At Woodard & Curran, we believe that investing in the next generation of water leaders is essential to building resilient, sustainable communities. Each year, we proudly partner with the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and The Water Equation to recognize a rising water professional whose academic work, leadership, and vision reflect the future of the water industry. We are pleased to announce that Ayomide Zul Kazeem is the recipient of the 2026 Woodard & Curran Scholarship.
Zul is a doctoral candidate in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Case Western Reserve University, where her work focuses on advancing water quality, infrastructure resilience, and public health through innovative, data-driven solutions. Her academic achievements, combined with a strong commitment to applying research in practical ways, demonstrate the kind of leadership and forward thinking that drive progress in the water sector.
An Innovative Leader in Water Infrastructure
Zul’s research centers on bridging academic innovation with real-world application. She is currently developing an AI-driven approach to identifying water service line materials without invasive excavation, helping utilities respond more effectively to federal regulatory requirements while improving public health outcomes. Zul is also exploring how digital tools can support proactive system management. By applying advanced analytics to buried infrastructure — often the most difficult assets to assess — her research supports real-time insights, more efficient maintenance strategies, and improved system performance over time.
In addition, she is contributing to efforts that support watershed and sewer system monitoring, translating lessons from projects across the country into guidance that helps utilities and communities make informed, data-driven decisions. Her work reflects a clear focus on scalable solutions that strengthen infrastructure and enhance environmental protection.
Beyond her technical contributions, Zul has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership and collaboration. At Case Western Reserve University, she founded student chapters of both the American Water Works Association and the Water Environment Federation, creating opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals and engage in water-focused initiatives. She also serves in leadership roles within the Society of Women Engineers, where she supports programs that help develop future leaders and foster inclusive environments in engineering. Through these efforts, Zul has helped expand access to mentorship, resources, and professional development opportunities for students pursuing careers in the water sector.
A commitment to purpose-driven impact
Zul’s work is grounded in a desire to create lasting impact. Drawing on her experiences and global perspective, she aims to strengthen the connection between research and implementation, ensuring that innovative solutions translate into measurable benefits for communities. Her projects, from AI-supported pipe identification to infrastructure optimization and watershed guidance, demonstrate a consistent focus on improving water systems while supporting public health and environmental outcomes.
The Woodard & Curran Scholarship recognizes students who bring both technical excellence and a strong sense of purpose to their work in water. Zul embodies these qualities through her research, leadership, and commitment to advancing solutions that address today’s challenges while preparing for those ahead.
We are honored to support Zul as she continues her academic and professional journey, and we look forward to the contributions she will make to the water community in the years to come.
