University of the Pacific has secured nearly $600,000 in funding from the National Science Foundation for two research projects— watershed climate research and regional innovation development—which will provide hands-on learning opportunities for students while generating new insights on environmental and economic issues.

Understanding climate impacts on watersheds

A nearly $180,000 grant will fund a study led by Professor of Geology Laura Rademacher to look at how underground water affects the flow of streams during extreme weather, such as long dry periods or heavy snowfall, to understand how different landscapes respond to climate extremes.

“This new project is exciting not only because of the innovative science that will lead to a better understanding of streamflow in mountain watersheds that supply agriculture and large urban centers, but also because of the opportunities it will provide to Pacific students. Our students will be involved in field work, data analysis, and integration throughout the project,” said Rademacher. “These opportunities for undergraduate research are often transformative for students, as they have the opportunity to “try on” real world science, participate in collaborations across disciplines and institutions, and develop new insights into the way our world is changing.”

The team will gather data from the field, including where the water in streams is coming from and how old it is. The information will be used in a model that connects what happens above ground with what’s going on underground.

“Dr. Rademacher’s expertise in environmental science and sustainability, along with her deep commitment to community engagement, is truly inspiring,” said Assistant Provost for Research, Innovation and Sponsored Programs Mehdi Khazaeli. “She is a leader in building awareness around climate, air quality and biodiversity.”

Rademacher is collaborating with two other researchers on the project: Sara Warix, assistant professor at the University of Utah and Lijing Wang, assistant professor with University of Connecticut.

The research will take place at Sagehen Experimental Forest near Truckee, California. The site has been monitored as part of various research projects for decades, making it an ideal location to compare previous samples with current findings.

Rademacher conducted research exploring how the climate impacts mountain groundwater systems and the ecosystems they support at the same site in 2022.

Rademacher will mentor Pacific undergraduates and co-mentor graduate students as part of the project, who will get hands-on experience collecting samples and running experiments.

"Dr. Rademacher exemplifies the teacher-scholar model,” said Gretchen Edwalds-Gilbert, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "Her grant will expand opportunities for undergraduate research engagement, providing critical support for fieldwork and professional development while advancing our understanding of climate change impacts in the region.”

Crafting real-world connections

Director of the Center for Business and Policy Research Thomas Pogue has secured a $400,000 grant that will support the North San Joaquin Valley Regional Innovation Translation Ecosystem project. The research will strengthen innovation and economic opportunity in the region, addressing societal needs in the manufacturing and clean energy space.

Through asset mapping, partnerships with industry, capacity building and community engagement, Pacific will create an ecosystem that translates research and ideas into real-world solutions while expanding opportunities for students, faculty and local businesses.

“Securing this grant is an exciting opportunity as it not only helps strengthen regional innovation but also provides our students with hands-on opportunities to apply their learning in real-world settings, preparing them to be leaders and building businesses in the region with better jobs,” Pogue said.

Pogue, the principal investigator for the grant, worked with Edwalds-Gilbert and Khazaeli, who are both co-principal investigators.

"Dr. Pogue plays a key role in shaping policy perspectives in the San Joaquin Valley,” said Edwalds-Gilbert. “The grant will enable Pacific to drive technological progress while providing students with transformative research and experiential learning opportunities.”

The grant will help position the San Joaquin Valley as a state and national innovation hub, with the end goal to drive economic growth across the region.