Climate Resilience Academy ushers in new era of research, solutions
The University of Miami will launch a new Climate Resilience Academy, a functional research and coordinating hub supporting the University’s academic units and pursuing an interdisciplinary approach that links with private and public partners to solve impacts of climate change and other complex global issues. Learn more
Research at RSMAS
The University of Miami's Marine Technology & Life Sciences Seawater Complex will open at the Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science soon. The new complex will provide research and teaching laboratories in two critical areas: air-sea interactions and biology of living marine organisms, including a wind-wave-storm surge simulator capable of generating Category 5 hurricane-force winds in a three-dimensional test environment, a state of the art tool, unique in the World.
Surge Structure Atmosphere Interaction(SUSTAIN) Facility has the capability to test three-dimensional coupled wind-waves and surge and their combined impacts on structures in conditions as extreme as a land-falling Category 5 hurricane. The laboratory exists as a unique resource for fundamental studies on air-sea interactions, wave dynamics, and boundary layer turbulence while providing an experimental test-bed for model development. Learn More
The Climate Modeling Research Group The Climate Studies Group at the UM Rosenstiel School involve faculty members from all six Rosenstiel School divisions (Applied Marine Physics, Marine and Atmospheric Chemistry, Marine Affairs and Policy, Marine Biology and Fisheries, Marine Geology and Geophysics, Meteorology and Physical Oceanography). Research and course work are designed to address fundamental questions about the Earth’s climate and its impacts on society using a broad range of approaches.Learn more
The Coral Reef Futures Lab - Rescue a Reef A major research theme is the complex and dynamic relationship between corals and their algal symbionts (“zooxanthellae” in the genus Symbiodinium), to better understand how corals might adapt to both warming ocean temperatures and increased ocean acidification in the coming decades. The University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School's coral conservation program is designed to build community and coastal resilience through coral reef research, restoration, and citizen science. Learn more
Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy The mission of the Leonard and Jayne Abess Center for Ecosystem Science and Policy is to create innovative, interdisciplinary initiatives that bridge the gap between science and environmental policy. Learn more
Climate Risks and Preparedness Climate change poses complex risks for people and nature. We study interacting hazards including extreme heat, wildfires, sea level rise, and flooding. Through innovative approaches to integrating evidence, we inform effective and equitable responses to the risks. Learn more
Ocean Acidification Coral Laboratory The South Florida Corals and Climate Change Laboratory is the first of it’s kind to tackle the global problem of the impact of climate change on corals. Fully operational in 2007, the lab facilitates the study on how corals respond to the combined stress of greenhouse warming and ocean acidification. Learn more
Experimental Fish Hatchery The Experimental Hatchery includes a number of culture areas which give the facility the capability of concurrently supporting a wide variety of diverse research projects. In addition to extensive support infrastructure, the facility provides the following distinct culture areas. Learn more
U LINK - University of Miami Laboratory for Integrative Knowledge
The world’s most compelling and difficult problems are complex. Addressing the challenges of climate change, for example, requires thinking about weather patterns, relationship of disease and environment/diet, coastal architecture, energy use, city planning, human communication, the role of truth in media, international relations, big data and many other fields. U-LINK seeks applications from interdisciplinary teams that may combine researchers from across UM’s three campuses. Learn more
“We encourage proposals that tackle problems aligning with the University’s strategic plan, such as addressing environmental challenges, engineering smart/connected cities, promoting health and wellness, cultivating a culture of belonging, and applying the potential of big data to global issues.” U Link
RESEARCH PROGRAMS:
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE:
Coastal Resilience Changing climate patterns are impacting communities in coastal regions across the globe due to rising sea levels and increasing temperatures. Architects and urban designers play a central role in developing robust adaptation strategies by addressing climate stressors in their designs. Research, innovation, and community outreach are central and connected aspects of building coastal resiliency. Learn more
The Center for Urban and Community Design is part of the UM School of Architecture and fosters a collaborative interdisciplinary approach that supports the people, places and processes essential for creating and sustaining family oriented and environmentally responsible communities as near as West Coconut Grove and as far as Mexico. The CUCD promotes a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach that supports creation, preservation and retro-fitting of resilient / sustainable communities and buildings by integrating research, teaching and service, encouraging inter-disciplinary thought and action in the areas of resiliency, sustainable design and development, historic preservation and civic engagement. Learn more
