Finishing Fellowship- Spring 2025- Jessica LaReaux

As a PhD candidate in civil engineering, my research focuses on water resources engineering, with an emphasis on urban green space and rainfall flood risk equity. My work addresses critical challenges in the Great Lakes region, including the impacts of urban flooding and the role of green infrastructure in promoting urban sustainability and resilience. To assess urban green space and rainfall flood risk, I used high-resolution topography and land cover data, geospatial analysis methods, and socioeconomic datasets to develop comprehensive urban green space and flood risk equity maps. By identifying spatial patterns of flood vulnerability and green space distribution, my research highlights areas where targeted interventions can have the most significant impact. This approach aims to reduce inequalities, build community resilience, and enhance urban health and well-being—especially as extreme weather events become more frequent. These projects deepened my understanding of geospatial and hydrological systems while fostering an awareness of how environmental challenges intersect with social equity.