Mission

The mission of the NRT program is to educate a new generation of environmental professionals who possess advanced data science skills, professional competencies, and the ability to apply these within a transdisciplinary framework. The aim is to address environmental sustainability challenges by equipping these professionals with the knowledge and tools to integrate data and insights from diverse disciplines and work collaboratively with various stakeholders to find effective solutions. 

Vision

The NRT envisions future environmental professionals (EPs) as global leaders in integrating knowledge from different disciplines to meet the challenges of sustaining and enhancing the quality of life across regions. This vision aims to develop and institutionalize a transformative graduate training model that educates a new generation of EPs to master data science skills, possess professional and communication skills, and apply these in a transdisciplinary framework to address environmental sustainability issues​.

Background

Coastal communities face unprecedented environmental challenges such as frequent floods, droughts, uncertain water availability, harmful algal blooms, and deteriorating air and water quality. These challenges are exacerbated by socio-environmental factors like rapid population growth, industrial development, urbanization, and climate change. Addressing these issues requires well-coordinated teamwork and a new perspective on student research and education across various disciplines, along with community engagement.

The NRT project aims to create a user-friendly decision-making and visualization framework that integrates hydrological, hydrogeological, topographical, climatic, physicochemical, land use/land cover, biological, and socio-economic data. This approach seeks to educate future EPs who can understand the dynamic relationships between natural, social, and engineering systems and transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Overview of Program Components

The NRT-HDR initiative focuses on three key areas essential for coastal sustainability: Coastal Hydrology & Flood Prevention (CHFP), Coastal Water Quality Sustainability (CWQS), and Coastal Air Quality Management (CAQM). CHFP aims to enhance understanding of water dynamics in coastal environments, including tides, waves, and precipitation, and to develop strategies such as levees and flood gates to mitigate flood risks. CWQS is dedicated to preserving coastal water health by monitoring pollution sources, improving water quality, and ensuring the long-term viability of marine and human activities. CAQM focuses on maintaining air quality in coastal regions through the monitoring of specific pollutants, creating regulations to limit emissions, and ensuring clean air for both residents and ecosystems.

3 Research Thrusts:

1. Coastal Hydrology & Flood Prevention (CHFP): Studies water movement in coastal areas and implements flood mitigation measures like levees and seawalls to manage flood risks effectively.

2. Coastal Water Quality Sustainability (CWQS): Focuses on monitoring pollution, developing strategies to enhance water quality, and ensuring the health of coastal waters for marine life and human use.

3. Coastal Air Quality Management (CAQM): Addresses air pollution in coastal regions by tracking pollutants, developing reduction strategies, and ensuring clean air for coastal communities and ecosystems.