AWWA 2026 American Water Scholarship Presented to University of South Carolina Doctoral Student Emily Bores

American Water (NYSE: AWK) awarded the AWWA 2026 American Water Scholarship to University of South Carolina Ph.D. student Emily Bores on April 9, 2026.

Rhea-AI Summary

American Water (NYSE: AWK) awarded the AWWA 2026 American Water Scholarship to University of South Carolina Ph.D. student Emily Bores on April 9, 2026. The annual scholarship provides $5,000 to support graduate-level water research and development of future industry professionals.

Bores was recognized for research on cyanobacteria identification and quantitative PCR monitoring of toxin-producing genes to improve harmful algal bloom detection and response in South Carolina.

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News Market Reaction – AWK

On Apr 9, the day this news came out, AWK closed 2.12% above the previous close.

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Key Figures

Scholarship amount: $5,000 Scholarship year: 2026

Scholarship amount

$5,000

Annual AWWA American Water graduate scholarship

Scholarship year

2026

AWWA 2026 American Water Scholarship

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Key Terms

cyanobacteria, quantitative PCR, toxin-producing genes, harmful algal bloom

4 terms

cyanobacteria medical

"Her work focuses on expanding cyanobacteria identification and advancing the use of..."

Cyanobacteria are microscopic, plant-like organisms that live in water and soil and produce oxygen through photosynthesis; think of them as tiny green factories. They matter to investors because they can be the basis for businesses in biofuels, food supplements, and wastewater treatment, while large uncontrolled growth (harmful algal blooms) can cause regulatory fines, cleanup costs, or public health risks that affect companies tied to water, agriculture, or recreational industries.

quantitative PCR medical

"...expanding cyanobacteria identification and advancing the use of quantitative PCR to monitor..."

Quantitative PCR (qPCR) is a laboratory method that amplifies and measures the amount of specific genetic material (DNA or RNA) in a sample, producing a numerical result rather than a simple yes/no. Investors care because qPCR underpins diagnostic tests, vaccine and drug development, and quality control for biotech products—think of it like a molecular “copy-and-count” tool that shows how much of a target is present, which can affect regulatory approval, market demand, and company valuation.

toxin-producing genes medical

"...advancing the use of quantitative PCR to monitor toxin-producing genes."

Toxin-producing genes are stretches of DNA that carry the instructions a cell uses to make proteins or small molecules that can harm other cells, organisms, or ecosystems — think of them as recipes for biological poisons. Investors care because the presence, manipulation, or release of these genes affects product safety, regulatory approval, liability, and public trust, which can change a company’s costs, timelines, and market value.

harmful algal bloom medical

"By strengthening this scientific foundation behind harmful algal bloom monitoring programs..."

A harmful algal bloom is a sudden overgrowth of microscopic plants or algae in lakes, rivers, or coastal waters that can produce toxins or use up oxygen, much like a garden getting choked by weeds. It matters to investors because these events can disrupt fisheries, tourism, water supplies and shipping, trigger costly cleanups and regulations, and hurt the revenues or valuations of companies tied to affected industries and local economies.

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CAMDEN, N.J., April 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., today announced that Emily Bores, a Ph.D. student at the University of South Carolina, has been selected as the recipient of the American Water Works Association (AWWA) 2026 American Water Scholarship. The scholarship is an annual award of $5,000 presented to a graduate-level student to support the development of future professionals in the water industry.

"American Water is proud to recognize Emily as this year's scholarship recipient," said Dr. Lauren Weinrich, Director, Research & Development, American Water. "By encouraging scholars in water research focused on critical scientific challenges, we're helping advance the expertise needed to support the future of the water industry, our communities, and the environment. Emily's research represents the science-driven innovation needed to strengthen how we monitor and protect water quality. As environmental challenges grow more complex, advancing practical, real-world solutions like hers will be crucial for the industry. We are honored to help Emily advance her research studies."

Ms. Bores was selected based on her strong academic performance, commitment to environmental research, and dedication to advancing water quality monitoring. Her work focuses on expanding cyanobacteria identification and advancing the use of quantitative PCR to monitor toxin-producing genes. By strengthening this scientific foundation behind harmful algal bloom monitoring programs in South Carolina, her research aims to improve early detection and response efforts.

Scholarships like this reflect American Water's broader commitment to investing in the next generation of water professionals and advancing innovation across the industry. Supporting emerging talent is a key part of the company's long-term approach to strengthen water quality, operational excellence, and resilience. As water systems face evolving environmental and operational challenges, building a strong, technically rigorous pipeline of future industry leaders is essential to ensuring communities' systems are taken care of today and for generations to come.  

Learn more about AWWA scholarships here.

About American Water 
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. 

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. 

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SOURCE American Water

FAQ

AI-generated questions and answers. How Rhea-AI works. Not financial advice.

Who received the AWWA 2026 American Water Scholarship from AWK on April 9, 2026?

Emily Bores, a University of South Carolina Ph.D. student, received the award. According to the company, the scholarship is an annual $5,000 award supporting graduate water research and professional development in the water sector.

What research did AWK highlight for the AWWA 2026 scholarship winner Emily Bores?

Her research focuses on cyanobacteria ID and quantitative PCR for toxin genes. According to the company, this work aims to strengthen harmful algal bloom monitoring, early detection, and response efforts in South Carolina.

How much is the AWWA 2026 American Water Scholarship awarded by AWK and who funds it?

The scholarship is $5,000 awarded annually to a graduate student. According to the company, American Water sponsors the award to invest in future water professionals and industry-focused research.

What does the AWK scholarship mean for investors interested in American Water’s priorities?

It signals a focus on workforce development and R&D tied to water quality. According to the company, scholarships reflect investment in talent, operational resilience, and long-term community water system stewardship.

Where can I find more information about AWWA scholarships and AWK’s announcement on April 9, 2026?

Visit American Water’s investor or AWWA scholarship webpages for details. According to the company, those pages provide scholarship criteria, past recipients, and information on supporting water industry research and professionals.