Projects
Survey of the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of the Soil Microbial Communities in the Páramo of Chingaza (Laguna Seca, Colombia)
Awarded: 2022 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
This project explores the microbial diversity in Andean Mountain tundra ecosystem soils under current climate conditions to understand how carbon is cycled in relationship with water saturation and projecting how these processes will change.
Transport and Fate of Microplastics in a Tidal Marsh Ecosystem, Delaware River
Awarded: 2022 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A research team is measuring microplastics in the sediments and mussels of an urbanized tidal freshwater environment to the assess pollution impacts and the transfer of microplastics from land to sea.
URB-EC: Urban Embodied Carbon
Awarded: 2022 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
This project is investigating the carbon effects of urban growth by developing an integrated modeling framework to quantify, assess, and predict urban embodied carbon under different scenarios of urban densification and decarbonization policies.
Urban Green Infrastructure and the Day-Night “Humid-Heat Islands” of the Northeast U.S.
Awarded: 2022 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
This project is assessing humid cities in the northeast U.S. to demonstrate locally relevant evidence of urban greening vs. microclimate benefits to better inform and orient greening efforts to enhance urban climate resiliency.
Using Machine Learning to Design Novel Low-CO2 Cements with Optimal Performance
Awarded: 2022 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team is developing novel 3-part cements that will reduce the world’s reliance on Portland cement, which is responsible for up to 10% of global anthropogenic CO2 emissions.
Water Cycle between Atlantic Ocean and Sahel: A Key Precursor of Monsoon MCS Rainfall
Awarded: 2022 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team is working to understand ocean-land-atmosphere water cycle at a process level, which could improve seasonal forecasts of precipitation, and inform science-based policy to mitigate this region against climatic impacts.
AESEDA-HBCU Air Quality for Environmental Justice Network
Awarded: 2021 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is installing air quality sensors on campuses to study the link between air quality and public health, especially in communities of color.
Analyzing the Adoption of Solar Irrigation Pumps in India within the Food-Energy-Water Nexus: Implications for Carbon, Groundwater Depletion, and Agricultural Productivity
Awarded: 2021 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is studying the potential impacts of solar irrigation pumps on climate change, groundwater depletion, and the food system in India, with the goal of informing policy decisions.
Assessing Distributional Effects of Coal-Fired Power Plant Operations on Pollution and Health
Awarded: 2021 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
Researchers are studying the environmental, health, and economic implications of coal-fired power plant reductions in the United States, with the goal of developing sustainable and equitable energy policy.
Coastal Carbon Dynamics in a Riparian Buffer Ecosystem, Lake Erie Basin
Awarded: 2021 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is studying the factors that control the accumulation of carbon in freshwater wetlands in the Great Lakes region, with the goal of improving climate models.
Community Engagement and Interdisciplinary Collaboration to Direct Air Quality Research at Industrial Sites Near Pittsburgh
Awarded: 2021 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
A team of researchers is working to address air quality concerns in urban areas by engaging community stakeholders and conducting research to understand the potential health impacts of air pollution from industrial sites.
Development of Innovative Materials and Technology for Cellular Agriculture
Awarded: 2021 | Project Type: IEE Seed Grant
This interdisciplinary research team is developing new technologies and materials to produce cultured meat that is safe, sustainable, and scalable.