Have you ever tried to put together an interdisciplinary team to write and submit a research proposal? Or wanted to find another instructor on campus who you could ask to teach a lecture on some aspect of environmental change for your class? If you have, you've probably found it challenging. The Environmental Change Institute has assembled a searchable database to identify faculty by areas of research, course(s) taught, and unit affiliation. Those within the database been identified as being interested in environmental change.
The Role of Phosphorous in the Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL)--process initiated for the Tulatin River.
Investigator: Jennifer Nelson, grad student, Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences
This research will examine the role of phosphorous in the TMDL (Total Maximum Daily Loads) process initiated for the Tualatin River (Oregon) over the last twenty years. In response to algae problems within the river basin, a TMDL was written in respect of its desigtnated uses- consumption, recreation, fishing swimming, and aesthetics. However, the writers of the TMDL did not account for ongoing land uses in the area or future demands on the river. Although the enforcement of the TMDL in the area has expanded since, this study aims to determine whether the TMDL is on course for failure and what role its original destination has played in that.
Assessment of Total Soil Carbon Using Advanced Technologies
Investigators: Willie K. Dong, Ph.D., Nick G. Glumac, Ph.D.
Due to a lack of one reliable, consistent method for soil organic carbon (SOC) measurement, large-scale assessment of SOC requires validation from additional data. This study proposes to develop new methods and instrumentation--using advanced thechnology--for large-scale (SOC) analysis, which they are confident will play a critical role in providing the data necessary to validate current and future SOC models. SOC analysis is necessary to evaluate the efficacy of land use and management practices that sequester soil carbon and to verify the total SOC available as a tradable commodity in carbon exchange markets.
The Tambora Project: An Historical Case-Study in Abrupt Climate Change
Investigator: Gillen Wood, Ph.D. Journalism
Approaching the 200th anniversary of the massive 1815 eruption of Mt. Tambora, the Tambora Project reconstructs on a global scale the most destructive multi-year episode -- 1817 to 1817 -- of worldwide climate change in modern history. Components of the project include a highly sophisticated computer simulation of the eruption, an economic assessment of the damages incurred by the disaster on a current scale, an online digital visualization and interactive website, a video documentary, and a book.
Illini Carbon Registry
Faculty Leads: Anton Endress, Ph.D., and Wesley Jarrell, Ph.D.
IliniCarbon, a University of Illinois student-run carbon registry, was born out of a new university class -- NRES 199. The program aims to promote a culture of sustainability on campus and in the community by encouraging local investment in carbon-offsetting projects to reduce the University's carbon footprint. This year's projects include a sensor-based lighting system for public classrooms; a miniature, energy efficient computer (Thin Client PC); and a student-run farm that produces food for dining hall consumption.
Change in the Heartland - Climate, Environment, Energy and Food
Lead: Michelle Wander, Ph.D., Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences (NRES); Project Assistant: John Marlin, Jr. (NRES)
This publication explores 'key terms' and concepts utilized in describing environmental change. ECI and partner organizations will develop a primer by pairing key terms, such as 'Carbon Credits' or 'Sequestration,' with a representative collection of stories written by UIUC faculty and experts.
Student Organic Farm and Composting Projects
Leads: Wesley Jarrell, Ph.D., Todd Rusk, Ph.D.Illinois Sustainability Technology Center, Matt Luettdke
If you know the specifics of what or who you are looking for, please enter the word(s) into the "search" box. If you prefer to review the full list, please click on "browse."
If you would like to be included in this database or to make changes to your profile, please send your request to eci@illinois.edu and we will get back to you in short order.
The Environmental Change Institute (ECI) was established through a gift from the Alvin H. Baum Family Fund and matched with commitments from the Colleges of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences, Business and Law.
