This January, we welcomed Stephanie Corso (Chief of Staff) and Brad Lusk (Senior Technology Consultant) to the Isle North America Team.
We asked them to tell us more about their journeys into the water sector, their thoughts on where water innovation and technology are headed, and what they like to do when they’re not working in water.
What inspires you to work in water and more specifically on water innovation and technology?
Brad Lusk (BL): I grew up up in the American southwest, where water is scarce. As a consequence of this scarcity, communities in the area are constantly considering the relationship between physical space, tradition, and access to water. By creating and supporting new and innovative approaches to provide access to water, communities have a larger tool set from which to access solutions. My goal is to provide communities with the tools they need to build and create their roadmaps to self-reliance.
Stephanie Corso (SC): People. I think the innovation and technology out there is cool but I’m more inspired by helping people communicate and collaborate better so that forward progress continues or amplifies. You can have the best idea in the world, but if you can’t get buy-in or support, things will stagnate.
What are one or two key challenges that you think the water sector faces in terms of technology adoption and innovation planning and how can the sector begin to address those challenges in 2024 and in the future?
BL: Innovation in the water sector is often stifled by a reluctance to invest time and resources into new technologies. The water sector can innovate by partnering with more investors and organizations that are willing to fund and support higher risk “blue-sky” innovations.
Mining and climate change are inextricably linked to the water sector. As the globe transitions from a carbon-based economy to an economy based on other fuels and energy storage techniques, a high demand is being placed on the critical minerals needed to build the energy infrastructure of the future. This demand is leading to rapid development in the mining sector, requiring the use of large quantities of water, often on lands inhabited by communities that have little representation. The increased demand for critical minerals must only be met while considering the voices of the people who inhabit the land and by being stewards of the environment.
SC: Sometimes I think the perception of innovation gets in the way. It’s not always about putting a person on the moon. Most days it’s simply recognizing that the world we live in today is different than it was last year, 3 years ago, 10 years ago and that we can’t expect to handle things exactly the same way we did before. Change is not easy for anyone, but getting comfortable with being uncomfortable supports technology adoption and innovation planning at the source.
What excites you about water innovation and technology?
BL: Water innovation and technology is essential for life. Thus, people will always create ways to ensure access to water. I am excited to discover innovative approaches to water since innovative approaches to water are essentially innovative approaches to life.
SC: The potential to not only build resilience for established utilities but also the opportunity to provide clean water and sanitation to the 2.2 million people in America that lack access.
What are you most looking forward to in your role at Isle?
BL: I anticipate expanding the scope of Isle to incorporate more mining companies and innovators. I am also enthusiastic to introduce the companies with which Isle works to investors in order to launch their platforms into fully realized and commercialized products that produce tangible positive impacts on water quality and quantity.
SC: Continuing to be a wing woman for utilities. I love that I get to support utility staff and connect them to the network and resources that help them succeed; however, I really love that Isle takes things off their plate. I’m also excited to work within the inimitable Isle team.
When you’re not working in water, what are you doing?
BL: I enjoy hiking, climbing, yoga, weight training, running, camping, video editing, cooking, home improvement, and science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) outreach with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. I am engaged in multiple non-profit organizations that work with members of the community to ensure a multi-directional exchange of values between communities and “experts.”
SC: I’m a huge TV and film fan. Storytelling and creativity are my jam. I love watching films, attending screenings, and getting involved with the Fort Worth Film Commission. You can also catch me writing, reading, collaging, and screaming at TCU football games. Go Frogs.