Kansas Water Institute Staff

Susan Metzger, director

a photo of Susan Metzger

Dr. Susan Metzger
Director, Strategic Interdisciplinary Program Development, Office of the Executive Vice President
Director, Kansas Water Institute (KWI) and Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE)
Director of Engagement, Institute for Digital Agriculture and Advanced Analytics (ID3A)

Susan Metzger leads strategic interdisciplinary initiatives at Kansas State University, where she collaborates with university leadership and external partners to advance integrated agricultural programs. With a background in biological sciences and leadership communication, she brings deep expertise in water policy, natural resource management, and stakeholder engagement. Prior to joining K-State, she held leadership roles at the Kansas Department of Agriculture and the Kansas Water Office, where she played a key role in shaping the state’s water future. Her work supports the university’s land-grant mission by fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration and applied research that addresses critical challenges in water security and sustainable agriculture.

Ann Schmitt, program coordinator

a portrait of Ann Schmitt

Ann Schmitt
Program/Project Coordinator, Strategic Interdisciplinary Programs and Engagement

Ann Schmitt supports the Strategic Interdisciplinary Programs team at Kansas State University by coordinating meetings, events, and travel logistics that connect faculty and stakeholders across disciplines and regions. With a background in education and museum programming, she brings decades of experience in managing complex projects and facilitating collaboration among diverse teams. Prior to her current role, Ann worked in academic programs at Brunel University London and K-State, and spent over 20 years in museum education as an educator, curator, and outreach coordinator. Her work ensures operational stability and supports K-State’s mission to advance interdisciplinary, problem-based research aligned with the university’s strategic imperatives.

Melissa Harvey, marketing and communications

a portrait of Melissa HarveyMelissa Harvey
Communications Specialist, Kansas Water Institute (KWI) and Kansas Center for Agricultural Resources and the Environment (KCARE)

Melissa Harvey leads strategic communications for KWI and KCARE, where she develops content and outreach strategies to elevate the visibility of research and extension programs focused on water and agricultural sustainability. She manages digital platforms, produces technical and promotional materials, and supports stakeholder engagement across environmental and agricultural networks. Before joining K-State in 2017, Melissa worked internationally as a technical writer and editorial consultant for agricultural research organizations in Nairobi, Kenya, and others. Her background also includes science communication roles at UC Davis and teaching in both the U.S. and the U.K. Her work at K-State strengthens the university’s mission by translating complex research into accessible messaging that supports interdisciplinary collaboration and public impact.

Partnering for success

Tackling the water resource challenges in Kansas and nationwide will require leveraging the expertise and knowledge at K-State with partnering Kansas Board of Regents, or KBOR, institutions as well as local, state and federal agencies and organizations.

Joining Kansas State University, we currently have partnerships with four additional KBOR institutions: Emporia State University, Fort Hays State University, the University of Kansas and Wichita State University. Additionally, we have six additional state/federal partners: Kansas Biological Survey, Kansas Department of Agriculture, Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Kansas Geological Survey, Kansas Water Office and the U.S. Geological Survey.

Supporting new partnership positions

Satya SinhaThe Kansas Water Institute welcomes a new partner to the team! As University Water Officer at Fort Hays State University, Satya Sinha will be supporting efforts to improve state water quality and water quantity, while working with the university and surrounding communities to support related projects.

With over 30 years of experience, Satya excels in applying technical knowledge to solve business challenges. During his long career as an engineering geologist, he developed and implemented EHS Management Systems for major Oil & Gas companies in North America and Australia. His work with stakeholder engagement helped him to manage diverse project portfolios, including Superfund sites, and to resolve environmental issues through decision analysis and regulatory negotiations.

A graduate of Fort Hays State University, Satya said that he looks forward to this new position, as it will allow him to make impacts on the future of water in Kansas.

“This work will be interesting and challenging in many ways,” he said. “Small victories will turn into big victories.”

 

Advisory council

The Kansas Water Institute's partnerships build upon a collaborative advisory council that includes representation from the following entities:

  • Rachel Bowes, Emporia State University
  • Jim Butler, Kansas Geological Survey
  • Grady Dixon, Fort Hays State University
  • Randy Hayzlett, Groundwater Management District #3
  • Lane Letourneau, Kansas Department of Agriculture (Division of Water Resources)
  • Nathan Nelson, Kansas State University
  • Connie Owen, Kansas Water Office
  • Kayla Savage, Kansas Department of Commerce
  • Marcia Schulmeister, University of Kansas
  • Aleksey Sheshukov, Kansas State University
  • Wesley Streeter, Pittsburg State University
  • Matt Unruh, Kansas Water Office
  • Nicholas Willis, Wichita State University