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Bonnie Johnson
August 28, 2026
Media ArticleMississippi State University Associate Professor John Ramirez-Avila has been honored with two national awards from the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS), a globally recognized professional organization. He received the Conservation Professional of the Year Award and the Conservation Research Award at the society’s annual international conference.
Ramirez-Avila is the graduate coordinator in MSU’s Richard A. Rula School of Civil and Environmental Engineering and directs the Watersheds and Water Quality Research Lab. His research focuses on soil erosion, hydrology, nutrient management, watershed management, and water quality improvement.
The awards recognize his significant contributions to soil and water conservation research and practice. Ramirez-Avila noted that the honors reflect the dedication of the faculty, students, and research collaborators who have contributed to these efforts.
A major focus of his work has been Mississippi watersheds, particularly Catalpa Creek. Since 2017, he has helped support the development and implementation of water management plans for the area while also contributing to nutrient reduction initiatives in the Mississippi Delta region.
In addition to research, Ramirez-Avila is actively involved in environmental outreach and education. The annual Catalpa Creek Stream Cleanup brings volunteers together to remove litter from local waterways and raise awareness about how everyday actions can impact water quality.
Catalpa Creek also serves as an outdoor laboratory for MSU students, providing hands-on opportunities to study hydrological processes, stream dynamics, and water quality. Ramirez-Avila incorporates these real-world experiences into his teaching approach.
“I really want them to learn, not to memorize,” he said. “When you learn, especially through hands-on experience, you develop a deeper understanding and practical skills that can be useful in future situations.”
Ramirez-Avila also credits collaboration with colleagues, students, government agencies, professional organizations, and international partners for advancing his research and outreach efforts. The recent honors further encourage him to continue making meaningful contributions through research, teaching, mentoring, and community engagement.
Photo Credit: Grace Cockrell
