EES Seminar: Leveraging System Dynamics Modeling for Advancing Environmental Research, Q. Zhang, USF

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Complex environmental problems, such as environmental health issues and infrastructure management challenges, are marked by interconnectedness of physical and social systems, long-term impacts, and the lack of straightforward solutions. Addressing these problems, we must change the way we define, understand, and approach them through the lens of complex systems. Recognizing the inadequacy of traditional reductionist approach, this talk highlights the need for systems thinking and demonstrates the use of system dynamics modeling in environmental research. Two case studies will be presented: one on household air pollution in Ghana and another on inadequate sanitation in Uganda. Both illustrate the underlying system structures that drive system performance and inform the design of high-impact, paradigm-shifting interventions.

Dr. Zhang is a Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of South Florida (USF). Her research focuses on sustainability assessment, process modeling and system modeling applied to water, wastewater, and stormwater systems, solid waste systems, water-energy-nutrient nexus and critical interdependent infrastructures. She has received an NSF CAREER award from the Environmental Sustainability Program, a Faculty Outstanding Research Achievement Award, and the ASCE Environmental and Water Resources Institute Wesley W. Horner Award. She also serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Environmental Engineering and a Topic Editor for Environmental Science & Technology.