Chapman University‘s climate change research lab received a $2.2 million boost from the federal government.
The federal funding, granted for various community projects, will aid Chapman’s Earth Systems Science Data Solutions Lab, which uses data, artificial intelligence and other technology to study and predict climate-related issues such as drought, flood risk, temperature changes and more in California.
“Droughts and climate change are having a significant influence on agricultural production in California and every Californian is feeling the effects,” said Rep. Lou Correa, whose district includes the university.
Correa presented the funding to Chapman on Friday, April 14, noting its “scientific and mapping capabilities … have the potential to become a geoscientific classification system that is universally applicable to these crucial concerns — and will impact the lives of thousands who call Orange County home.”
“Their work is nothing short of groundbreaking, and I’m honored to have delivered additional federal funding to this vitally important project in our district,” Correa said.
The funding will reinforce the work students tackle, often associated with the environment, health and more, said Dr. Thomas Piechota, a professor in Chapman’s Fowler School of Engineering and a National Science Foundation CAREER Award recipient.
Recent studies have included the use of satellite observations to assess the salinity of California’s agriculture soils, the impact of aerosols on the Sierra Nevada Glaciers and, closer to home, problems arising with the Santa Ana River.
“It helps build that capacity for the next generation of scientists who go out and work with businesses or agencies that need people with these skills to work with new technologies and data sources,” Piechota said. “And it allows them to tackle really important problems we’re facing in society.”
The work Chapman students take on, Piechota said, combines both…
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