Show-Me State Times

Saint Louis University (SLU) has been awarded nearly $1 million by the Department of Energy to establish a Climate Resilience Center. This initiative is one of ten projects funded across different states. The center will focus on urban climate issues and their effects on human health.

The project, led by Orhun Aydin, Ph.D., assistant professor in earth and atmospheric science at SLU’s School for Science and Engineering, involves a team of researchers from various university departments. Co-investigators include Sarah Coffin, Ph.D., Emily Hite, Ph.D., Benjamin de Foy, Ph.D., Liz Hasenmueller, Ph.D., Vasit Sagan, Ph.D., Enbal Shacham, Ph.D., and Jason Knouft, Ph.D.

Titled “Advancing Development and Climate-Resilient Adaptation Practices via Community-Driven Urban Transformation,” the project will model heat islands in St. Louis City and County. These heat islands occur when urban density raises city temperatures above those of surrounding areas. Heat is a significant factor in premature deaths in Missouri.

Aydin highlighted the challenges faced by St. Louis due to its unique climate resilience needs and ongoing sustainability efforts. He noted that "heat islands aren’t just about the temperature," emphasizing the added stress caused by humidity.

The research team plans to deploy high-precision weather sensors built in Aydin’s AI-CHESS Lab at SLU. These sensors will provide real-time data for an AI model based on Department of Energy climate models. “We will be able to investigate the impact of green spaces and sustainable development,” said Aydin.

The project also includes evaluating energy efficiency in homes within these heat islands with assistance from community partner EnergyCare. The non-profit organization will conduct home audits to improve insulation or air conditioning units for low-income residents.

Data collected from these efforts will be used to create a neighborhood dashboard for local authorities. The interdisciplinary research team draws expertise from SLU's Taylor Geospatial Institute and WATER Institute among others.

Coffin contributes her urban design expertise while Hasenmueller and Knouft focus on creating resilient green spaces. Hite examines public perceptions of heat, with Shacham addressing public health equity aspects.

“We have a wide variety of expertise among the investigators,” stated Aydin, emphasizing their crucial roles alongside government and community partners in implementing research findings effectively.