Nelson Lab at NC State

The Nelson Lab is a research team led by Dr. Natalie Nelson in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. We characterize and model nonpoint source pollution in inland and coastal waters, and take a watershed-scale approach to studying where and why nonpoint source pollution occurs. More specifically, studies in the lab investigate:

• How agricultural and maricultural systems influence, and are influenced by, water quality

• Ways in which climate-driven changes in freshwater and sea level affect water quality and biota

• Methods for combining models (statistical, machine learning, process-based) and environmental monitoring data to create decision-support tools for natural resource managers

We analyze and synthesize unstructured observations from a range of data sources, including satellite and aerial imagery, high- and low-frequency observations from in situ sampling programs, and geospatial databases. We also lead field-based projects involving in situ sampling and sensing to fill gaps in existing monitoring programs.

In addition to research, we educate students in the agricultural, life, and engineering sciences on the appropriate use and interpretation of data analytics and models, as well as principles of coding and applied data analysis.