Environmental social sciences doctoral student works to reform water governance
Krista Lawless' dissertation is an expansive interdisciplinary study of Colorado River basin laws, policies and institutions that contribute to social science understanding of water governance.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
This fall, Arizona-born Krista Lawless added three coveted letters to her name — PhD. After successfully defending her dissertation, “Analyzing Water Supply Management and Governance Institutions Across Scales,” she will be awarded a doctoral degree in environmental social sciences from the School of Human Evolution and Social Change during this fall’s convocation ceremony.
Her dissertation is an expansive interdisciplinary study of Colorado River basin laws, policies and institutions that contribute to social science understanding of water governance. Through her research, Lawless also worked to inform contemporary policy processes and public awareness of groundwater management.
“To celebrate and showcase the community’s awareness of groundwater as a precious resource in a unique way, I worked with my friend and ASU alumni, Nicole Poppell, to create a mural on the western wall of the Douglas Public Library,” Lawless said. “We are honored to have painted the mural with the help of community volunteers in a space that’s easily accessible.”
Lawless’ mural project was awarded an Impact Water-Arizona Grant through the Arizona Water Innovation Initiation.
During her tenure as a doctoral student, Lawless was also awarded a Graduate Fellowship and an Interdisciplinary Enrichment Fellowship through ASU’s Graduate College. Additionally, she received a Travel/Meeting Support Grant and a Summer Writing Fellowship through the School of Human Evolution and Social Change.
According to Lawless, her academic achievements have been a longtime coming — in fact, she has had it in mind for most of her life.
“In the third grade, the local water municipality came to visit my classroom to talk about water resources in Arizona. I have been fascinated and hooked ever since. I still have the blue ruler they gave out that day,” said Lawless, with a smile.
ASU News talked with Lawless about her experiences as an environmental social sciences doctoral student.
Question: Why did you choose ASU?
Answer: I chose ASU because the university is truly an interdisciplinary institution that supports everyone’s ideas, interests and success. That’s why I continued with my studies here after completing my Bachelor of Science in sustainability with a minor in economics and a minor in 3D design and metals from the School of Sustainability.
Q: What was your favorite part about ASU’s learning environment?
A: I found that the ASU community is committed to focusing on who is included as opposed to who is excluded. The incredible amount of support and encouragement I have experienced at ASU is unmatched based on my experience both inside and outside of academia. I would not be where I am today without the uplifting and positive culture at ASU.
Q: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
A: I learned that sometimes good enough is, well, good enough. Not everything has to be perfect. Your sleep and well-being are incredibly important. You cannot put in your best effort when you are burned out.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Associate Professor Margaret Garcia taught me that good work is the result of several iterations. The first step is to get words on paper. After that, each time you review is an opportunity to improve. She also taught me that you do not need to be intimidated or daunted by big projects and tasks. To be successful she taught me to first make a plan with realistic and achievable smaller tasks and parts of the project. Second, you do the work step-by-step, so that you have the ability to build upon your work and not feel panicked. Before you know it, you are in the final stages of your project and you got there by staying organized and not giving into chaos — which happens to be my specialty sometimes.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Don’t give up. Take breaks — take lots of breaks. It is okay to pause and rest, the work will still be there after you take time for your well-being. Also, it is normal to feel like you are losing your mind. Higher education is challenging and like drinking from a fire hose a lot of the time, but you can do it. Reach out to your network and campus services. Everyone is rooting for you to succeed.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: Charlie’s Cafe is the best. You can never go wrong with a snack or tea.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: While money cannot solve the types of water challenges we face today, it can provide support for education and collaborative efforts to bring diverse peoples and ideas together. We, humans and non-humans, all share the fundamental need for water. To navigate equitable and just approaches to each unique water challenge, opportunities to bring all types of thinkers and peoples from as many communities as possible to the table are needed to help shape a sustainable and secure water future.
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