08/03/2026
Great working by Dr. Laura Condon and Sara Kobilka's Water Whys VIP team! Check it out if you're at the airport.
If you or any students (undergraduate or graduate) you know might be interested in participating in this project, the link for the application form for the Fall 2026 semester is on their VIP page. https://uavip.arizona.edu/water-whys
It's EXTREMELY fulfilling to see our work out in the world, helping to keep people safe during Arizona's extreme summer heat!
Nilay Patel, one of the Water Whys UA team members, recently shared a photo from the car rental area of the Tucson International Airport.
Our team designed this poster over the last two semesters in partnership with collaborators at the US National Weather Service Tucson Arizona office and Tucson International Airport - TUS.
This ongoing project is such a great example of how students at the The University of Arizona can gain real-world experience and make an impact in their community, potentially saving lives of visitors.
We've got two more animations in the works this semester for baggage claim and a sign already in use for the monitor above the escalator down to luggage claim, so keep an eye out for our logo throughout the airport in the coming year!
Congratulations to the team that made this poster possible!
Student Developers: Alexa Barnum, Vivian Barbian (Spring 2026);
Marlana Hinkley, Rosario Chambers (Fall 2025)
Advisors:
Project Manager: Sara Kobilka
Science Advisors: Laura Condon and Chelsea Peters (NWS)
Communications Advisor: Eric Hermenitt (TIA)
Graphic Designer: Ryan Hunt
Water Whys is part of the The University of Arizona, Department of Hydrology & Atmospheric Sciences
Image Description: Airport stanchion with Water Whys poster attached. Poster text says "Never leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures rise quickly!"
Two images of a parked car with a car seat and dog kennel and 2 thermometers. In the top image, car windows are light blue. Inside the car is 75°F. Outside is 85°F. In between images, a watch face shows 10 minutes passed. In the bottom image, windows are red. Car is now 105°F. Outside is still 85°F. Bottom logos for Water Whys, Tucson International Airport, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and U.S. National Weather Service (NWS).
