South-central Texas Research Articles

Best Management Practices for Firefighting in the Karstic Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer of South-Central Texas

Karst aquifers are highly vulnerable to hazardous contaminants and pollution that can rapidly harm drinking water supplies. This paper presents tools and best management practices designed to enable first responders to protect karst watersheds and important aquifer drinking water supplies from potentially catastrophic hazardous and polluting materials that can enter the aquifer in water or other liquids runoff from firefighting and other response to emergencies, including ordinary accidental fire and fire caused by arson, terrorist attack, flood, high wind, lightening, and explosion in structures and along transportation corridors. Received 2 February 2020, Accepted 10 October 2020, Published online 1 February 2021. Citation: Schindel GM, Rosen RA. 2021. Best management practices for firefighting in the karstic Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer of south-central Texas. Texas Water Journal. 12(1):1-9. Available from: https://doi.org/10.21423/twj.v12i1.7110.

An optimization framework for the design of reverse osmosis desalination plants under food-energy-water nexus considerations

Due to a growing population, globally depleting water supplies, as well as the effects of climate change, demands for water are ever increasing. Reverse osmosis desalination could play a key role in generating new water sources since treating saline water for reuse has become possible. An optimization based framework under food-energy-water nexus considerations is developed in this work to tackle water scarcity sustainably for arid and semi-arid regions. With the aid of a surrogate model, a single reverse osmosis stage is depicted, with which varying desalination process designs can be composed, considering different membrane modules, as well as varying input energy and saline water sources. Then, the process was modeled through a superstructure representation that resulted into a mixed-integer nonlinear optimization problem, enabling the optimization of an array of objectives for a given set of input water and energy supply, as well as output water demand restrictions. The developed framework facilitates informed decision making through the fast screening and optimization of desalination plant designs. To illustrate the elaborated framework methodology, a food-energy-water nexus approach is implemented for South-Central Texas in three distinct scenario analyses.

Interpretable vs. noninterpretable machine learning models for data-driven hydro-climatological process modeling

Due to their enhanced predictive capabilities, noninterpretable machine learning (ML) models (e.g. deep learning) have recently gained a growing interest in analyzing and modeling earth & planetary science data. However, noninterpretable ML models are often treated as “black boxes” by end-users, which could limit their applicability in critical decision making processes. In this paper, we compared the predictive capabilities of three interpretable ML models with three noninterpretable ML models to answer the overarching question: Is it essential to use noninterpretable ML models for enhanced model predictions from hydro-climatological datasets? The ML model development and comparative analysis were performed using measured climate data and synthetic reference crop evapotranspiration (ETo) data, with varying levels of missing values, from five weather stations across the karstic Edwards aquifer region in semi-arid south-central Texas. Our analysis revealed that interpretable tree-based ensemble models produce comparable results to noninterpretable deep learning models on structured hydro-climatological datasets. We showed that the tree-based ensemble model is also capable of imputing varying levels of missing climate data at the weather stations, employing the newly developed sequential transfer-learning technique. We applied an explainable machine learning (eXML) framework to quantify the global order of importance of hydro-climatic (predictor) variables on ETo, while highlighting the local dependencies and interactions amongst the predictors and ETo. The eXML framework also revealed the inflection points of the climate variables at which the transition from low to high daily ETo rates occur. The ancillary explainability of ML models are expected to increase users’ confidence and support any future decision-making process in water resource management.

RAYLEIGH WAVE AND WELL HEAD RESPONSE TO CALCULATE POROSITY IN THE EDWARDS AQUIFER OF SOUTH-CENTRAL TEXAS, USA.

We use the magnitude and centroid period of Rayleigh wave along with the amplitude of fluctuations of water level in a well to calculate effective porosity of a karst aquifer at the site scale. The radial and vertical displacements of Rayleigh wave are first related to the confining pressure of rock, which is then related to fluid pressure via the Gassmann equation. Three seismograms recorded at station 633A of the USARRAY and the induced responses of Well J-17 in the Edwards Aquifer (Texas) allow the calculation of an effective porosity between 17.0 and 24.4 percent, the average of which is close to the total porosity of core samples determined by geophysical well logs. This paper provides an innovative method to measure effective porosity in aquifers. Because of the long wavelengths of Rayleigh wave, the interdisciplinary approach is advantageous in that the resulting effective porosity is at the site scale which includes large conduits or voids.

