UR researchers work to mitigate climate-related issues

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- University of Richmond (UR) faculty and student researchers are working to mitigate flooding and heat concerns.

Faculty and student researchers in the Department of Geography, Environment and Sustainability are supporting two community projects to alleviate flooding and other climate-related issues, according to a release shared by the university.

The university partnered with a local nonprofit organization, Southside ReLeaf, on "Go with the Flow," a stormwater mapping community science initiative, which invites the public to provide real-time data in the city during rainfall.

“This is a hands-on learning opportunity for our students that also directly benefits the city we call home,” said Stephanie Spera, UR professor. “With the help of community members across Richmond, we’re building a data-driven model that can help mitigate stormwater flooding and guide investments in resilience infrastructure.”

UR geography, environment and sustainability professors Spera and Todd Lookingbill, along with their undergraduate students, are using data collected from surveys to create a flood risk model for the City of Richmond. This aims to show why flooding happens and where green infrastructure could have a big impact, per the university.

The survey, which can be accessed by clicking here, captures the date, time and location of rainfall and whether flooding occurred.

“Knowing where it doesn’t flood is just as important as knowing where it does,” Spera said. “Each report helps strengthen the accuracy of our model.”

According to the university, the research team has also been working on a project about bus shelters around the city with RVA Rapid Transit. It highlights ways to mitigate heat, provide shade and shelter from rain.

The students reportedly first rode the bus to see the different shelter types and installed temperature sensors at 40 Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC) bus shelters in the area. The team will collaborate with Lookingbill and Spera for their annual report, per the university.

“Accessible shelter at bus stops is vital for rider safety and comfort,” said Lina Webb Khatcheressian, a rising UR sophomore. “Specifically, we are looking at how trees and different types of shelter structures mitigate or exacerbate extreme heat.”