Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems

🌿 Excited to share a new fascinating study on green stormwater infrastructure (GSI)! The research explores how soil moisture sensors improve the evaluation of GSI performance. This innovative approach provides crucial data to optimize water management and enhance urban resilience. 📖 Read the full open access article here: https://lnkd.in/eibKCpNt Title: Quantifying the Impact of Soil Moisture Sensor Measurements in Determining Green Stormwater Infrastructure Performance Authors: Matina Shakya, Ph.D., Amanda J. Hess, Bridget Wadzuk, and Robert Traver Journal: MDPI Sensors #StormwaterManagement #GreenInfrastructure #Sustainability #UrbanResilience

Check out this article about Jonathan Hubler's and my contributions to the Hurricane Helene and Milton reconnaissance trip. I am proud to represent Villanova University in this important research.

I am looking for new graduate students (PhD or MS) interested in monitoring and analysis of Green Stormwater Infrastructure and to be part of the Villanova Center for Resilient Water Systems! The project adds to a long-term monitoring program of a 24 year old rain garden and a 13 year old constructed stormwater wetland examining the water quality balance of these systems. Please send to anyone you think may be interested. #GSI #stormwater #Villanova #graduateschool

All gratitude to Allah! Excited to share our latest publication, "Spatiotemporal flood depth and velocity dynamics using a convolutional neural network within a sequential Deep-Learning framework" in Environmental Modelling & Software! This work is conducted under my supportive supervisor Virginia Smith, PhD Highlights • This paper compares a novel hydrodynamic DL framework to a physics-based model. • CNNs are integrated with LSTMs to capture the spatiotemporal dynamics of flood events. • The framework enables rapid and reliable generation of hydrodynamic parameters. • The approach generates water depth, velocity magnitude, and flow direction maps. Key words: Spatiotemporal flood dynamics, Rapid flood map simulations, CNN and LSTM, River inundation maps, Hybrid deep learning framework, Unsteady hydrodynamic modeling

⚠️ Check it out! A conversation with researchers, including our very own VCRWS professor, Virginia Smith, PhD, who share their career experiences... “This compilation features several researchers who share stories and insights about their careers in science, their current research topics, and guidance for students considering a career in science and research.” Villanova University College of Engineering https://lnkd.in/eMpNYQG7

📣 Check it out! New video about VCRWS research ... TOPIC: Stream Response to Development & Stormwater in Southeastern PA DETAILS: This video features research conducted through Villanova University with funding provided by Pennsylvania Sea Grant. The research includes physical, chemical, and biological monitoring at five carefully selected stream locations, in southeastern Pennsylvania, just outside of Philadelphia, which drain impaired, rehabilitated, and relatively pristine basins. Results of this study offer critical information-based guidance to Pennsylvania municipalities. Villanova University College of Engineering https://lnkd.in/eSntZqwu

Soil moisture sensors can be tricky, but they can also offer insights into the full range of conditions green stormwater infrastructure experience over wet and dry conditions as Matina Shakya, Ph.D. found in this paper: https://lnkd.in/ezfx_Svc As a follow up to that interesting work, we found it was necessary to better understand exactly what the output soil moisture sensors give, especially in the variable conditions that we see in #GSI. And with that we recently had a second paper published that I am happy to share: https://lnkd.in/eGqPTyXP

New journal article publication! 📖 Title: Spatiotemporal flood depth and velocity dynamics using a convolutional neural network within a sequential Deep-Learning framework. https://lnkd.in/exVJ-5T3 Published in the Journal of Environmental Modeling & Software by Mohamed Fathi Said, Zihan Liu, Anjali M. Fernandes, Michael T. Hren, Dennis O. Terry, C. Nataraj, and Virginia Smith, PhD.

I am thrilled to announce the publication of our paper, "Quantifying the Impact of Soil Moisture Sensor Measurements in Determining Green Stormwater Infrastructure Performance", in Sensors (MDPI). This work explores the crucial role of soil moisture sensors in assessing and enhancing the performance of green stormwater infrastructure (GSI). Our study highlights how soil-specific calibrations of moisture sensors can reduce measurement uncertainties, providing more reliable data for GSI design and maintenance. By leveraging advanced calibration techniques, we demonstrated improved recovery time predictions for GSI systems, vital in managing urban stormwater and mitigating flood risks. Thank you to my co-authors, Drs. Amanda J. Hess, Bridget Wadzuk, and Robert Traver, for their guidance and contributions to this research. I hope this work sparks meaningful discussions about improving sustainability in urban hydrology. Read the full article here: https://lnkd.in/dfxkFSDa #Research #SoilMoisture #GreenInfrastructure #StormwaterManagement #SustainableDevelopment

As our fall semester wraps up, we wish the entire Villanova Engineering community a wonderful holiday season. See you in 2025! https://lnkd.in/eX7iVrZ9