Labs Within Social Ecology
Just Energy Transformation Lab
Dr. Dominic J. Bednar (dbednar@uci.edu)
At the Just Energy Transformation Lab, we examine, interrogate, and incorporate transformative approaches to problem and policy recognition alongside innovative community and policy responses. Our lab aims to produce research that equitably transforms our cities and moves us towards more integrated and engaged energy, educational, and community-health solutions. Our lab is guided by the research question: how can we equitably transform our cities’ infrastructure and examine the evolving impact due to climate change towards more integrated and engaged energy, education, and community-health solutions?
Rendon Urban Research Lab
Dr. María G. Rendón (mgrendon@uci.edu)
Scholars debate the extent to which the Mexican-origin group has successfully integrated into the United States. Some suggest they have experienced “delayed assimilation” while others suggest “generations of racial exclusion.” This study engages this debate calling attention to the complex and non-linear integration process of Mexican-Americans, as well as, their racialization in the United States. Assimilation theory failed to capture the integration process of Mexicans Americans whose migratory flow is the longest lasting in the world. The Mexican case encompasses various and distinct immigration cohorts that have experienced voluntary and non-voluntary return migration, and re-immigration – factors missing when taking only an intergenerational approach. This study draws on archival research, oral histories and historical-GIS mapping to examine how immigrant cohorts and neighborhoods shaped the integration and exclusion of this group. It focuses on a case study of a Mexican village (in San Luis Potosi, Mexico) that experienced migration to southern California, specifically the Long Beach area, since the early 1900s. The study follows migratory cohorts of families across generations to understand how the time of arrival, racialization and segregation practices, as well as acculturation, shaped divergent patterns of integration for Mexican Americans.
Labs Outside of Social Ecology
Adam Martiny Lab
Dr. Adam Martiny (amartiny@uci.edu)
Our lab studies the highly diverse microbial community living in the ocean. We are interested in quantifying how global human-induced environmental changes affect microbial diversity and ecosystem functions. Marine microorganisms are also the engines that drive the cycles of carbon, nutrients, and oxygen in the ocean. Therefore, we are keen on learning how shifts in microbial communities will affect CO2 uptake or whether the ocean will lose oxygen. We believe that microbes are important for understanding and moderating the global impact of human activities.
The Allison Lab
Dr. Steven Allison (allisons@uci.edu)
The Allison Lab studies the implications of climate and environmental change for ecosystems around the globe. At scales from genomes to the entire planet, we combine experiments and models to analyze the diversity, functioning, and evolution of microbial life. Using a transdisciplinary approach, we apply this insight to improve predictions of carbon cycling and climate feedbacks. Principles of safety, equity, transparency, and open-mindedness guide our research culture and provide a supportive environment for individuals from diverse backgrounds. We embrace team-based thinking that engages multiple perspectives and prioritizes social justice in solving environmental problems. Through training and mentoring, we strive to learn from one another while elevating the collective impact of our research.
Biosphere-Atmosphere-Human Interactions Research Group
Dr. Saewung Kim (saewung.kim@uci.edu)
We explore the minor composition of atmospheric gases
- to understand the current status of the air we breathe
- to examine the human impacts on the natural atmosphere
- to predict future changes from human impacts
Bruckner Lab
Dr. Tim Bruckner (brucknet@uci.edu)
I examine how population health responds to ambient changes in the environment. A sampling of ambient changes that interest me include economic downturns, extreme cold, the terrorist attacks of 9/11, the introduction of a casino, and new mental health policies. I typically focus my inquiries on pregnant women and persons with mental disorder, as these two populations appear sensitive to unexpected changes in the environment. I intend for my work to inform basic science, social determinants of health, and health.
Climate, Health, Aerosols, Radiation, Microphysics, Energy, and Datanalysis (CHARMED) Group
Dr. Charlie Zender (zender@uci.edu)
Earth System Science: Dr. Zender's recent climate research focuses on aerosol-climate interactions. He works to understand and predict wind erosion (including soil loss); mineral and nutrient re-distribution by dust; chemical, radiative, and health effects of dust; and the fundamental physics of natural aerosol mobilization, dispersal, and deposition; and snowpack, a sensitive and efficacious modulator of Earth's climate. Others consider him a modeler, though he can swear like an observationalist. He wants to participate in field experiments. Invite him and see.
Computer Science: Dr. Zender's recent computer science research focuses on efficient analysis of gridded datasets with storage-layer constraints. Mainly he works to accelerate and simplify analysis of this type of self-describing geoscience data in order to further climate research. Increasingly, ensembles of geoscience datasets are analyzed and intercompared with observations. Our group is pioneering a new paradigm called Group-Oriented Data Analysis and Distribution (GODAD) that facilitates such analysis. GODAD lets the scientific question organize the data, not the ad hoc granularity of all relevant datasets.
Ocean and Climate Dynamics @UCI
Dr. Henri F. Drake (hfdrake@uci.edu)
We study the geophysical fluid dynamics of the ocean and their role in the coupled dynamics of the Earth system. Our research questions are first and foremost driven by curiosity but are generally motivated by the challenge of mitigating and adapting to human-caused climate changes on decadal to centennial timescales. Our methods include hierarchies of ocean and climate models, ranging from pen-and-paper mathematical solutions to comprehensive Earth system model simulations run on the world’s biggest supercomputers. We train students and post-graduates to become independent researchers, collaborative scholars, and leaders at the frontier of ocean and climate science, preparing them for future careers in academia, public service, and private industry.
Research for Equitable Mobility Infrastructure Across Disciplines (REMIX) group
Dr. Elisa Borowski (borowski@uci.edu)
We advance research methodologies to repair past harms and advance mobility justice in Black communities and other communities of color. We work with front line communities to co-design solutions for improved access to sustainable transportation, green space, renewable energy, and other essential resources for addressing the climate crisis. We develop innovative solutions for improving accessing to healthcare and embedding principles of well-being and collective care into our transportation designs.
RISE (Race, Immigration, & Social/Health Equity) Lab
Dr. Alein Y. Haro-Ramos (ayharo@uci.edu)
The RISE Lab at UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health is dedicated to understanding and addressing health disparities among minoritized and immigrant communities. Our research focuses on the structural, social, and policy factors that shape health outcomes, with an emphasis on health equity.
Voices for Community Health Equity and New Systems and System Changes (VoiCES) Lab
Dr. Alana LeBron (alebron@uci.edu)
Our lab focuses on health equity and health justice projects and uses mixed methods research and a Community-Based Participatory Research (CPBR) approach. Through the lab, students participate in immersive public health research experience, engaging directly with faculty, research staff, community health organizations, and study participants.
Our research lab leverages qualitative research methods and mixed methods to uncover and communicate the stories and lessons from our work with underserved communities. Through qualitative research, we amplify voices and highlight the complexities of lived experiences, fostering greater empathy and understanding. By closely examining the narratives, experiences, and insights of individuals within these communities, we can gain a deeper understanding of their challenges and triumphs.
Water, Plants, and People Lab
Dr. Angela J. Rigden (arigden@uci.edu)
The Rigden Group uses multi-scale data and models to understand how changes to our water cycle affect ecosystems and society.
Anthropogenic climate change is anticipated to alter Earth’s hydrologic cycle through changes in rainfall, evapotranspiration, and runoff processes. These shifts in hydrology will have serious implications for plants and society by affecting food production and plant-mediated processes, such as wildfires. Our research aims to alleviate damages from our changing hydrologic cycle by facilitating effective adaptation and coping strategies.