• Summarize model capabilities, model inputs, and simulation methods of different hydrologic and water quality models including
• Explore uncalibrated, calibrated, and validated outputs of these models and uncalibrated ensemble modeling in estimating average annual water quantity and quality for a 41.5 km2 agricultural watershed in Northeastern Indiana
• Provide suggestions on the selection and use of these models based
  on the results in this study

To develop an AI-enhanced 3D reconstruction workflow that integrates UAV imagery with existing aerial and satellite data to generate high-resolution, real-time georeferenced models of coastal and watershed features in the southern Lake Michigan region. To apply this system to monitor and quantify environmental changes—such as shoreline erosion, dune morphology, stormwater runoff, and infrastructure vulnerability—before, during, and after extreme weather events or seasonal transitions. To evaluate the performance and accuracy of state-of-the-art reconstruction methods (VGGT, MASt3R, DUSt3R) for coastal applications, using ground-truth data (e.g., GNSS, LiDAR) to validate outputs and assess model limitations under varying conditions. To create an open-access toolkit and decision-support platform—including a web-based dashboard and immersive VR/MR interface—that enables stakeholders to visualize 3D results and extract actionable metrics (e.g., erosion rates, flood extent, asset risk). To engage with community stakeholders and IISG outreach specialists from project inception to ensure research findings are translated into practice through training workshops, user guides, and integration with local planning and public outreach efforts.

The overall goals of this project are to:

• Better understand coastal processes in terms of nearshore hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and coastal morphology under changing climate forcing in Lake Michigan
• Help effectively communicate to stakeholders, with the purpose of promoting sustainable shore protection, increasing the integrity of beaches; and stabilizing bluffs/dunes in Lake Michigan

The goal of the proposed pilot research study is to investigate the feasibility of utilizing dredged material collected from a single source along southern Lake Michigan area (stockpiled next to Calumet Harbor in coordination with USACE) as a substitute of sand in a unique sustainable construction material called flowable fill. The research will use laboratory-based performance tests on a set of flowable fill mixes prepared by substituting sand with different percentages of flowable fill. Then, flowable fill mixes and cylindrical specimens will be tested for flow, setting time and compressive strength using standard molding/test methods. The potential products of the proposed study are a thorough literature review report, laboratory testing results/analysis in the form of manuscript for conference proceeding, and an external grant proposal.

The crucial role of sustainable, safe, and affordable access to water in achieving human rights and economic prosperity is globally recognized (United Nations Resolution 64/292). For more than a century, local governments have sought the expertise of the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) to inform their infrastructure decisions and improve their understanding of water supply issues. However, there are still areas, such as southern Cook and eastern Will Counties (the South Suburbs), that lack the resources and coordination to initiate their own study. These areas rely on both Lake Michigan (for public drinking water) and groundwater (for public drinking water, backup and private domestic supply), and some municipalities may be forced to switch to Lake Michigan as their groundwater quality declines, impacting the allocation of Lake Michigan water for the entire region.

The primary outcomes of this study will be a refinement of and an increase in access to our collective knowledge regarding the suitability of available water resources to meet the demands of the South Suburbs. The overarching goal of ISWS, CMAP, and our numerous supporting partners, in undertaking this endeavor is to provide for a more informed position for these communities to plan for and negotiate their water resource futures, while simultaneously mitigating future costs to Federal Emergency and Disaster programs.

The long-term goal of this project is to develop smart water infrastructure to help improve water management in the southern Lake Michigan region, particularly for communities in historically disadvantaged locations. The short term goal is to develop a program to assess contamination, hydrology, and water quality in impoverished areas of South Chicago. The specific objectives of this project are to: 1) implement flow and water quality sensors to assess pollution in select locations, 2) develop a stormwater model to assess the effects of hydraulic infrastructure and land usage on hydrology and water quality, 3) build collaborations with other water quality professionals in the Southern Lake Michigan region, and 4) create proposals for submission to other funding agencies to continue development of this program. The results are expected to increase ecosystem health, improve the resiliency of communities and economies, and enhance environmental literacy and workforce development. 

The objective of this research is to develop and implement a new modeling framework, integrating flooding intensity data of the Southern Lake Michigan transportation network with alternative fuel vehicle routing models, for the evacuation of vulnerable communities during hazardous flooding events in a changing climate. We propose a novel evacuation routes planning framework for multiple types of vehicle fuels that have dependencies on refueling and charging infrastructure (e.g., gasoline, battery electric, and fuel cell electric vehicles). The model determines the optimal evacuation routes for each alternative vehicle fuel type that minimizes the total travel and refueling time of travelers during simulated hazardous flooding events in the Southern Lake Michigan transportation network. The designed evacuation route resources will enable decision-makers to have access to data and tools so as to plan for a diverse set of travelers with alternative fuel vehicles to evacuate and adapt during these extreme flooding events, minimizing their degree of vulnerability and sustaining resilient communities.

Submerged, “reef-style” breakwaters may be a viable nature-based solution for shoreline protection and ecological enhancement. However, the lack of quantitative data on the effectiveness of such nature-based solutions limits the ability of managers to implement them within Great Lakes coastal communities.

Our goals are to use monitoring data to (a) inform habitat restoration and protection efforts around Lake Michigan and other Great Lakes, and (b) provide the much needed geomorphic and sediment-routing context to help assess the regional impacts of such structures (and their broader utility). We will accomplish these goals through the following objectives: Obj 1) Determine the effect of the two different artificial reefs on aquatic species abundance and diversity through comparisons to long-term (2016-present) ecological monitoring sites co-located with the reefs. Obj 2) Quantify bathymetric changes to the nearshore environment surrounding the reefs and topographic changes to the adjacent beach environment, evaluating post-reef morphodynamics in context of available pre-construction data (post-2018 at Site 1). Obj 3) Engage a variety of coastal stakeholder groups by way of discussion forums, workshops, fact sheets, or other meeting types.