Research Awards and Grants (June 2022)

July 1, 2022 CNR Web

Each month College of Natural Resources faculty receive awards and grants from various federal, state, and nongovernmental agencies in support of their research. This report recognizes the faculty who received funding in June 2022.

Justwater: Policy Leadership And Environmental Justice During Disaster Recovery

PI: Cutts, Bethany Brooke
Direct Sponsor Name: NCSU Sea Grant Program
Awarded Amount: $59,999.00

Abstract: ‘Real world issue: Post-disaster, rural areas face a predictable pattern of resource flush, drawdown, and abandonment. In small towns and diverse communities, positive social, economic, and environmental impacts from these investments are often short-lived. A consequence is that scientifically-informed strategies designed to defend and harden economically valued coastal areas may have the unintended consequences of coercing buyouts, forcing relocation, and limiting environmental protections for vulnerable upstream communities, potentially to the detriment of the coastal fisheries and tourism opportunities being defended in the first place. In contrast to emergency-focused disaster work, watershed-based environmental planning is intended to be slower, strategic, and more adept at identifying and addressing chronic threats to and opportunities for environmental improvement and protection. Therefore, it stands to reason that integration between watershed governance and disaster recovery might provide a unique opportunity to create a network able to identify and focus energy on advocacy for change that connects people and sustains attention on the harms of maladaptive policies. Plan for proposed work: This study aims to identify opportunities to transform watershed governance to overcome chronic environmental justice challenges and their capacity to erode resilience following disasters. In addition to providing needed theoretical and methodological advances in social network analytics, this study could lead to better understanding of the links policy and advocacy link between watershed governance and disaster resilience. The central research question is: Which properties of watershed governance enable (or constrain) environmental justice in disaster-prone coastal communities and to what extent do they resist predatory influences as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds? If, as we hypothesize, the three objectives are interrelated, then a JustWater framework will reveal connections between disaster and watershed governance policy arenas. To establish that coastal water injustice is, in fact, a problem of governance, we will investigate the well-documented watershed governance initiatives and environmental justice struggles in the Lumbee River Basin. We will pursue the following objectives: (1) Quantify impacts of disaster on formal and informal watershed governance systems using social network analytics. (2) Integrate analysis of political power and inequality with perceptions of governance outcomes by combining network analytics with interviews. (3) Analyze factors that change the values and beliefs embedded in policy proposals and governance procedures. Rationale for public support: This work will produce policy-relevant knowledge that will benefit the disaster and environmental management in the Lumbee River basin and create a transferrable protocol for evaluating potential synergies between disaster and watershed management coalitions. Results and protocols from data scraping initiatives, questionnaires, focus groups, and workshops will evaluate the process and outcomes of collaboration through a justice-centered lens. Outcomes and realistic impacts: The research results will be the just water governance aims of the Carolina coastlines. Secondary beneficiaries include the NC Disaster Management team, NC Inclusive Disaster Network, and Robeson County Cooperative for Sustainable Development and local municipalities participating in a community-university research/action partnership established in 2016. The partnership has a robust record of training students (UNC-Pembroke, NCSU) and community members in data collection, analysis, and dissemination.

Developing a Model for Supporting Coastal Resilience through Youth-Led Coproduction

PI: Stevenson, Kathryn
Direct Sponsor Name: NCSU Sea Grant Program
Awarded Amount: $59,998.00

Abstract: In this two year grant, we propose to synthesize a decade of Sea Grant funded environmental literacy research into a scalable curricular framework that fosters coastal resiliency through youth-led conversations. In year one, we will form a curriculum advisory board (CAB) of teachers, students, and community partners. The CAB will work to construct a curricular framework that draws on best practices for youth-led environmental learning and builds community-level environmental literacy around coastal resiliency. The CAB will then recruit a cadre of classroom teachers to help pilot the framework, allowing for both formative and summative evaluation of the framework. We will then hold a culminating workshop to synthesize lessons learned and prepare the framework to export to other communities through larger regional and/or national grant efforts.

