Laurel Larsen

My research integrates new methods emerging in the disciplines of information theory and complex systems theory with the earth and environmental sciences. I am particularly interested in data-driven techniques to understanding environmental feedbacks and generating predictions about drought and other climate anomalies or flows of surface water, or to trace pathways of spatial connectivity to determine how contaminants are moving through a wetland or which groundwater sources are contributing to salmon habitat. The focus on how we can use sensor technology and emerging data science techniques to forecast future environmental change and better strategize for the management of groundwater and surface water-dependent ecosystems is directly in line with the CITRIS mission.