Officials from the University of Mississippi and the U.S. Geological Survey Lower Mississippi-Gulf Water Science Center gather Aug. 9 to sign a memorandum of understanding establishing a collaborative partnership to research water security in the Southeast. Present at the signing ceremony are (seated, from left): Jeannie Barlow, deputy director of the center, and Josh Gladden, UM vice chancellor for research and sponsored programs; and (standing, from left) Andy O’Reilly, UM assistant professor of geology and geological engineering; Dave Puleo, UM dean of engineering; and Gregg Davidson, UM professor and chair of geology and geological engineering. Photo by Shea Stewart/University of Mississippi