Smart Cities - U-School of Architecture and the Center for Computational Science are collaborating on their newest focus area, designed to create services and training involving Smart Cities concepts. A ‘smart’ city is one that uses digital technologies to address and manage Well Being (Healthcare)/Quality of Life/Ageing; Operating Costs (Infrastructure); Resource Allocation and Consumption; Citizen Participation and Governance; Education; Transportation and Development; Information and Communication Technologies Growth and Access; Natural Resources and Climate Change (Energy Governance); Human and Social Capital; Public Safety. Learn more
COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
Research Institutes: The Clean Energy Research Institute at the College of Engineering, University of Miami, led by Hongtan Liu, Ph.D., professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering, focuses on issues of clean energy sources. The Clean Energy Research Institute houses the Dorgan Fuel Cell Laboratory. The lab focuses on fuel cell and other clean energy technologies. Learn more
Civil, Architectural and Enviromental Engineering Labs
Advanced Cement Chemistry, Engineering, Sustainability, and Science (ACCESS) Lab, MEB 105, P. Suraneni
Institute for Data Science and Computing The University of Miami Institute for Data Science and Computing (IDSC) harnesses data to advance scientific discovery in the following areas: Atmosphere, Ocean, and Earth Science, Urban Lab and Smart Cities...Learn more
The Future of Flight – College of Engineering With technology developed at the University of Miami, aerospace engineer Ge Cheng Zha hopes to usher in a new era of urban air transportation. “It is important that we develop green aviation for the future because our highway infrastructure just won’t be able to keep pace with population growth,” Dr. Zha.Learn more
MIAMI LAW SCHOOL
HOPE Public Interest Resource Center The starting point for law students committed to advocacy and service is the HOPE Public Interest Resource Center. HOPE (Helping Others Through Pro Bono Efforts), founded in 1998, provides individualized guidance to help students identify programs, clinics, projects, courses, and opportunities at the law school and beyond. Learn more
Environmental Justice Clinic The Environmental Justice Clinic (EJC) advocates for and empowers marginalized communities by combining civil rights, environmental, poverty, and public health law with community lawyering principles. We address practices stemming from systemic inequality and promote policy solutions to achieve structural change. Learn more
Center for Ethics and Public Service Founded in 1996, the Center for Ethics and Public Service is a law school- housed ethics education, experiential skills training, and community engagement program devoted to the values of ethical judgment, professional responsibility, and public service inlaw and society. The Center’s mission is to educate law students to serve their communities as citizen lawyers. Learn more
OFFICE OF CIVIC AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Miami Affordability Project (MAP) Access to housing that is affordable for a wide range of residents is crucial for attracting and retaining a talented workforce and promoting regional economic growth.Simultaneously, Miami is in the grips of ever-increasing sea level rise and related flooding impacts, with the Southeast Florida Regional Climate Change Compact projecting an additional six inches of sea level rise.Learn more
Miami Engagement (School of Education & Human Development) The course involves a significant service learning placement whereby students work with community agencies on projects that utilize media, history or community psychology skills learned in class as applied to some a specific Miami neighborhood or community organization.Learn more
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCE
Department of Geography and Regional Studies The Department of Geography and Regional Studies is an innovative global center for geographical and sustainability research. We conduct policy-relevant research to help improve global human well-being by advancing the Sustainable Development Goals that were approved by the United Nations in 2015. Learn more
Geography and Inequalities Lab Interdisciplinary faculty and students in the Geography and Inequalities Lab (abbreviated as GaIL) are passionate about advancing the understanding of health inequities, seeking and contributing to solutions. Our methodological toolbox is by necessity diverse, combining qualitative stakeholder engagement methods with quantitative outcome-based oriented approaches for developing evidence-based, scientifically sound, context specific and culturally responsive research made spatially explicit through geospatial analysis. Learn more
Urban Studies Historically, cities have functioned as the cradle of civilization. Modern politics, economies, and cultures, are all shaped in urban environments. In today’s world, the majority of people live in cities and their importance continues to grow. But cities also present us with great challenges such as sustainable growth, governance, and civil relations. Learn more
MILLER SCHOOL OF MEDICINE DPT OF PUBLIC HEALTH SCIENCES
Built Environment, Behavior, and Health Dr. Scott Brown, Research Assistant Professor, collaborates with an interdisciplinary team of researchers at the University of Miami Schools of Medicine and Architecture on numerous studies including a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-funded research investigation of the relationship of built (physical) environment “walkability” characteristics such as land-use mix, greenery, and transit in relation to obesity and related chronic health outcomes and health care costs.Learn more
2019 Special Report on Climate Change Highlights UM Research
Debuting in advance of Earth Day, the University of Miami’s Climate Change Special Report, developed by University Communications, features more than 40 articles on science and research; dozens of interviews with UM faculty, alumni, and students; and social and interactive engagement with polls, graphics, and an opportunity for you to write your own haiku to the environment. Visit climate.miami.edu to get the full report.
