Prof. Runzi Wang

As a transdisciplinary landscape researcher and designer, I study changes in urban and agricultural watersheds across space and time, with the goal to drive positive change with environmental planning and landscape design strategies. Combining technologies such as machine learning, remote sensing, and GIS with social science methods, my research focus on how the interplay of climate change, watershed development, and socioeconomic factors influence surface water quality and the associated ecosystem service.  I categorize my research into three primary topics: (1) I use big data and machine learning to create large-scale (regional or continental scales) water quality models; (2) I explore effective green stormwater infrastructure design to address urban runoff and pollution; (3) I study the interactive effects of urban development, agricultural practices, and climate change on water ecosystem services (e.g., fish communities, harmful algae blooms)