Neda Yaghoobian uses computer modeling to replicate the physics of fire ember transport. She has received a $500,000 grant from the NSF to continue her work in understanding the spread and prediction of wildfire in communities around the world.

“Studies indicate firebrands are responsible for most of the wildfire spreads into communities, referred to as wildland-urban interfaces,” Yaghoobian said. “The embers can be carried by the wind by several meters and kilometers ahead of the main fire, so we are trying to understand this phenomenon better, considering different atmospheric flow and land surface conditions.”

• Neda Yaghoobian