Sensor Synthesis at the Edge: Scalable Environmental Insights from Real-time Data 

PI: Matthew Helmus (Temple University)

Co-PIs: Mostafa Javadian (Northern Arizona University), Priyanka deSouza (University of Colorado Denver)

Understanding environmental changes such as the spread of invasive species, shifts in seasonal patterns, and worsening air pollution, requires new ways to gather and analyze information quickly. Today, cutting-edge tools like smart sensors and artificial intelligence are making it possible to track these changes in real time. This project will bring together scientists who study the environment with experts in data and computing to find the best ways to combine different kinds of information from across the country. We will focus on three real-world problems that affect people and nature: the spread of the Spotted Lanternfly, an invasive insect threatening farms and forests; how wildfires and other disturbances affect bird life and plant seasons; and how pollution levels vary across states and impact environmental and public health. To study these challenges, we will use the growing network of smart sensor continuous data-streaming stations placed across the U.S. These stations can detect insects, sounds, temperature, weather, and pollution in real time—and make decisions right where the data are collected. Our group will meet three times to develop tools, share knowledge, and design new ways to use these technologies. To build community outreach, we will host webinars and a virtual hackathon to involve computer science students and outside collaborators. All results, tools, and findings will be made freely available online to help scientists and the public make decisions based on real-time environmental insight. This project will help shape the future of how we monitor, understand, and respond as a nation to environmental change.