A team at New Mexico Tech has received a $250,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to research artificial intelligence-assisted environmental risk modeling. The project, titled “Harnessing AI for Spatial Environmental Risk Modeling and Mitigation” (NSF Award #2520791), will be led by Principal Investigator Dr. Jiakai Zhang, with Co-Principal Investigators Dr. Jun Zheng and Dr. Suraj Ghimire. The funding will support their work from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2028.
This award is notable as it is the first NSF grant under the Social, Behavioral, and Economic Sciences (SBE) program awarded to New Mexico Tech since the late 1980s. According to Dr. Zhang: “Traditionally, research in SBE has relied on econometric, statistical, or structural models to address behavioral and economic problems. This project demonstrates how AI can be a game-changing tool for forecasting and analysis, giving us new ways to understand complex, large-scale, and dynamic datasets.”
The research aims to develop AI-driven models that integrate spatial, hazard, and socioeconomic data to analyze extreme weather events such as wildfires, droughts, flash floods, and heat waves. These models are intended to help communities and policymakers better assess risks and improve resilience planning.
Students participating in the project will have opportunities for hands-on experience in AI modeling and interdisciplinary collaboration. The initiative is designed to prepare them for careers in fields spanning AI technology, environmental science, and economics.
Dr. Zhang also stated: “This project combines advanced AI with real-world data to help communities better understand and respond to extreme weather events. It also reflects the university’s strong commitment to advancing interdisciplinary applied AI research.”
