Lab Receives $1.2M Grant for Urban Flood Resilience Research

We are thrilled to announce that our laboratory has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance our research on urban flood prediction and management systems. This three-year project, titled “AI-Enhanced Urban Flood Resilience: Integrating IoT Networks and Machine Learning for Real-Time Prediction and Response,” will begin in January 2024.

Project Overview

The project aims to develop next-generation flood prediction systems that combine:

• IoT sensor networks deployed throughout urban watersheds
• Advanced machine learning algorithms for real-time data processing
• Cloud-based alert systems for emergency response coordination
• Community engagement tools for improved public awareness and participation

Research Impact

Urban flooding causes billions of dollars in damage annually and disproportionately affects vulnerable communities. Our research seeks to address this critical challenge by creating more accurate, accessible, and equitable flood management systems.

As Dr. Johnson, the principal investigator, explains:

“This grant allows us to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical implementation. By combining AI with extensive field data collection, we can create prediction systems that work in the real world, not just in the lab.”

Student Opportunities

The grant will fund:

• 3 PhD student positions
• 5 Master’s student research assistantships
• 10 Undergraduate summer research opportunities

Interested students should contact the lab coordinator for application details.

Timeline and Milestones

Phase	Timeline	Key Activities
Phase 1	Jan-Aug 2024	Sensor network deployment, data collection infrastructure
Phase 2	Sep 2024-May 2025	Algorithm development, initial model testing
Phase 3	Jun 2025-Dec 2026	System integration, community implementation, evaluation

Collaborations

This project builds on our existing partnerships with:

• City Water Management Department
• Three neighboring coastal communities
• Environmental Justice Coalition
• Computer Science Department (AI/ML expertise)

Looking Forward

We are excited about this opportunity to advance the field of urban hydrology while making a tangible difference in community resilience. The technologies and methodologies developed through this grant will be open-source and designed for adaptation to other urban environments facing similar challenges.

Check back for regular updates as the project progresses!

Project team members at the grant announcement ceremony