Research Groups
Individuals
Dr. Clarke is the author of the SLEUTH land use change model and has overseen a large number of applications and led adaptations and improvements of the model. The model is increasingly used in sustainability planning, in Iran, Turkey, India, Brazil, China, and elsewhere. The model is open source and supported via online discussion forums.
National Center for Geographic Information and Analysis
Dr. Goulias’ research interests include sustainable and green transportation, as well as human-environment relations. His models and simulations track fuel consumption and pollutants emitted (greenhouse emissions). He has also studied non-motorized transportation, hybrid-electric vehicles, and air pollution control program evaluation.
Prof. Hayton works with his research group on projects involving the synthesis and characterization of new inorganic and organometallic molecules and nanomaterials. These new materials are needed for a diverse variety of applications, including catalysis, energy science, sustainability, and nuclear waste clean-up.
Dr. Lopez-Carr’s research interests include land use, deforestation, rural poverty, and health. He recently conducted a project to try to understand what was causing rapid land change and urban transition in Ghana. Dr. Lopez-Carr analyzed population and health surveys conducted in the region as part of the project. He has additionally researched agricultural intensification in Guatemala and implications for food security in Latin America.
Professor McFadden studies how changes in land cover and land use modify the two-way flows of water, energy, and carbon between ecosystems and the atmosphere. His current work is focused on understanding and modeling these processes in cities and suburbs, with the aim of using that knowledge to inform sustainable urban design and planning.
Dr. Roberts’ research interests include urban ecology and energy balance. He has studied sustainable land use through investigating the impacts of deforestation and pasture degradation and has mapped methane emissions across landscapes. His primary research tool is remote sensing.
Southern California Wildfire Hazard Center
Dr. Sweeney’s research interests include applied statistics and spatial analysis, research methodology, demography, economic geography, and development studies. He recently conducted a study that looked at maize, one of the most economically and culturally important crops produced in Mexico. Dr. Sweeney discovered that changes in the production of this crop, caused by increased market integration and changes in irrigated land use, can impact consumption, livelihood, and food security.
Institute for Social, Behavioral, and Economic Research