Leveraging Technology to Promote Local Food systems: A User Typology and Itinerary Functionality Assessment of the Visit NC Farms Mobile App

PI: Knollenberg, Whitney Grace
Direct Sponsor Name: US Dept. of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA)
Amount Awarded: $94,784.00

Abstract: Agritourism, educational or recreational visits to a work farm, offers many benefits to rural communities. Effective marketing strategies are needed to maximize these benefits. Mobile apps, like the Visit NC Farms app, offer one mechanism to reach a wider audience of potential agritourism visitors. This study, a proposed NIFA postdoctoral fellowship, aims to improve the marketing effectiveness of agritourism mobile apps by identifying user typologies, establishing preferences for agritourism visits among different types of app users, and measuring in the influence of the use of an itinerary building feature on app users visits to agritourism farms. This knowledge will allow app developers, agritourism operators, and other local food system stakeholders to improve efforts to market agritourism. Agritourism operators and the rural communities they serve will see economic, social, and environmental benefits from leveraging mobile apps to improve agritourism marketing.

Supporting Environmental Education Value-Added Learning (eeVAL) through Network Building and Activation

PI: Stevenson, Kathryn
Direct Sponsor Name: Pisces Foundation
Awarded Amount: $516,000.00

Abstract: This project will contribute to building capacity for and strengthening the culture of culturally responsive EE evaluation through connecting the eeVAL resources developed with networks within the field.

Developing Cross Laminated Timber Panels for Residential and Smaller Commercial Construction Markets

PI: Mitchell, Philip H.
Direct Sponsor Name: US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service
Awarded Amount: $249,758.00

Abstract: Proposed development of CLT panel systems in the US has focused on large lumber gluing and layup systems, presses and CNC machining centers that require high equipment and facility costs approaching $30 million. The result of such high investment requirements is that few US CLT operations exist and none are currently in operation in the US South. This project will develop an alternative strategy able to produce 80% of the output of a large size CLT panel plant at 2% of the investment cost. It is possible to quickly develop a forest products industry niche for CLT panels using existing equipment resources once used by the casegoods furniture industry by using a small size batch process format. These presses are capable of manufacturing panels for residental homes, pressing multiple CLT panels per batch press cycle. These Residential CLT panels (RCLT) can be used for walls, floors, and roof decking for use by general contractors with the support of knowledgeable architects and organizations like the APA. The National Forest System has excess low quality materials that need to be removed to improve forest health, reduce fire danger and assist the local economy. These lower grade materials are plentiful and are suitable for residential CLTs. Material for RCLTs could include Southern yellow pine and the mixed hardwood species that can also be processed into veneers for hardwood plywood. An objective of this project is to evaluate suitable species for lumber and plywood RCLT for use in building residential homes. This project will demonstrate a manufacturing system by making samples of RCLTs in several existing furniture cold presses, pressing a stack of several RCLTs in batches. The project includes the development of joinery types to connect the panels for assembly. The goal is to successfully manufacture RCLT panels that pass the APA PRG 320 Standard using the two lumber grades approved by the APA (#2 yellow pine for faces and #3 for the core and cross bands) and hardwood veneers using this low capital approach.

Populus-based Production of Solid Biofuels

PI: Saloni, Daniel
Direct Sponsor Name: NC Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services
Amount Awarded: $133,190.00

Abstract: World energy demand has been continuously increasing, with no indication of slowing down in the coming years. There exists an imperative need for cleaner, sustainable, renewable energy sources that can be locally produced. Biomass is identified as a sustainable long-term plan to reduce the dependency on imported energy and as a national security strategy, and wood pellet is identified as an important biomass product with growing demand and an established expert market mainly in Europe. Many bioenergy-focused field studies conducted by NC State University have shown the efficacy of Populus as short rotation woody crops (SRWC) when clones are matched to site conditions. The objectives of this project are to develop a novel preprocessing during pellet production, assess its effects on the technical feasibility of wood pellet production, and evaluate potential of utilizing Populus clones that are suitable and highly productive in NC for producing the next generation of solid fuels. The expected outcomes include validity of the modified production method to improve the quality of wood pellets and identification of poplar clones for producing high-quality and durable pellets.

Interdisciplinary Doctoral Education Program in Renewable Polymers from Forest Resources to Replace Plastics

PI: Park, Sunkyu
Direct Sponsor Name: US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA)
Awarded Amount: $238,500.00

Abstract: Interdisciplinary Doctoral Education Program will be created to focus on Renewable Polymer production using Forest Resources to Replace Plastics. PDs from three colleges will work together to train three Ph.D. students.

