Beth Tellman Awarded 2023 Innovation Grant to Tackle Flood Justice with AI and Satellite Imagery
Beth Tellman, professor at the School of Geography, Environment, and Environment at the University of Arizona, was named a 2023 Innovation Grantee by Climate Change AI. The grant supports her project, "Flood Justice and Adaptation in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas with AI and Satellite Imagery," which utilizes machine learning and satellite imagery to develop detailed flood maps and a database to aid flood justice lawsuits and promote equitable flood adaptation. Working alongside Arizona co-investigators and community partners, including Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Tellman's project aims to integrate the lived experiences of flood-vulnerable residents into the database, enhancing the accuracy and relevance of the information provided. This initiative, bolstered by a $150,000 award, plays a crucial role in addressing flood risks exacerbated by climate change, particularly in communities of color in the Rio Grande Valley.