Brynn Vandergriff '22 (left), along with Emily Smith and Marcus Smalz, can take the heat! The Earth and Environmental Sciences major spent the hot summer of 2021 traveling the city of Virginia Beach to measure heat and its impact on the community. The collaborative research, known as the "Urban Heat Island" study, focused on heat distribution in the Virginia Beach area. Working closely with fellow VWU students and her research mentor, Professor of Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences Elizabeth Malcolm, the data she collected will help local officials to make decisions about the region's future. As someone who is interested in a career focused on climate change and preventative measures, Brynn used this experience to gain knowledge about the field, the community, and herself.
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The VWU Emergency Response Team continues to monitor COVID-19 guidance and conditions, and the University is planning for as normal of an academic year as possible.
