Research

Anthropogenic impacts have transgressed several safe operating limits of earth system along with severe degradation of ecosystems. Our group works on investigating the human-natural systems interactions through computational models and complex systems theories. We seek to develop theories for design of sustainable coupled natural-human (CNH) systems by utilizing macroeconomic models, process design at multiple scales, control systems, life cycle assessment, industrial ecology, optimization and complexity theories. Some of the projects that we are currently working on are :

1. Economic-Ecological Nitrogen Model : Nitrogen presents a unique challenge for sustainable design as it is indispensable for existence of human-being through its role in food, fiber, plastics etc. while it also pose an environmental threat to ecosystems such as eutrophication. We are working on developing a coupled model for nitrogen flow in economy and ecosystems to identify mitigation strategies while meeting the human demand. We are also looking into implementation at regional scale optimization of nitrogen flows.

2. Network Theories for Coupled-Natural Human Systems : We are utilizing insights from complex network analysis to identify the sustainability measures of various CNH systems. It leads to the challenge of data mining and uncertainty information to be included in decision making, leading to robust design of resource flows.

3. Biodiversity and Urban Systems : Rapid trend of urbanization is posing great threat to resources, energy flows and ecosystem modification. We are investigating the strategies that can be adopted to reduce the impact of urbanization on biodiversity loss both at local and global scale.

4. By-Product Synergy Networks : The industrial networks of reusing waste is leading to evolution of complex network known as By-Product synergy networks. We also study the evolution of these unique systems for robust and sustainable design.

5. Biodiversity and Chemical Pollutants of Emerging Concern : We are exploring mechanism based theories that relates emerging pollutants to biodiversity loss.

We collaborate extensively with people from various fields due to the interdisciplinary nature of sustainability issues and welcome collaboration interests.