A strategic partnership between the College of Engineering at University of Houston and Pacific Northwest National Lab

We propose a strategic partnership between the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) and the University of Houston (UH) (primarily the College of Engineering), a Hispanic-Serving Institution. Our faculty at the University of Houston (UH) have relevant expertise and vital interests in the research areas under the DOE Office of Science, Biological and Environmental Research, Earth and Environmental Systems Sciences Division (EESSD). Our prospective and current students are also interested in climate, environmental, and Earth system sciences. However, there is a lack of an integrated, efficient platform for our faculty members to explore the funding and research opportunities under the umbrella of EESSD. As such, UH has received far less than the average level of funding from EESSD. To foster a partnership between PNNL and UH, we propose several potential research directions that are well aligned with the EESSD-funded projects at PNNL: 1) Representing the coastal transition zones in Earth system models;

earth system model (ESM)

A model that simulates how chemistry, biology, and physical forces work together. These models are similar to, but much more comprehensive than, global climate models.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy Source

2) Understanding coastal transitional zone dynamics using a combination of remote sensing,

remote sensing

The process of detecting and monitoring the physical characteristics of an area by measuring its reflected and emitted radiation at a distance (typically from satellite or aircraft).

Source: USGS Source

machine learning,

machine learning (ML)

Machine Learning (ML) refers to the field and practice of using algorithms that are able to “learn” by extracting patterns from a large body of data.

Source: Center of Excellence Source

and compound flood modeling technologies; 3) Experimental research in coastal wetlands.

wetland

An area of land that is periodically saturated with water, which influences the types of plants and animals that can live there. Wetlands include swamps, marshes, bogs, and other similar areas.

Source: A student's guide to Global Climate Change Source

To better identify future collaborations of mutual interests, we further propose that 1) UH faculty participate in the EESSD programmatic meeting(s); 2) UH faculty and PNNL scientists interact with each other frequently via physical visits, monthly online meetings, and seminars. This partnership will serve as a new platform for the UH faculty members to explore DOE funding opportunities in a much more efficient way, for EESSD to enhance the diversity of its institutional representations, and for the PNNL scientists to help educate our next generation of earth and environmental scientists from diverse backgrounds.