dakota.

A Vision for the Future

Dr. Sushant Mehan’s work at SDSU is a testament to the power of combining academic research with community-focused outreach. His multifaceted approach to water resources management, reflects a forward-thinking vision that is crucial for tackling today’s environmental and technological challenges. Whether empowering young students, supporting local farmers, or safeguarding agricultural practices from cyber threats, Dr. Mehan’s commitment to sustainable and secure resource management makes him a cornerstone of SDSU’s extension and research programs.

Through his continued efforts, Dr. Mehan is not only shaping the future of water resource management but also building resilient communities equipped to face the evolving challenges of modern agriculture.

Sushant Mehan, South Dakota State University

Headshot of Sushant Mehan

Dr. Sushant Mehan is an Assistant Professor and Extension Water Resource Engineer Specialist at South Dakota State University. With a focus on sustainable water resource management, natural resource engineering, and agricultural cybersecurity, Dr. Mehan combines research, education, and outreach to address critical environmental and technological challenges in agriculture. His initiatives include K-12 outreach programs, leading water conferences, and advancing cybersecurity in precision agriculture. Dr. Mehan’s work engages diverse stakeholders, from local farmers to national collaborators, creating impactful solutions for South Dakota’s water and agricultural landscape.

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