The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) has recently added new members to the water team: Paul Schwab, Ph.D., senior research scientist, Taylor Olsovsky, research associate and Ennis Rios, research assistant.
Paul Schwab, Ph.D., senior research scientist
Schwab’s expertise is in the area of water quality with particular emphasis on salinity, agriculture chemicals (pesticides, nutrients) and contaminant metals.
Schwab provides experience in quantifying pollutants, tracing contaminants to their source and remediation. His previous work on U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency projects has given him depth of experience in many geographical settings.
Prior to joining TWRI, Schwab spent over 30 years as a professor of environmental soil chemistry at Kansas State University, Purdue University and, for the past nine years, Texas A&M University.
His educational background includes a Bachelor of Science degree in mineral engineering/chemistry from Colorado School of Mines and a doctorate in soil physical chemistry from Colorado State University.
In his spare time, he enjoys archery and tending to his ever-growing family of six children and (currently) five grandchildren.
Taylor Olsovsky, research associate
As a research associate for TWRI, Taylor Olsovsky currently assists with project planning and development, management and implementation of research and education projects.
She worked on a project to educate producers on water quality and conservation to decrease nonpoint source loadings as a TWRI graduate research assistant for two years before starting full-time in June 2021 in her current role.
Olsovsky obtained her master’s degree through Texas A&M University’s Department of Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communications in May 2021 and her bachelor’s degree in poultry science and agricultural leadership and development in May 2019.
Ennis Rios, research assistant
Ennis Rios is a research assistant for the Texas Water Research Institute. His work includes the application of geographic information systems (GIS) to develop watershed protection plans and best management practices for hydrologic resource stakeholders.
Before working at TWRI, Rios served as an information systems technician specializing in computer, radio and satellite communications in the U.S. Navy for 15 years. In 2017, he began attending Texas A&M University as a geographic information science and technology major, joining the Texas A&M Corps of Cadets' Delta Company, comprised of military veterans. He also served as the 2018-2019 deputy corps commander and has been a member of the prestigious Ross Volunteer Company.
Rios is pursuing a master’s degree through Texas A&M’s Department of Water Management Hydrological Science. His research interests include the confluence of human activity with local freshwater resources. He hopes to work for an organization that develops and implements sustainable water management solutions in high-need communities.