The University of Louisiana at Lafayette has joined the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center as a full consortium member, strengthening its role in collaborative research on climate-related challenges in that region of the United States.
The South Central CASC is part of a national network supported by the U.S. Geological Survey. The network brings together universities, federal scientists, natural resource managers, communities and other partners to develop science that decision-makers can use to understand and respond to a changing climate.
"It's clear the University of Louisiana brings deep expertise and a strong commitment to partnership," said Kris Metzger, acting regional administrator, South Central CASC/USGS, "making them an incredible addition to our consortium. We're thrilled to welcome them to the South Central CASC."
Membership gives UL Lafayette faculty members and students new opportunities to collaborate with researchers across the CASC network and with USGS scientists on issues relevant to Louisiana and the Gulf Coast.
"Joining the South Central CASC as a consortium member provides an important new platform for connecting the University's research strengths with decision-makers across our region," said the Ray P. Authement College of Sciences’ Dr. Emad Habib, a professor in its Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering who directs the University’s Institute for Coastal and Water Research.
"It gives our faculty and students opportunities not only to participate in collaborative research, but also to help shape research questions around some of the most pressing environmental and climate challenges facing Louisiana and the South Central region," he added.
Habib serves as UL Lafayette's site lead for the consortium. The College of Sciences’ Dr. Nic Kooyers an associate professor in its School of Biological Sciences, and the College of Education and Human Development’s Dr. Heather Stone, an associate professor in its Department of Educational Curriculum and Instruction, are co-principal investigators.
South Central CASC and USGS leaders recently visited campus learn more about the breadth of research at the University and to CASC priorities and opportunities for engagement.
UL Lafayette recently hosted South Central CASC and USGS leaders for a daylong campus visit to highlight research initiatives and infrastructure and CASC priorities and opportunities for engagement.
"We're excited to add the University of Louisiana Lafayette to our CASC," said Renee McPherson, South Central CASC consortium director. "On our visit to UL, we saw the depth and breadth of their research team. We know UL's contributions over the next five years will bring needed science to decision makers in Louisiana and across our region."
Photo caption: UL Lafayette has joined the South Central Climate Adaptation Science Center as a full consortium member, strengthening its role in collaborative research on climate-related challenges in that region of the United States. Submitted photo