Rob McDowell
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
Environmental Policy Program Director
Governmental Services and Research
706.542.6271
mcdowellcviog.uga.edu

Rob McDowell is the director of the Vinson Institute’s Environmental Policy Program. Before coming to the Institute, he was assistant branch chief in the Georgia Environmental Protection Division Watershed Protection Branch, working principally on implementation of the Georgia State-wide Water Management Plan.

McDowell also developed the Flint River Basin Water Development and Conservation Plan, the first of its kind in Georgia, which focused on agricultural water use and its impact on streamflows in southwest Georgia. He is a registered Professional Geologist and a member of the Geology and Public Policy Committee of the Geological Society of America.

McDowell has a Ph.D. in geology from the University of Kentucky, an M.S. in geology from West Virginia University, and a B.S. in geosciences from Penn State University. He taught geology at Georgia State University and developed continuing education courses in geology for the Evening at Emory Continuing Education Program. His primary interests are geology and society and the role of science in the development of public policy.