Research for a Reason: Civil Engineering Department Leads $5.8 Million NSF-Funded Project to Tackle Gulf Coast Flood Risks

Dr. Emad Habib of civil engineering department at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette is spearheading a $5.8 million research project to address rising flood risks and the impacts of climate extremes in the U.S. Gulf region. Funded by the National Science Foundation’s EPSCoR program, the project will focus on vulnerable communities in Louisiana, Alabama, and Mississippi.

Partnering with six major universities, including LSU, Tulane, Alabama, Tuskegee, and Jackson State University, the initiative aims to develop practical solutions to help marginalized communities adapt to climate-intensified flooding.

“We aim to build long-term resilience while ensuring equitable adaptation strategies for those most affected,” said Habib, director of the Louisiana Watershed Flood Center.

The project will generate new data, predictive models, and tools to support local decision-making and improve water infrastructure. It will also offer professional development opportunities for graduate students and early-career researchers.

Link to the UL press release and a link to the NSF announcement .