We are now a full month into the fall semester and it has been nothing short of inspiring to see our faculty, staff, students, and partners come together and continually adapt to ensure that the important work of our school continues in all realms of research, teaching, and service. Communities across the nation are confronting challenges of epic proportions, including raging wild fires, devastating hurricanes, and extreme heat - on top of a stubbornly persistent pandemic. Through our work, we seek solutions to these grand challenges to build more sustainable, resilient, and adaptable societies of tomorrow. Our thoughts are with the many who have been affected adversely by recent events, and we hope you will join us in our quest to forge a stronger and brighter future for all.
 
Ram M. Pendyala, PhD, Professor and Director