Research & Projects

Current Projects

Neighborhood built and social environments and cancer risk in the U.S.
A American Cancer Society
Amount $1,200,000
PI Lim
Role Principal Investigator
Period 2025 – 2030

This project investigates how neighborhood characteristics, including built environment features and social factors, influence cancer risk across diverse U.S. populations. The research examines how factors such as walkability, green space access, air quality, and social cohesion may contribute to cancer disparities.

Short-term Environmental Exposures and Emergency Medical Service Activation in the U.S.
N National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Amount $1,621,980
PI Lim
Role Principal Investigator
Period 2024 – 2028

This study examines the relationship between short-term environmental exposures, including air pollution, extreme temperatures, and other environmental factors, and emergency medical service (EMS) activations across the United States. The research aims to identify vulnerable populations and develop predictive models to improve emergency response systems.

Mapping future wildfire risk and impact in Arizona in the advent of climate change
S Salt River Project
Amount $78,700
PI Lim & Estacio
Role MPI
Period 2025 – 2026

This project develops predictive models for wildfire risk assessment in Arizona under various climate change scenarios. The research aims to inform fire management strategies and community preparedness initiatives across the state.

Remote Sensing for Drivers of Golden Algae Blooms in Surface Water Sources
S Salt River Project
Amount $78,700
PI Lim
Role Principal Investigator
Period 2025 – 2026

This research utilizes remote sensing technologies to identify and predict golden algae bloom occurrences in Arizona's surface water sources. The project aims to develop early warning systems for water quality management.

The DUST Center: Hazardous Dust in Drylands - Exposure, Health Impacts, and Mitigation
N National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Amount $2,732,383
PI Ding
Role Co-I (Community Engagement Core)
Period 2025 – 2030

The DUST Center investigates hazardous dust exposure in dryland regions, assessing health impacts and developing mitigation strategies. The center focuses on understanding dust composition, exposure pathways, and community-based interventions.

Variations in long-term fine particulate matter air pollution associations with mortality by particle size, source, and composition
N National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Amount $1,348,885
PI Thurston (NYU)
Role Consultant
Period 2023 – 2026

This research investigates how different characteristics of fine particulate matter affect mortality risks, examining variations by particle size, source, and chemical composition to inform targeted air quality interventions.

Southwest Center on Resilience for Climate Change and Health (SCORCH)
N National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences
Amount $3,827,073
PI Ernst, Arora, Hoover
Role Co-I (Project 2, Data Visualization Core)
Period 2023 – 2026

SCORCH is a comprehensive center focused on building resilience to climate change impacts on health in the Southwest. The center conducts research on heat-related health impacts, develops community adaptation strategies, and provides training for health professionals to address climate-related health challenges.

Southwest Urban Corridor Integrated Field Laboratory (SW-IFL)
D U.S. Department of Energy
Amount $8,250,000
PI Sailor (ASU), Keith (UA)
Role Co-I
Period 2022 – 2027

The SW-IFL is a Department of Energy initiative studying urban climate dynamics in the Phoenix-Tucson corridor. The laboratory integrates observational networks, modeling, and community engagement to understand urban heat, air quality, and climate resilience strategies in desert cities.

Community Monitoring for Environmental Justice in Tucson
E U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Amount $500,000
PI Shepp (PDEQ)
Role Subcontract PI
Period 2023 – 2026

This environmental justice initiative empowered Tucson communities to monitor and address local environmental health concerns. The project provided communities with air quality sensors, training, and data analysis support to identify and advocate for solutions to environmental health disparities.

Past Projects (as PI)

Impact of Schoolyards to Playgrounds Renovations on Academic Performance and Health
R Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF)
Amount $303,972
PI Lim
Role Principal Investigator
Period 2021 – 2025

This research evaluated the impact of schoolyard renovations on student health, academic performance, and well-being. The study assessed how green infrastructure and playground improvements affect physical activity levels, heat exposure, social interactions, and academic outcomes in Arizona schools.

Modeling Distributed Energy Resource Solar Generation Output
S Salt River Project
Amount $79,700
PI Lim
Role Principal Investigator
Period 2024 – 2025

This project developed advanced modeling techniques to predict solar generation output from distributed energy resources across the Salt River Project service territory. The research aimed to improve grid stability and optimize renewable energy integration in Arizona's power infrastructure.