معرفی
Yifan Cheng is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University at Buffalo, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Washington (2020). His research focuses on computational hydrology, hydrologic models, and regional climate modeling, with an emphasis on understanding climate impacts on water resources and ecosystems. He collaborates with social scientists and Indigenous communities to co-produce actionable climate models. His work integrates AI/ML techniques to address challenges in water resource management and climate adaptation. Dr. Cheng leads the a.c.t. hydro lab and teaches GLY 606: Water Data Analysis & Modeling.
Education
- PhD, Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Washington (2020)
Research Interests
Dr. Cheng develops advanced hydrologic and climate models to predict climate impacts on aquatic ecosystems and energy systems. His lab emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, combining numerical modeling with community engagement to enhance the usability of scientific outputs. Key themes include:
- Regional climate modeling for Alaska and the Yukon River Basin
- Reservoir dynamics and river thermal regimes
- Climate adaptation strategies for water-dependent sectors
Grants & Awards
No awards explicitly listed, but his work has been supported through collaborative projects with Indigenous communities and institutional grants.
Advising & Lab
He mentors graduate students (PhD/Master’s) in computational hydrology, with openings for Fall 2025. His a.c.t. hydro lab focuses on actionable science and high-resolution modeling. Research opportunities require a strong quantitative background.
Labs & Teams
The a.c.t. hydro lab (Algorithms, Computation, and Theory) collaborates across disciplines to address complex water resource challenges, leveraging cutting-edge computational tools.
