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Thomas J. Wu ’94 Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the High Meadows Environmental Institute.

Research interests: Nonlinear and stochastic dynamical systems, hydrometeorology and soil-atmosphere interaction, soil moisture and plant dynamics, soil biogeochemistry, and ecohydrology.

While interest in the use of ammonia as a hydrogen carrier and zero-carbon fuel grows, a Princeton-led team of researchers found that a mismanaged ammonia economy could have unwanted environmental consequences. (adobe.stock.com)

Ammonia fuel offers great benefits but demands careful action

Graphic with text "Commendation for Outstanding Teaching".

Faculty commended for outstanding teaching

A rise in hydrogen emissions means that more hydroxyl (OH) would be used to break down hydrogen, leaving less OH available to break down methane (CH4). Illustration by Bumper DeJesus

Switching to hydrogen fuel could prolong the methane problem

Portrait of researcher — Ignacio Rodríguez-Iturbe, the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Emeritus, was among the premiere hydrologists of his generation. Photo by Laura Pedrick

Ignacio Rodríguez-Iturbe, hydrologist who forged a new science linking water to ecosystems, dies at 80

landscape with clouds and forest — Princeton University researchers found that greater formation of clouds over forested areas suggests that reforestation would likely be more effective at cooling Earth’s atmosphere than previously thought. The findings address a concern among scientists that because forests absorb solar radiation, reforesting temperate latitudes could in fact make the planet warmer.

Planting forests may cool the planet more than thought

Desert landscape — Changes to regional climates brought on by global warming could make it so that areas such as the American Southwest that are currently considered ideal for solar power would be less viable in the future, a Princeton-based study suggests.

Climate change could lead to less sun for regions banking on solar power

Three students look closely at a model of an architectural structure.

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Fundamental insights into the built and natural environments, and interactions between the two

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