Water Information & Modeling Lab

Transforming Earth observations and models into actionable information for water management

Courtney Di Vittorio, PhD, PE

Wake Forest University - Department of Engineering

Example of estimating Chlorophyll-a from satellite imagery

Google Earth Engine App that allows users to interact with and analyze satellite-derived Chl-a estimates

Google Earth Engine App that allows users to view land cover changes in US Atlantic and Gulf Coast wetlands from 1985 to 2022

Our Work

The amount and quality of publicly available satellite-based information is increasing rapidly, and exciting opportunities exist to use this information to manage our water resources more proactively and sustainably. The successful adoption of satellite data into decision-making processes requires an iterative research approach that is guided by collaboration with stakeholders and water managers. We therefore strive to make satellite-based products and tools that provide relevant information in the context of current policy and regulation. We engage stakeholders throughout the research and design process with the hope that they integrate these products and tools into operational management procedures.

We work in three interrelated areas of research: the development of satellite-based data products, new hydrologic modeling and calibration procedures, and decision support for water management. While an individual research project may focus on one of these areas, we try to connect them through stakeholder-driven applications. Current and past projects include: a collaborative, interdisciplinary initiative to develop sustainable water management solutions for the Sudd Wetland in South Sudan, a large-scale study of coastal marsh changes within the US Atlantic and Gulf Coasts that will inform global ocean-climate models and carbon budgets, a local application of satellite imagery for improved lake water quality monitoring and management, and the development of a new spatiotemporal Bayesian model for categorical data applied to forecast the US Drought Monitor.

Dr. Di Vittorio also co-leads the HydroLearn platform with CUAHSI and works with faculty fellows to create and disseminate high-quality open-source learning materials on hydrology and water resources engineering topics. HydroLearn is currently supported by CIROH, and new modules are being developed to help prepare for the next generation of tools for river forecasting.

Wake Forest University is committed to the Teacher-Scholar Ideal, where research is integrated into undergraduate education. The research team is therefore composed of scholars at various levels, and many of them are undergraduate research students. We align our research with the University motto, "Pro Humanitate (For Humanity)", a calling to use knowledge, talents, and compassion to better the lives of others. The Water Information and Modeling Lab strives to produce research-based products that ultimately benefit humanity, through the lens of social, environmental, and economic impacts. Pro Humanitate is also integrated into the Engineering curriculum and the courses we design; we teach students technical skills in the context of real-life applications that have societal impact.