District and University Partnerships in Support of a High Needs Urban Elementary School

The purpose of this study was to identify the strengths and challenges that emerged from the first year of a district and university partnership focused on improving a high needs urban elementary school. This research utilizes an instrumental case study design. The elementary school and the university involved in this study are both public serving institutions located in south central Texas in the United States. This paper examines the partnership after the first year of implementation. Feedback was solicited from district, campus, and university personnel regarding the successes and challenges they encountered. Three themes emerged: administrative support, challenges presented by a change in principal, and a focus on mutual self-interest and common goals. Implications are discussed.

Decadal climate variability, water availability and cropping: the value of forecast information in South-Central Texas

Decadal climate variability (DCV) phenomena are ocean-based conditions that have climate influences persisting for a decade or more. Few studies have addressed the coupled agricultural and economic implications of these phenomena. Here, we investigate the economic value of DCV information in a South Central Texas case study along with the nature of possible adaptations to the information. To do this we first perform an econometric estimation of DCV impacts on regional crop yields and groundwater recharge. We then expand a regional economic and hydrological model to include DCV information. We find significant DCV impacts on regional aquifer recharge and crop yields for oats, dryland sorghum, and irrigated winter wheat. DCV information has substantial value with perfect information ranging from US$3.79-3.93 million yr-1 plus benefits for springflow protection, while a less perfect forecast is worth $1.47-1.89 million yr-1. We also find DCV adaptations involve changes in crop mix and water use.

Establishing School-Based Health Services in South Bexar County, Texas

School-based health centers are an important avenue for students to receive timely clinical preventive care. In an effort to redesign delivery of health care to priority populations, University Health System, a major safety net hospital system located in South Central Texas, opened the first school-based health center in Bexar County, Texas. This article describes the planning process with emphasis on the community assessment as part of a strategy to promote community engagement and guide development of health services. Such synergistic efforts exemplify the importance of leveraging school, community, and health services to address regional disparities in child and adolescent health.

Linking source rock to expelled hydrocarbons using diamondoids: An integrated approach from the Northern Gulf of Mexico

Nanodiamonds (diamondoids) are the ideal geochemical tool for hydrocarbon-source correlation in high-maturity fields since they are thermally stable and outlast biomarkers (molecular fossils), which deteriorate with thermal maturity. Diamondoids form in the shallow subsurface as organic material reacts with clay minerals in source rock, thereby preserving information about the precursor organic compounds and parent minerals. The unique suites of diamondoids generated by these combinations allow direct linkage between expelled hydrocarbons and source rock facies. We compared diamondoid distributions obtained from oils produced from both Eagle Ford Fm. and Austin Chalk Fm. in South-Central Texas, to rock extracts taken from equivalent intervals in a cored pilot hole. The targeted well is in the gas window where biomarkers are of limited use. Diamondoid distributions from oils produced from laterals in the Eagle Ford Fm. and the Austin Chalk Fm. matched extracts from those formations, proving that local sourcing is recognizable in expelled hydrocarbons.A second phase of this project included a direct comparison of results from pilot hole extracts to diamondoids analyzed from 15 oils selected from producing Eagle Ford wells. We showed a close match between the diamondoid chemistry of produced oils regionally and source samples from the Eagle Ford Formation in the cored pilot well. However, samples from immediately adjacent formations (Buda and Upson) were discordant, containing higher concentrations and different distributions of diamondoids when compared to the Austin and Eagle Ford systems.These results spurred a third phase of investigation that included generating diamondoid data from extracts of known Mesozoic Northern Gulf of Mexico (NGoM) source rocks stratigraphically beneath the Austin and Eagle Ford system. These included the Aptian-Albian Pearsall group and several Jurassic formations (Oxfordian Smackover Fm., Kimmeridgian Haynesville Fm., and Tithonian Bossier Fm.). The outlier samples from phases 1 and 2 are matched with deeper source rocks when comparing their diamondoid geochemistry to those of extracts from cored Jurassic source samples. These Jurassic intervals and migration pathways were then vetted with seismic data and integrated attribute analysis.The results of this work show: 1.expelled hydrocarbons can be linked to parent source rock using diamondoid composition; 2. diamondoids can be used to discriminate co-sourcing in intervals where routine biomarker analyses would fail; 3. Samples of well-known Mesozoic source rocks in the northern Gulf of Mexico (Cenomanian-Turonian Eagle Ford Fm., Tithonian Bossier Fm., Kimmeridgian Haynesville Fm., and Oxfordian Smackover Fm.) can be independently recognized using diamondoids, and 4. seismic anisotropy and fluid escape attributes helped delineate both deep-seated, through-going faults and intervals of high fracture density, allowing for connectivity and migration from the deeper source rocks illuminated by diamondoid analyses.

