About WAVES Lab
Understanding the couplings between surface hydrology, vegetation dynamics, and ecosystem processes in drylands
Our Mission
The Water, Vegetation, and Society (WAVES) Lab conducts interdisciplinary research that spans multiple domains, addressing critical challenges in water resources, agricultural sustainability, and environmental systems. We focus on understanding patterns and processes in dryland landscapes, from leaf-level processes to ecosystem-wide water cycles and their response to environmental change.
Our Approach
We combine field observations, remote sensing technologies, and mathematical modeling to understand complex ecohydrological systems. Our work integrates biophysical processes with human dimensions to address real-world challenges in sustainable resource management.
Through collaborations with local communities, international research institutions, and policy makers, we strive to produce science that informs sustainable development and climate adaptation strategies.
Global Impact
Our research focuses on dryland regions, which cover over 40% of Earth's land surface and support more than 2 billion people. These systems are particularly vulnerable to climate change and human pressures.
We work extensively in sub-Saharan Africa, where we study agricultural adaptation, water security, and ecosystem resilience in collaboration with local researchers and communities.
Research Areas
Our interdisciplinary research spans three core areas, each addressing critical challenges in environmental systems and sustainability.
Dryland Ecohydrology
Understanding patterns and processes in dryland landscapes, from leaf-level processes to ecosystem-wide water cycles and their response to environmental change. We study water-vegetation interactions, soil-plant-atmosphere dynamics, and ecosystem resilience.
Environmental Sensing
Developing novel approaches that illuminate ecohydrological patterns and processes through advanced remote sensing and monitoring technologies. We use satellites, drones, and ground-based sensors to monitor environmental change across multiple scales.
Water, Sustainability, and Climate
Resolving coupled social-environmental system dynamics in subsistence agriculture and developing sustainable water management strategies. We examine climate adaptation, food security, and livelihood sustainability in vulnerable communities.
Institutional Affiliations
WAVES Lab is based at the University of California, Santa Barbara, with affiliations across multiple departments and research institutes.
Collaborations
We maintain active collaborations with research institutions across Africa, including the Mpala Research Centre in Kenya, universities in Zambia and Ghana, and international organizations focused on sustainable development and climate adaptation.
Join Our Research Community
Interested in collaborative research opportunities, postdoctoral positions, or graduate studies? Learn more about joining our interdisciplinary team.