This research investigates how freshwater organisms respond to climate extremes such as warming rivers and drought. Using field surveys, experiments, and modelling, it examines whether species can adapt to higher temperatures and what costs that adaptation may carry. Understanding these limits is crucial for protecting ecosystems, water security, and biodiversity.

This research investigates feronia, a plant protein essential for heat adaptation. By studying how feronia regulates auxin signaling and plant growth under temperature stress, the work aims to uncover mechanisms that could support the development of heat-resilient crops, improving agricultural productivity and food security in a warming global climate.

Road salt, widely used for winter safety, contaminates waterways and drinking supplies by increasing sodium and chloride levels. This year-long study of Pennsylvania watersheds found consistent exceedances of EPA guidelines, posing risks to human health and aquatic ecosystems. The research highlights the need to reduce salt use and adopt more sustainable deicing practices.

This research examines how older adults manage indoor environmental conditions while aging in place. It highlights the importance of “adaptive opportunities,” such as adjusting surroundings or behavior, and identifies barriers like mobility and cost. The goal is to develop practical strategies to improve comfort, health, and independence for aging populations at home.

This research evaluates passive cooling strategies—like reflective roofs and shading—to reduce heat in homes without air conditioning. Using simulations of thousands of combinations under current and future climates, it identifies optimal solutions for cities like Ottawa, aiming to protect vulnerable populations from rising heat risks due to climate change.

This research addresses rural water scarcity in Colombia by developing a household treatment system combining filtration and solar disinfection. Using engineering models, it optimizes flow, pathogen inactivation, and sunlight exposure to ensure reliability. The approach delivers safe, simple, and sustainable water access, reducing disease and improving quality of life in underserved communities.

This study reviews how climate change affects European beech distribution and its alignment with the Natura 2000 network. Findings show declines in warm, dry margins, upward shifts in mountains, and limited northern expansion. Water deficit is the main driver. Effective conservation requires connectivity, adaptive management, and climate-informed protected-area planning.

This research examines how traditional and local knowledge (TLK) can be meaningfully integrated into disaster risk reduction laws in Fiji and Vanuatu. Through legal analysis, case studies, and community interviews, it shows that TLK is not just cultural heritage, but a vital, science-based strategy for disaster resilience and survival.

 

Urban farms in Baltimore need reliable irrigation water. This research tested harvested rainwater for E. coli, Listeria, and Salmonella, and evaluated two treatments: sand–iron filtration and peracetic acid sanitizing. Both reduced E. coli, and sanitizing eliminated Listeria. Produce remained contamination-free, suggesting treated rainwater is a viable supplemental irrigation source.