Determining the primary sources of fecal pollution using microbial source tracking assays combined with land-use information in the Edwards Aquifer

The Edwards Aquifer serves as a primary source of drinking water to more than 2 million people in south-central Texas, and as a karst aquifer, is vulnerable to human and animal fecal contamination which poses a serious risk to human and environmental health. A one-year study (Jan 2018 – Feb 2019) was conducted to determine the primary sources of fecal pollution along the Balcones and Leon Creek within the Edwards Aquifer recharge and contributing zones using general (E. coli, enterococci, and universal Bacteriodales) and host-associated (human-, dog-, cow- and chicken/duck-associated Bacteriodales) microbial source tracking (MST) assays. Additionally, sites were classified based on surrounding land use as a potential source predictor and marker levels were correlated with rain events and water quality parameters. Levels for the three general indicators were highest and exhibited similar trends across the sampling sites, suggesting that the sole use of these markers is not sufficient for specific fecal source identification. Among the host-associated markers, highest concentrations were observed for the dog marker (BacCan) in the Leon Creek area and the cow marker (BacCow) in the Balcones Creek area. Additionally, Chicken/Duck-Bac, BacCan and BacCow all exhibited higher concentrations during the spring season and the end of fall/early winter. Relatively lower concentrations were observed for the human-associated markers (HF183 and BacHum), however, levels were higher in the Leon Creek area and highest following rainfall events. Additionally, relatively higher levels in HF183 and BacHum were observed at sites having greater human population and septic tank density and may be attributed to leaks or breaks in these infrastructures. This study is the first to examine and compare fecal contamination at rural and urban areas in the recharge and contributing zones of the Edwards Aquifer using a molecular MST approach targeting Bacteroidales 16S rRNA gene-based assays. The Bacteroidales marker assays, when combined with land use and weather information, can allow for a better understanding of the sources and fluxes of fecal contamination, which can help devise effective mitigation measures to protect water quality.

Origin and geochemistry of formation waters from the lower Eagle Ford Group, Gulf Coast Basin, south central Texas

The lower Eagle Ford Group (LEFG) is one of the most productive continuous hydrocarbon plays in the United States but few associated produced waters data and minimal interpretation have been published. This effort focuses on results from compositional and isotopic data from 39 produced water samples collected from horizontal wells producing from the LEFG in south central Texas. The depth of the LEFG increases by approximately 1 km across the study area, from northwest (2.9 km) to southeast (3.9 km). Associated increases in calculated reservoir temperature (125–165 °C), development of reservoir over-pressuring (400–800 bars total pressure), and increased thermal maturity (heavy oil to gas condensate) also occur along this trend. Produced water salinity starts at nearly 100 g/L in the shallowest samples and decreases linearly with depth to <35 g/L. Comparison of Br/Cl and 87Sr/86Sr data between LEFG produced waters and the Louann salt, suggests that halite recycling is the mechanism generating salinities greater than seawater. Decreasing salinity with depth and thermal maturity in the Gulf Coast Basin have previously been shown to be a result of release of inter-layer water during smectite to illite conversion. The produced water samples show increasing δ18O and decreasing δ2H with depth, which is attributed temperature-dependent isotope fractionation of O and H exchange between seawater and clays and calcite with increasing temperature. Multiple sources of data indicate that the waters in the LEFG are not connate, but rather entered the unit prior to smectite-illite conversion. Presence of allochthonous water in many major tight oil and shale gas plays in the U.S., including the LEFG, suggests there is an unknown mechanism allowing for water flow into low permeability reservoirs.

