The Office of Undergraduate Research and the Office of the Vice President for Research recognize outstanding accomplishments in scholarly investigation, artistic creation, or performance by an undergraduate student. Nina has been awarded the EURA for her research in the LOQATE lab. Her work uses hyperspectral imaging to monitor landscape-level patterns of tree health. She currently examines Bur oak spectral responses to heat and high CO₂ to detect stress before it becomes visible.

Through this fellowship, Sam will develop a digital storytelling framework using an ArcGIS Story Map to communicate complex satellite remote sensing and machine learning methodologies and their outputs to stakeholders (e.g., water quality managers, local water boards). Sam hopes that through deliberate, practical translation of complex material, we can improve understanding of current technologies, enabling faster decision-making to protect Iowans.

Beverly will continue the work she started in the spring during the group collaborative fellowship, focusing on the water quality of the Okobojis. We are excited to keep her on and dig more into this research!