Forest fires play a critical role in shaping ecosystems but also pose severe threats to biodiversity, carbon dynamics, and human safety. To address the current challenges, this research focuses on monitoring, characterizing, and predicting burn severity using remote sensing and a machine learning-based data-driven approach. We first demonstrated the feasibility of predicting burn severity using environmental variables through a case study in New South Wales, Australia. By integrating vegetation-specific thresholds, drought indices, and fire weather conditions into machine learning models, we achieved high prediction accuracy of annual burn severity. This foundational work highlighted the potential for scaling the predictive framework globally. Recognizing the lack of a high-resolution global forest burn severity dataset, we developed a 30-m resolution Global Forest Burn Severity (GFBS) dataset using Landsat imagery from 2003 to 2016. This dataset, validated against regional and global benchmarks, provides unprecedented detail in capturing burn severity patterns and ecological impacts. Expanding the dataset to include data through 2023, allowed us to analyze burn severity trends across global ecoregions using the Mann-Kendall test and Sen’s slope estimator. Results revealed significant increases in burn severity in tropical and subtropical regions and decreases in boreal zones. For the ecoregions exhibiting significant trends, we developed predictive models using the XGBoost algorithm, incorporating 14 climate variables from the TerraClimate dataset. These models achieved high predictive performance and identified key drivers of burn severity including vegetation water stress and atmospheric dynamics. SHAP (Shapley Additive Explanations) analysis further revealed region-specific factor importance, enabling a detailed understanding of wildfire dynamics. The contributions of this research are threefold: (1) a robust framework for predicting burn severity at local to global scales; (2) the development of a comprehensive, high-resolution dataset of burn severity; and (3) insights into the drivers of wildfire severity, providing a basis for future scenario projections under climate change. By integrating trend analysis, predictive modeling, and climate-driven applications, this study offers critical tools for advancing fire management, enhancing resilience, and mitigating the impacts of wildfires on global carbon cycles and biodiversity.

Formulation Development and Microstructure Assessment of Parenteral Microspheres (Pharmaceutical Sciences)

Title: Peripheral Nerve Stimulation at Sub-kilohertz Frequencies: Mechanisms, Efficacy, and Application in Neural Transmission Blocking
Doctoral Field of Study: Biomedical Engineering (Neuroengineering)
This research investigates innovative approaches to pain management through peripheral nerve stimulation, focusing on sub-kilohertz frequencies. The study combines ex vivo nerve recordings, behavioral assessments, and temporal interference stimulation to develop more effective neuromodulation strategies for treating chronic pain conditions.

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Fumi Sowah, LCSW

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Ashley Smith, M.A.

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Sijia (Michelle) Chen, M.S.Ed

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Graciela Quinones-Rodriguez, LCSW

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Greg Davis, LPC

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Fumi Sowah, LCSW

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin

• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue

• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist

• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend 

• If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Chelsea Morales, PsyD

Dissertation title: Estudio 809 - Male Sex Work and Social Media in the Dominican Republic
Doctoral field of study: Geography

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Fumi Sowah, LCSW

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Ashley Smith, M.A.

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Sijia (Michelle) Chen, M.S.Ed

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Graciela Quinones-Rodriguez, LCSW

UConn Sexpert Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered by peer health educators, the UConn Sexperts, on the UConn Storrs campus!

Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. Our UConn Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.

• Mondays: 10am-1pm
• Tuesdays: 10am-12pm
• Wednesdays: 9am-6pm
• Thursdays: 9am-6pm
• Fridays: 2pm-5pm

UConn Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn’s Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy.

For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts 

Students who may benefit from attending a Let’s Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:

• Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin
• Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue
• Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist
• Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend
  • If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team.

This session is held by Greg Davis, LPC