Coastal Bend, TX – November 8, 2024
The latest Smart Coast Community Forum brought together 25 students from the University of Texas at Arlington, local residents, and decision-makers in a collaborative effort to strengthen coastal resilience in the Coastal Bend region. Hosted as part of UTA’s $2.5 million NSF-funded Smart Coast Initiative, led by Dr. Michelle Hummel and Dr. Oswald Jenewein, the forum explored challenges & strategies for coastal adaptation in an era of environmental change.
The forum, part of an ongoing series that UTA has held since 2019, consisted of three segments: a project presentation by the research team, an interactive dialogue with local officials, and a series of student-led project presentations. These activities fostered an exchange of ideas on innovative infrastructure adaptations, storm resilience, and community-centered design & planning.
Focus on Data and Design for Coastal Adaptation
Dr. Hummel and Dr. Jenewein opened the forum with a project overview, highlighting the role of UTA’s Smart City Sensors. These sensors, integral to the initiative, provide real-time data on environmental conditions and infrastructure health, supporting community leaders in making data-driven decisions for resilient urban planning. The team illustrated how these sensors can inform sustainable responses to the region’s distinct coastal challenges.
Community Dialogue with Local Leaders
A lively discussion followed, with Ingleside on the Bay Mayor Jo Ann Ehmann, several city council members, and local residents engaging with students. This exchange allowed community members to share insights into their specific needs and concerns, while students presented their research findings and potential solutions. The open dialogue underscored the importance of involving local voices in resilience planning and reinforced a shared commitment to addressing coastal hazards collaboratively.
Student Presentations and a Tour of Coastal Challenges
Students presented a range of projects investigating architectural responses to environmental challenges, proposing solutions for pressing issues such as water shortage and infrastructure adaptation. These presentations were met with enthusiasm from community leaders, who recognized the relevance and potential impact of the students’ ideas on the future of the Coastal Bend.
As part of the forum, Dr. Jenewein led one of his renowned “Bay Tours” around Corpus Christi Bay. Over the past few years, he has guided more than 150 students through the Bay area, offering an in-depth look at the coastal challenges facing this region. The tour provided students with a firsthand experience of local hazards, from infrastructure vulnerabilities to environmental pressures, deepening their understanding of how their designs & research can inform practical, community-centered solutions.
A Path Forward for the Smart Coast Initiative
This forum is one of many organized through the Smart Coast Initiative to build resilient coastal communities across Texas. Since its inception, the initiative has convened a broad spectrum of stakeholders to address environmental and infrastructure resilience, emphasizing the power of data and local collaboration.
By bridging research and community engagement, Dr. Hummel, Dr. Jenewein, and their team are working to ensure that Texas’ coastal communities are equipped to face future challenges. The November 8 forum was yet another step toward a sustainable future, showcasing UTA’s commitment to innovative, adaptive strategies for coastal resilience.
Images: Smart Coast Initiative