Turning Western New York into a Climate Laboratory

This summer, Western New York transformed into a living laboratory as undergraduates from the University at Buffalo and across the nation tackled pressing climate change challenges. Over the course of 10 weeks, a dedicated group of 15 students collaborated with UB researchers, zeroing in on the complex climate hazards affecting the Great Lakes region.

"The students delivered remarkable research quality in just a matter of weeks, showcasing their capabilities and the first-rate mentoring they received," stated Sophie Nowicki, Empire Innovation Professor of Earth Sciences and director of the Center for Geological and Climate Hazards, the program's host.

Intriguing Discoveries Around Lake Erie

With Lake Erie’s dwindling ice cover known to amplify snowstorms, including the infamous 2022 Buffalo blizzard, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University student Camryn Nelson meticulously examined the ice’s location and thickness during these snow events.

Meanwhile, Grace Maxson, a UB environmental geosciences major, analyzed sediment from Red Pond—a kettle lake formed by retreating glaciers—before and after the Younger Dryas, a sudden cooling event around 12,000 years ago. Her findings promise vital insights on modern climate change impacts.

Baylor University student Emily DeMieri took on shoreline erosion by digitizing a century's worth of topographic maps into geographic information system software. Conducting an in-depth study at Sturgeon Point, she discovered notable erosion in the marina’s shale cliffs versus its glacially-formed slopes.

Connecting Local and Global Research Efforts

While the focus on local climate hazards was paramount, other projects held global significance. UB student Ben Raimondo participated in the Ice Sheet Model Intercomparison Project, co-chaired by Nowicki, where he dove into the mistrust among ice sheet loss models, particularly concerning Greenland. His findings could ultimately impact coastal communities far and wide, including those in New York.

In a different vein, University at Albany student Sage Keidel tracked global dust storms using social media geotagged data to map these events. Her work included utilizing AI to verify the nature of these phenomena, reinforcing her skills in research and collaboration.

Empowering Future Scientists

Throughout the program, students not only honed their research skills but were also trained on presentation techniques, prepping them for scientific conferences. Raimondo has already submitted his work to the upcoming 2025 American Geophysical Union meeting.

This summer initiative not only fostered knowledge sharing among local and non-local students but also forged lifelong friendships and professional connections.

The Bigger Picture Perspective

As rising sea levels pose threats to coastal communities worldwide, students' research in Western New York remains crucial. The collaboration between different institutions, supported by the National Science Foundation and the SUNY Chancellor’s Summer Research Excellence Fund, will continue for two more years, amplifying efforts in understanding and combating climate change.