CECI-sponsored Research: Part I

June 19, 2009

Last fall, the Climate and Environmental Change Initiative provided seed funding for a number of exciting interdisciplinary climate research projects taking place at Rutgers. The funding for these grants came from an Academic Excellence Fund award from the university. In the first half of this two-part series, we are highlighting projects that focus on the challenges climate change presents to New Jersey's students, institutions, and environment.

Climate and Environmental Change Summit for Students
Principal Investigator: Janice McDonnell (Department of Youth Development)
This spring, Janice McDonnell and the Rutgers Cooperative Extension's 4-H Youth Development program hosted a three-day Climate and Environmental Change Summit for Students. Thirty-six 9th-11th grade students participated in this exciting event that aimed to increase student knowledge and understanding of climate change issues and to connect students to Rutgers climate scientists. Over the course of the summit, the students developed action plans to take back to their schools and communities to raise awareness of climate change issues.

Examining the carbon footprint of the products procured by Rutgers
Principal Investigator: Kevin Lyons (Purchasing Department)
Dr. Kevin Lyons and his colleagues are analyzing the greenhouse gas emissions at every point in the life cycle of the products that Rutgers purchases. From the research and development of products to their eventual disposal, each and every item we use has associated emissions and costs. Lyons is developing a database to facilitate the analysis of the footprint of products such as incandescent and compact fluorescent light bulbs so that Rutgers and other universities can make procurement decisions that minimize environmental impacts.

Assessment of the Impact of Sea Level Rise on Tide Gate Function
Principal Investigator: Robert Miskewitz (Department of Environmental Sciences)
Future sea level rise presents a significant threat to the Hackensack River Meadowlands, an area of low-lying historic marshland in northern New Jersey. Robert Miskewitz and his colleagues are collecting data from existing tide gates in the region to determine the effects that sea level rise will exert upon their functionality. Working in conjunction with the Medowlands Environmental Research Institute and the NJ Meadowlands Commission, the results of this study will be used throughout the region to model the ability of existing and planned infrastructure to cope with sea level rise.

Mosquito Population Prediction, Control, and Prevention of Associated Human Health Risks in the Face of Climate Change
Principal Investigator: Nina H. Fefferman (Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources)
This spring, Dr. Nina Fefferman and her colleagues at the Rutgers Center for Vector Biology hosted a one-day workshop for county mosquito control personnel and state health epidemiologists to address their exposure to, understanding of, and acceptance of the use of mathematical models for use in controlling mosquito populations. By engaging managers in the development and use of mathematical models, Fefferman anticipates that these collaborations could greatly influence the efficacy of preparedness planning for future vector-borne health risks in the state of New Jersey in the face of climate change.