Innovation Campus solidifies plans for faculty recruitment, research areas of focus, and curriculum

Supported through a three-year seed grant from Fralin Life Sciences Institute, a group of 14 interdisciplinary researchers led by Peter Vikesland will develop wireless sensor networks to survey microbial threats to water quality. Photo by Ryan Young for Virginia Tech.

Atop a new wave of support from the Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Peter Vikesland, the Nick Prillaman Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, is leading a research team in creating wireless sensor networks to survey microbial threats to water quality and to enable operational control and provide real-world feedback for public transparency. The project, Technology-enabled Water Surveillance and Control, reflects the “one water” concept that views water quality as important to our society, economy, and environment and requires an integrated approach to policy planning and implementation.

Lenwood Heath, professor of computer science and core faculty at the Sanghani Center for Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics, will develop algorithms for locating sensors and designing networks for optimal benefit. Read full story here.