Where Are They Now?
Former WRRC Student Now Serving in Ethiopia
Noah Rios, former WRRC Graduate Research Assistant and Peace Corps Coverdell Fellow, is continuing his commitment to public service on the global stage.
During his time at the WRRC, Rios worked on the project “Multidisciplinary Approach to Implementing Green Stormwater Infrastructure in the Town of Superior, Arizona.” The project focused on building water resilience in an underserved community by exploring ways to reduce dust, radiant heat, and localized flooding while creating community gathering spaces and improving habitat for wildlife.
In recognition of his dedication, Rios received the Margaret Vaughn Outstanding Community Service Award from the University of Arizona Peace Corps Coverdell Fellows Program twice, once in 2025 and again in 2026. The award, which includes a $1,000 scholarship, honors Fellows who demonstrate exceptional commitment to community service. Program leaders noted that Rios received multiple nominations and was widely respected by his peers and colleagues for his leadership and service.
Rios recently accepted a position as Technical Advisor with The Carter Center's Guinea Worm Disease Eradication Program in Gambella, Ethiopia. Reflecting on his time at the U of A, he credited the Coverdell Fellows Program with shaping his graduate experience through its support, mentorship, and sense of community. He described his new role in field-based public health as a natural extension of what he learned through the Coverdell program and his work at the WRRC.
Congratulations, Noah, on this exciting new chapter!