Quantifying the effects of urbanization on floods in a changing environment to promote water security — A case study of two adjacent basins in Texas

The increased occurrence of flood events resulting from urbanization and global climate change is a great threat to water security. To systematically evaluate the impacts of urbanization on floods, we applied a paired catchments approach to two adjacent river basins in south-central Texas — the San Antonio River Basin (SARB), with fast urbanization; and the Guadalupe River Basin (GRB), with little land cover change. A physics-based distributed hydrological model — the Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model, embedded with a multi-purpose reservoir module (DHSVM-Res) — was used to simulate streamflow and reservoir storage. The simulations were conducted under different land cover scenarios, including a newly developed continuous land cover series (CLCS). Holistic analyses were then conducted for the paired basins using three methods: analyzing the selected flood events, detecting change points (CP) of monthly floods, and testing the elasticity of long-term flood regimes. The results suggest that: (1) urbanization may reduce lag time and elevate flood peaks significantly by 3–30% in our study area; (2) when there is little land cover change, changing climate is the major driver of variations in the monthly maximum streamflow (MMS); (3) fast urbanization can amplify streamflow variability, increase MMS significantly, and thus alter the timing of CP; and (4) the mean MMS of observed streamflow in the SARB has increased by as much as 75.7% from the pre-CP to post-CP periods. This comprehensive study fills in a gap in our current understanding of the isolated impacts of urbanization on flooding and is expected to support future explorations of anthropogenic influences on floods.

Southern Sandbur (Cenchrus echinatus L.) Control in Bermudagrass Pastures with Indaziflam Herbicide Systems

Field studies were conducted during 2019 growing season in north-central, south-central, and the Coastal Bend areas of Texas to evaluate indaziflam herbicide systems for southern sandbur control and Coastal bermudagrass tolerance. Indaziflam caused no bermudagrass stunting at any location when applied preemergence (PRE) at 0.04 to 0.07 kg ai ha-1. Glyphosate at 0.35 kg ae ha-1 caused bermudagrass stunting which ranged from 16 to 65% when evaluated 3 to 5 weeks after application; however, when evaluated at the end of the growing season, no bermudagrass stunting was evident when compared with the untreated check. Southern sandbur control with indaziflam, when evaluated 28 to 32 weeks after the initial indaziflam PRE application, ranged from 85 to 99% in north-central Texas, 65 to 95% in south-central Texas, and 95 to 100% in the Coastal Bend region. Southern sandbur control with pendimethalin PRE system ranged from 74 to 100%, 11 to 85%, and 100% in those regions, respectively. Indaziflam represents a safe option for forage and hay producers in Texas to control southern sandbur.

Allocating resources for land protection using continuous optimization: biodiversity conservation in the United States.

Spatial optimization approaches that were originally developed to help conservation organizations determine protection decisions over small spatial scales are now used to inform global or continental scale priority setting. However, the different decision contexts involved in large-scale resource allocation need to be considered. We present a continuous optimization approach in which a decision-maker allocates funding to regional offices. Local decision-makers then use these funds to implement habitat protection efforts with varying effectiveness when evaluated in terms of the funder's goals. We illustrate this continuous formulation by examining the relative priority that should be given to different counties in the coterminous United States when acquiring land to establish new protected areas. If weighting all species equally, counties in the southwest United States, where large areas can be bought cheaply, are priorities for protection. If focusing only on species of conservation concern, priorities shift to locations rich in such species, particularly near expanding exurban areas facing high rates of future habitat conversion (e.g., south-central Texas). Priorities for protection are sensitive to what is assumed about local ecological and decision-making processes. For example, decision-makers who doubt the efficacy of local land protection efforts should focus on a few key areas, while optimistic decision-makers should disperse funding more widely. Efforts to inform large-scale conservation priorities should reflect better the types of choice that decision-makers actually face when working over these scales. They also need to report the sensitivity of recommended priorities to what are often unstated assumptions about local processes affecting conservation outcomes.

GGE Biplot Analysis of Genotype-by-environment Interactions for Melon Fruit Yield and Quality Traits

The stability of yield and quality traits in nine orange-fleshed melon (Cucumis melo L.) genotypes was studied over nine environments in south-central Texas (College Station, Uvalde, and Weslaco) over 3 years (2010, 2011, and 2012). Besides yield traits, fruit -quality components such as soluble solids content (SSC), β-carotene, and fruit firmness were also measured. Data were subjected to the combined analysis of variance and trait stability by GGE Biplot. The significant genotype-by-location interactions for yield traits demonstrated the potential to develop location-specific cultivars. However, the temporal fluctuations in productivity emphasized the need to select for stability over several years in potential cultivars for the target environments. Cultivar Mission was confirmed as the most stable and average performing genotype for marketable yield and quality traits at all locations. Uvalde was identified as the ideal location for selecting generally adapted genotypes for south-central Texas. Biplot analysis indicated that Orange Dew was the highest mean performing genotype for SSC. The hybrid Oro Duro, followed by TAMU 146, ranked highest for mean and stability of β-carotene content, but it ranked lowest for fruit firmness. TAMU Orange Casaba exhibited specific adaptation, producing the highest mean fruit yield at Weslaco, while Journey had the highest fruit yield at College Station and Uvalde. Understanding of genotype-by-environment interactions for multiple traits in melon is critical for developing cultivars with high mean performance and stability in target growing environments.