Membership in Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI), Associate Member

PI: Gonzalez, Ronalds Wilfredo
Direct Sponsor Name: Genera Inc
Awarded Amount: $10,000.00

Abstract: The purpose of the Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI) is to develop fundamental and applied research on the use of alternative and sustainable fibers for the manufacturing of market pulp, hygiene products and nonwovens. The idea for SAFI has grown out of societal needs for alternative yet sustainable materials. SAFI will study the potential of alternative fibers based on technical (performance), sustainable and economic principles.

Membership in Consortium on Sustainable and Alternative Fibers Initiative (SAFI), Affiliate Member

PI: Gonzalez, Ronalds Wilfredo
Direct Sponsor Name: National Bamboo
Awarded Amount: $10,000.00

A Feasibility Assessment of Waste Cotton to Bioenergy with Carbon Removal

PI: Venditti, Richard A.
Direct Sponsor Name: Cotton, Inc.
Awarded Amount: $52,000.00

Abstract: The overall goal for the project is to fully explore the utilization of waste cotton biomass for bioenergy and carbon removal across the entire cotton and apparel value chain. The project will include a characterization of the amounts of materials available at all stages of the value chain and techno-economic and environmental life cycle analyses of all identified combinations of cotton material-final applications. We will also prioritize these combinations in terms of potential for commercial success/environmental benefit and define areas of further research that will promote these technologies.

Wood Production Costs And International Models, SOFAC Core Research Project

PI: Baker, Justin Scott
Direct Sponsor Name: Southern Forest Resource Assessment Consortium (SOFAC)
Awarded Amount: $349,575.00

Abstract: Develop estimates of U.S. and international wood production costs and identify means to link southern modeling efforts to national and international models.

Energy, Biomass and Carbon Project, SOFAC Core Research Project

PI: Baker, Justin Scott
Direct Sponsor Name: Southern Forest Resource Assessment Consortium (SOFAC)
Awarded Amount: $1,402,686.00

Abstract: The Southern Forest Resource Assessment Consortium (SOFAC) will develop forest sector market models for application to forest resource assessments in the South, U.S., and the World. SOFAC will integrate currently available forest resource data from the USDA Forest Service, Forest Inventory and Analysis (FIA) program and economic theory to model timber supply and demand in the South by local area. SOFAC economic models will allow use of exogenous or endogenous inputs about supply, demand, land use change, and landowner behavior in the analysis of timber and forest land markets and management. SOFAC modelers and members will be able to use the SOFAC suite of models and research to simultaneously project timber inventory, supply, and prices for a variety of regions and a variety of timber products across the South, the U.S., and the World. SOFAC will foster discussion among modelers and members about the appropriate inputs and assumptions in forest projection models and employ these in building timber supply models and timber supply scenarios that represent likely conditions. SOFAC will continue cooperative university-industry-public agency cooperation in southern and national forest sector economic modeling. SOFAC will enhance graduate instruction in forest economics and modeling in the South.

SOFAC Administrative Account

PI: Baker, Justin Scott
Direct Sponsor Name: Southern Forest Resource Assessment Consortium (SOFAC)
Awarded Amount: $170,512.00

North American, European, and Global Forest Product Market Projections to Evaluate Economic, Demographic, and Biophysical Change

PI: Abt, Robert C.
Direct Sponsor Name: US Forest Service
Awarded Amount: $110,000.00

Abstract: The primary objective of the proposed study is to understand the direct effects of sea level rise on markets for forest products in the United States, and through that, global markets and forest conditions nationwide

Agent-Based Modeling for the Multi-Objective Optimization of Energy Production Pathways: Integrated Techno-Economics and Life Cycle Assessment

PI: Kern, Jordan
Direct Sponsor Name: Colorado State University
Awarded Amount: $300,000.00

Abstract: Concerns over depleting oil reserves and national security have spurred renewed vigor in developing bio-based fuels. A variety of feedstocks, conversion technologies, and biobased refinery concepts have been proposed and are being investigated. The viability of these systems is typically quantified through sustainability assessments. Current work has focused on the assessment of technologies either based on economic viability or environmental impact but typically not concurrently. Further, there has been minimal work in the area of biorefinery optimization. The proposed work will develop a unique toolset that is capable of identifying promising production pathways as well as performance targets for biobased energy and co-product systems. The foundation of the work is a modular engineering process model that captures the performance of various feedstock production systems, conversion technologies, and end use. This foundation is coupled with techno-economic, life cycle and resource demand modeling to understand the sustainability of the various production pathways. The work includes the novel coupling of economics and environmental impact through integration of a social cost of carbon such that a more holistic assessment can be performed.

