In the 1990s, the Central American nation of Costa Rica experienced a rapid proliferation of hydropower projects on montane rivers, at a time when much of the world had hit pause on large dam development. Under Dr. Pringle’s mentorship, my dissertation research explored how these small dams, often overlooked in environmental impact assessments at the time, altered river flows and fish habitat, changing hydrologic connectivity across many areas of the country. We found that river dewatering associated with small, water diversion dams led to reduced habitat availability and less stable habitat conditions for fish species with complex reproductive requirements, and that the placement of multiple dams on montane streams fragmented large rivers from their headwater drainage networks. Beyond ecological studies, Dr. Pringle also supported my interest in exploring the political and social implications of hydropower development. These components of my dissertation research ended up being very timely, as they positioned me to contribute to professional communities of practice on environmental flows and freshwater ecosystem services just as these themes were gaining traction globally in river science and management. Additionally, as the world entered an unprecedented era of hydropower development across the tropics this century, my dissertation research gained new relevance in informing freshwater conservation strategies. Beginning with the early studies on dams in Costa Rica, my career has taken me across the Earth in exploration of diverse freshwater systems of India, East Africa, South America, and the southeastern USA. Dr. Pringle’s encouragement of collaborative research and embrace of interdisciplinary science have been important guideposts throughout a 27-year professional journey.