Tectonic and eustatic impact on depositional features in the upper Cretaceous Austin Chalk Group of south-central Texas, USA

The upper Cretaceous Austin Chalk Group in south-central Texas, USA, displays vertical and lateral variations in thickness and facies resulting from an irregular paleotopography of the seafloor and variable preservation of 3rd-order sea-level cycles. During the Coniacian to early Campanian, the tectonic evolution of the San Marcos Arch, a prominent basement feature in the study area, impacted facies and sequence architecture within the Austin Chalk Group. Outcropping sections of the Austin Chalk Group along the margin of the Edwards Plateau in south-central Texas stratigraphically transition between inner and outer ramp environments. The cyclic stacking pattern of facies is recorded in vertical stratigraphic succession as 3rd-order cycles separated by discontinuity surfaces and condensed deposits. Inner ramp facies consist of Thalassinoides-burrowed bivalve wackestone to packstone with minor occurrences of skeletal grainstone. Outer ramp facies comprise Planolites-burrowed foraminiferal chalk and marl with fine skeletal debris. Condensed facies associated with transgressive re-working are characterized by glauconitic packstone with high concentrations of coarse skeletal debris and lithoclasts. Gamma-ray profiles of outcrops investigated in the study area are correlated to subsurface wireline logs of wells drilled along the outcrop and subsurface trend, in order to construct a stratigraphic framework across the San Marcos Arch. This stratigraphic framework is biostratigraphically well constrained and correlated to the type section of the Austin Chalk Group farther north in the vicinity of Austin. The integration of sedimentological and stratigraphic information enables the identification of four regional 3rd-order depositional sequences within the Austin Chalk Group. Thickness maps of each depositional sequence illustrate the tectonic evolution of the San Marcos Arch and its influence on the deposition of the Austin Chalk Group, which is judged as negligible during most of the lower Austin Chalk Group (Coniacian), and started to trigger lateral thickness variations and pinch-outs in the Santonian and early Campanian. Syndepositional tectonic movement played an active role in the geometry of Austin Chalk depositional sequences and should be accounted for in sequence stratigraphic models developed in chalk depositional settings to explain the occurrence of coarser and cleaner facies.

Invasive Wild Pigs as Primary Nest Predators for Wild Turkeys

Depredation of wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) nests is a leading cause of reduced recruitment for the recovering and iconic game species. Invasive wild pigs (Sus scrofa) are known to depredate nests, and have been expanding throughout the distributed range of wild turkeys in North America. We sought to gain better insight on the magnitude of wild pigs depredating wild turkey nests. We constructed simulated wild turkey nests throughout the home ranges of 20 GPS-collared wild pigs to evaluate nest depredation relative to three periods within the nesting season (i.e., early, peak, and late) and two nest densities (moderate = 12.5-25 nests/km2, high = 25-50 nests/km2) in south-central Texas, USA during March–June 2016. Overall, the estimated probability of nest depredation by wild pigs was 0.3, equivalent to native species of nest predators in the study area (e.g., gray fox [Urocyon cinereoargenteus], raccoon [Procyon lotor], and coyote [Canis latrans]). Female wild pigs exhibited a constant rate of depredation regardless of nesting period or density of nests. However, male wild pigs increased their rate of depredation in areas with higher nest densities. Management efforts should remove wild pigs to reduce nest failure in wild turkey populations especially where recruitment is low.

Improving the care of students with diabetes in rural schools utilizing an online diabetes education program for school personnel.