Establishing and Assessing Biological Control Agents of Emerald Ash Borer in NC

PI: Oten, Kelly Lynn Felderhoff
Direct Sponsor Name: US Dept. of Agriculture – Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (USDA APHIS)
Awarded Amount: $64,832.00

Abstract: Establishment of biocontrol agents in Western NC where species acclimated to cooler climates might be more successful, confirming emerald ash borer phenology models for overwintering stages, recovery attempts where parasitoids have been released but emerald ash borer populations have declined.

Integrating Silvicultural, Biological and Chemical Control of Hemlock Woolly Adelgid

PI: Jetton, Robert M
Direct Sponsor Name: US Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service
Awarded Amount: $34,234.00

Abstract: Previous and ongoing research shows that cutting gaps around individual or small groups of hemlock woolly adelgid (HWA) infested eastern hemlocks to increase the level of sunlight exposure to the crown reduces HWA densities and improves the growth and carbon balance of the tree. How to apply and combine such release strategies with other HWA management tools remains unclear. This project will develop and validate silvicultural thinning tools that will be integrated with existing HWA chemical and biological control strategies to improve the health and long-term sustainability of eastern hemlock in the southern Appalachians.

Collaborative Research: Integrated Distribution Models for North American Mammals as Test of Niche Conservatism

PI: Pacifici, Jamian
Direct Sponsor Name: National Science Foundation (NSF)
Awarded Amount: $374,312.00

Abstract: We will build range-wide SDMs for over 100 North American Mammal species to test the hypothesis that niche conservatism is related to evolutionary history and compare the degrees of local adaptation to natural and anthropogenic factors. 1) Collect and curate large datasets of modern mammal occurrence and distribution: a) Recent camera trap data including annual national surveys through Snapshot USA. b) Recent museum specimen records via GBIF. c) Recent citizen science observations via iNaturalist, checked for accuracy by experts. 2) Classify species records based on existing phylogeographic studies (Table 1). 3) Use three approaches to create range-wide integrated SDMs and compare their performance: a) One global model for each species. b) Models for each phylogenetic group, as defined in objective 2. c) No a priori assumptions of grouping using Spatially Varying Coefficients (SVCs) 4) Address research questions a) Test hypothesis of phylogenetic niche conservatism. i) Compare SDM performance of global model vs. phylogenetic groups vs. SVCs. ii) Compare the location of discontinuities of ecological relationships from SVCs with phylogenetic groups. b) Compare local adaptation to natural factors vs. anthropogenic factors using SVCs.

Southern Forest Resource Assessment Consortium (SOFAC) Idaho Forest Group

PI: Baker, Justin Scott
Direct Sponsor Name: Idaho Forest Group
Awarded Amount: $30,000.00

Abstract: Whereas, the parties of this Agreement intend to join together in a cooperative effort to support a SOUTHERN FOREST RESOURCE ASSESSMENT CONSORTIUM (hereinafter called ‘CONSORTIUM’) at the University that will develop forest sector market models for application to forest resource assessments in the South, U. S. and the world; foster interactions between industry and university researchers; and facilitate further research cooperation between the parties. SOFAC will build timber supply models based on prior efforts by the modelers at NC State University and cooperators at the USDA Forest Service, Research Triangle Institute, and University of Georgia. SOFAC will enhance existing multiple products timber supply modeling that has been developed by NC State modelers in the Multiple Product Subregional Timber Supply (MP SRTS) model. SOFAC will integrate and update endogenous land use change and reforestation decision components in the ongoing MP SRTS framework. SOFAC will develop new statistical methods and programs to use the annual FIA SAFIS data, which will form the basis for timber inventory status and projections in the United States. SOFAC will maintain data on comparative investment returns to plantation and natural forests in the Americas, and integrate these results into estimates of impacts on trade and forest plantations throughout the Americas. SOFAC will meet annually with industrial and public members and with scientific cooperators to discuss model enhancements and appropriate assumptions for use in modeling each year. SOFAC will discuss current issues and applications for the economic models each year, and the members will select appropriate applications each year. SOFAC will report in the research program each year, and publish periodic public reports stemming from its analyses and modeling. SOFAC will provide funds for graduate research assistantships and train graduate students in forest economics, who can then work for private firms or public agencies in timber supply and forest economics analyses.

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