Natural Disasters

News about UB’s research and advocacy in extreme events and disaster response. (see all topics)

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As wildfires intensify, UB researchers test if AI can improve fire spread prediction
3/11/26
Evaluation of deep learning tools underscores strengths, limitations and opportunities for next‑generation hybrid modeling.
Andrew Whittaker elected to National Academy of Engineering
2/23/26
An earthquake engineer, Whittaker’s work has made ‘countless communities and structures safer and more resilient.’
UB scientists selected for NASA satellite mission to map Earth’s ice sheets and ecosystems
2/10/26
First-of-its-kind satellite system will use lasers to make high-resolution observations.
UB-RIT-Wendel team wins national home design competition
11/5/25
‘California Rebuilds’ invited architects to showcase the power of passive house design in creating sustainable, fire-resilient communities.
Study links climate anxiety to social media use
10/30/25
Climate doom, the belief that climate change will cause societal breakdowns, predicts support for radical actions, according to study.
Ryan Zhenqi Zhou receives national scholarship for geography research
9/19/25
The PhD candidate applies geospatial data science and AI to address natural disasters, public health challenges and more.
Study: Experimental bird flu vaccine excels in animal models
4/17/25
Vaccine platform, proven effective for COVID-19, could be key in responding to evolving bird flu strains.
Media Advisory: Earthquake simulations to test masonry buildings common in NYC, nationwide
6/4/24
There are more than 800,000 masontry buildings in New York State, and the test results will help officials improve building codes.
UB-led team awarded $750,000 NSF grant to study wildfire inequities
2/28/24
Project addresses emergency management disparities between wealthy, low-income groups.
AI-enhanced indoor farming takes root at the University at Buffalo
2/20/24
Project uses AI to monitor plant health and fine-tune LED lighting systems; could help with food insecurity and sustainability issues.