Diabetes is a critical health issue that impacts over 422 million people worldwide to include more than 500 000 children. Diabetes prevalence is higher in rural areas compared to urban areas and people living with diabetes in rural areas face significant challenges to care. Children with diabetes need appropriate care in the school setting to reduce the risk of short- and long-term complications. The inconsistencies of laws surrounding diabetes care in schools and lack of access to resources has resulted in insufficient training and poor provision of care to students, particularly in rural areas. The purpose of this study was to analyze the impact of the online diabetes education program Diabetes Care at School: Bridging the Gap on the diabetes knowledge and self-efficacy of school personnel in rural areas to administer care to students with diabetes. A total of 132 participants working in rural school districts throughout South Central Texas completed the program. A pretest-post-test design was used to measure knowledge and self-efficacy before and after completion of the 12-module online diabetes education program for school personnel. Knowledge and confidence to administer care change scores were compared, and user satisfaction with the online program was analyzed. Results of this study showed a significant increase in the knowledge and confidence scores of the participants from pre- to post-test. Although the non-medical school personnel had baseline knowledge and confidence scores that were lower than the school nurses, they had significant change scores, resulting in similar post-test scores. Furthermore, those with no prior diabetes training had significant change in knowledge and confidence, resulting in post-test scores that were almost equivalent to those with prior diabetes training. As the prevalence of school-aged children with diabetes continues to increase, an important finding of this study is that online programs with up-to-date information on diabetes care may enhance the ability of school personnel to include both lay/non-medical individuals and school nurses to effectively manage the care of students with diabetes. With up-to-date diabetic information delivered in a user-friendly and accessible format, more school personnel in rural and remote areas can be trained. Ultimately, ensuring that staff receive adequate training on diabetes and possess the confidence to administer care should improve outcomes for students with diabetes in rural, remote and underserved areas.

If We Build It, Will They Come? Challenges of Adapting and Implementing a Smoking Cessation Program for the LGBTQ Community in Southcentral Texas.

Studies indicate that tobacco use among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer (LGBTQ) community members is consistently higher than the general population. The Last Drag is a tobacco cessation program developed and implemented in 1991 in San Francisco, California, that has shown promise in assisting LGBTQ members with tobacco cessation. This article describes the practical challenges of adapting The Last Drag to be implemented in a southcentral Texas community. Primary challenges included short time line to expected implementation, issues with culturally insensitive language, and barriers to participant recruitment. Acknowledging and overcoming these challenges can assist public health educators who are addressing tobacco cessation in LGBTQ populations.

Opportunistic Predation of Wild Turkey Nests by Wild Pigs

ABSTRACTWild pigs (Sus scrofa; i.e., feral hogs, feral swine) are considered an invasive species in the United States. Where they occur, they damage agricultural crops and wildlife habitat. Wild pigs also depredate native wildlife, particularly ground‐nesting bird species during nesting season. In areas inhabited by wild turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo), nest destruction caused by wild pigs may affect recruitment. There is debate whether wild pigs actively seek ground‐nesting bird nests or depredate them opportunistically. To address this debate, in 2016 we examined the movements of wild pigs relative to artificial wild turkey nests (i.e., control [no artificial nests], moderate density [12.5–25 nests/km2], and high density [25–50 nests/km2]) throughout the nesting season (i.e., early, peak, and late) in south‐central Texas, USA. We found no evidence that wild pigs learned to seek and depredate wild turkey nests relative to nest density or nesting periods. Despite wild pigs being important nest predators, depredation was not a functional response to a pulsed food resource and can only be associated with overlapping densities of wild pigs and nests. Protecting reproductive success of wild turkeys will require reducing wild pig densities in nesting habitat prior to nesting season. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

Drowsy Driving Among Shift Work Nurses: A Qualitative Data Analysis

Drowsy driving claims many lives every year. While all drivers are susceptible to the problem of drowsy driving, the nurse population is of particular concern. Studies have shown the severity of drowsiness for night shift nurses both at work and on the drive home. Many work and non-work factors contribute to the drowsiness that nurses experience. This study used a semi-structured interview approach to gain the perception and experiences of nurses concerning drowsy driving and possible interventions. Interviews were conducted at a large hospital in south central Texas with 30 night shift nurses. Visualizations depicting nurses’ responses are presented to aid in the understanding of the themes derived from the interviews. The nurses experience drowsy driving on a regular basis, use ineffective mitigation techniques and have differing preferences for an educational and technological intervention for drowsy driving. An emergent theme was how work and non-work factors work in conjunction to impact the nurses’ experiences of drowsy driving. Potential, implementable solutions regarding some of these factors are presented.