Project Lead: Matthew McGill

Funding Approved: Fiscal Year 25
Project Status: In Progress  
Funded amount: $1,270,700 over three years

This initiative leverages the unique capabilities of the Operator Performance Laboratory and its research aircraft, along with airborne and ground-based sensors, to study the effects of climate change in the Midwest. By integrating these advanced measurement techniques, the project will gather detailed atmospheric and environmental data crucial for understanding climate impacts in the region. The project will create innovative, interdisciplinary research and educational opportunities across campus, providing a foundation for training the next generation of Earth scientists while enhancing Iowa’s competitiveness for grant funding from agencies such as NASA, the National Institutes of Health, and the National Science Foundation.

Activities to date:

• Hosted the first Heartland Environmental Alliance for Resilience and Transformation (HEART) consortium meeting Sept. 10 - 12, 2024, with participants from 20 different institutions.
  • HEART published a perspectives paper in the American Geophysical Union in April 2025, announcing the collaborative to the scientific community. 
• Formed a team of researchers from the College of Public Health and College of Engineering to study factors used in air quality models to search for sources that contribute to poor air quality. Two undergraduate students are involved in the research study.  
• Secured an external science customer for use of the OPL aircraft, which will be paid for by a NASA science campaign.
• Showcased the OPL L-39ZA aircraft at the Air Force Research Labs Open House and director’s call on July 18, 2024. 
• Purchased and received the AgilePod hardware with the goal of installing it on OPL aircraft in 2025. 
• Involved 18 undergraduate and graduate students in the project, with plans to add additional students in summer 2025. 

Next Steps:

Once integrated into the aircraft, AgilePod capabilities will allow the team to submit external funding proposals. The team is also exploring the submission of a NSF Research Trainee Proposal dedicated to training graduate students.