Research

Researchers in HuRRI conduct projects in mitigation, assessment, prediction, protection, and recovery.

High Water Map
Researchers in HuRRI have developed a new model for high resolution mapping of flooded areas in Houston during Harvey using elevation information generated with Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and recorded High Water Marks (HWMs)
Sandbags
Researchers Will Spend Five Years Focusing on Post-Harvey Recovery, Public Policie
UH hat in Galveston sand
Following Hurricane Harvey's colossal rainfall, Prof. Will Sager and team delve into Galveston Bay, employing surveys and sediment samples to unravel sedimentation patterns, offering insights crucial for coastal resilience planning.
Floodwater
UH Researchers collect data on the chemical pollution and microbiological contamination in Houston waterways post-Harvey
Rifai project image
In the face of environmental threats, Dr. Rifai's group navigates the perilous intersection of hydrodynamics, infrastructure failure, and pollution, unveiling a world where industrial mishaps threaten communities and ecosystems.
sandy beach
With a $675,000 NASA grant, a collaboration between the University of Houston and UC Irvine pioneers advanced methods to assess sandy beach and dune flood risks.
Flooding water
In the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, Professor Hyongki Lee leads a transformative flood forecasting project, aiming to integrate cloud-free inundation extents with existing models, enhancing the nation's preparedness for future floods.
Flooding in Houston park
Led by Dr. Lola Adepoju, the University of Houston pioneers a $1.5 million project, developing a community-centric climate and health dashboard to address mental health impacts in Houston's vulnerable neighborhoods during natural disasters.
flooding
Drs. Renée Cross and Mark P. Jones lead a Houston voter sentiment survey, revealing diverse concerns across ethnic groups. The research promises to guide policymakers in addressing pressing city needs.
covid map
Researchers at Harris County Resilience and Infrastructure (HuRRI) develop a tool to proactively assess COVID-19 risk and vulnerability in communities, aiding policymakers in targeted resource allocation for effective response.
woman walking in water
Dr. Robert D. Bullard at Texas Southern University spearheads research addressing health disparities in disaster response and climate change impact, challenging systemic racism and advocating for equitable resource distribution.
Sediment map
University of Houston researchers, Andrew Stearns and Julia Wellner, unravel sediment dynamics post-Hurricane Harvey, revealing human modifications' impact on sediment movement, providing crucial insights for urban flood management strategies.