Driving innovation in water education: Andrea Brookfield to lead the Collaborative Water Program 2026-2027
The Water Institute is pleased to announce that Dr. Andrea Brookfield has been appointed director of the University of Waterloo’s Collaborative Water Program for a two-year term, effective January 1, 2026. An associate professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a Water Institute member, Dr. Brookfield brings deep expertise in hydrology and water resource management. Her work focuses on developing and applying hydrological models that help us better understand how water and contaminants move through surface and groundwater systems and how decisions about energy, agriculture, and urban development shape the health of our watersheds. Her research aims to balance competing demands to support economic, social, and environmental stability.
Photo: Incoming director of the Collaborative Water Program Dr. Andrea Brookfield, associate professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Water Institute member.
“I am excited and honoured to serve as the Collaborative Water Program’s next director. This program has a remarkable legacy, guided by all the past directors who have made it the success it is today. We plan to build upon this strong foundation to continue positioning the program as a global leader in interdisciplinary water training. With contributions from faculty, staff, and partners across UW’s campus and beyond, we will ensure our graduates are adequately equipped to tackle the complex water challenges facing communities worldwide. If you want to be a part of the program, as a student, partner, or contributor, please reach out – we’d be delighted to hear from you!” — Andrea Brookfield, Collaborative Water Program Director.
Starting in January, the Collaborative Water Program’s WATER 601 course will give students an introduction to integrated water management. Through real-world water case studies and interactive discussions from multiple perspectives, led by 11 guest expert lecturers, students will explore how water moves through the environment and how decisions made in one part of a watershed can ripple across ecosystems, communities and economies. The course sets the foundation for the entire program by helping students see the bigger picture, connect disciplines and understand complex water issues, offering an inspiring start to their journey as future water leaders.
“We are grateful to Andrea to take over as new CWP Director for the coming 2 years and thankful to the outgoing CWP Director Dustin Garrick for his remarkable contributions to further develop this collaborative, interdisciplinary flagship course on UW campus”, said Roy Brouwer, Executive Director of the Water Institute and new incoming instructor for Water-601.
Established in 2013, the Collaborative Water Program at the University of Waterloo is known for its interdisciplinary approach and focus on hands-on learning. The aim is to train the next generation of water leaders and equip them with the job-ready skills needed to understand and address global water challenges. Each year, students from across all 6 faculties and 12 academic units deepen their learning through immersive experiences such as WATER 602, a field course that takes students along the Grand River from the headwaters at Luther Marsh to Six Nations of the Grand River. Guided by Waterloo faculty and community partners, students explore how water connects ecosystems, communities and economies, and see firsthand the difficult trade-offs involved in managing wetlands, dams, drinking water systems and urban growth. Since inception, more than 450 future water leaders have participated in the Collaborative Water Program, which celebrated its 10th anniversary 2 years ago by bringing alumni, students, faculty members and partners together to reflect on its successes and explore future priorities.
More information about the Collaborative Water Program is on the program website, or available by contacting the Water Institute.
Banner photo: 2025 Water 602 students tour the Mannheim Water Treatment facility in Waterloo, ON.