UROP Project

water yield, machine learning, climate change, forested watershed
Research Mentor: fh23b@fsu.edu Fahad Hasan,
Department, College, Affiliation: Florida state university, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: fh23b@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor):
Research Assistant Supervisor Email:
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 2
Relevant Majors: Open to all majors
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 10,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: Not participating in the Roundtable

Project Description

Introduction:
This project aims to evaluate the potential impacts of climate change on water yield in a forested watershed using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT). Forested watersheds are critical for water resource management, and understanding how climate change could alter water availability is essential for future planning and adaptation.

Objectives:
1. Assess changes in water yield and streamflow under various climate scenarios.
2. Identify key climatic factors influencing water quantity.
3. Provide management recommendations for mitigating climate change impacts.
Study Area and Data Collection:
A representative forested watershed will be selected, with comprehensive data on topography, soil types, land use, vegetation, meteorology, and hydrology. Data sources will include local agencies, global climate datasets (e.g., CHIRPS, ERA5), and remote sensing data (e.g., MODIS).

Methodology:
SWAT Model Setup: Configure the SWAT model using collected data, delineating Hydrological Response Units (HRUs).
Calibration and Validation: Calibrate and validate the model using historical streamflow data.
Climate Scenario Development: Use future climate projections from GCMs and RCMs, applying bias correction techniques.
Simulation: Run the model under baseline and future scenarios to simulate changes in water yield.
Analysis: Compare baseline and future water yields, analyzing trends and variability.
Expected Outcomes:
The study will provide insights into how climate change might impact water resources in forested watersheds, offering recommendations for effective watershed management under future climate conditions.

Reporting:
Results will be documented in a concise report, including methodology, findings, and management recommendations, serving as a guide for policymakers and water resource managers.

Research Tasks: Mostly literature review and data collection. Model setup and configuration, if interested.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: 1. Required critical thinking.
2. Data analysis proficiency recommended but not required
3. Familarity with water modeling softwares recommended but not required.

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentor, my primary goal is to foster an interactive and supportive environment where learning thrives. I believe that true learning occurs not just through instruction, but through active engagement and collaboration. By creating an interactive environment, I encourage mentees to explore ideas, ask questions, and challenge themselves to think critically. I see mentoring as a dynamic process where both mentor and mentee learn from each other, growing together in knowledge and understanding.

Central to my mentoring philosophy is the belief that failure is a crucial component of learning. I strive to create a safe environment where mentees feel empowered to take risks, make mistakes, and learn from them without fear of judgment. In this space, mistakes are not seen as setbacks, but as valuable learning opportunities that drive personal and professional growth. My role is to provide the guidance and support necessary to help mentees navigate these experiences, building their confidence and resilience along the way.

By combining an interactive approach with a supportive, non-judgmental environment, I aim to help my mentees develop not only the skills and knowledge they need to succeed but also the confidence to face challenges with a positive and growth-oriented mindset. My ultimate goal as a mentor is to equip my mentees with the tools they need to become independent thinkers, capable of navigating their own paths and contributing meaningfully to their fields.





Additional Information


Link to Publications

https://www.mdpi.com/2856174