From permafrost to policy: Mahta Moghaddam is monitoring transformations of the Earth in its most extreme environments

USC Trojan Family Magazine is highlighting Trojans who have made a notable impact on sustainability at the University of Southern California.

The vanguard of environmental change is frequently remote and challenging to access — from the frozen poles to the dense Amazon rainforest.

However, these areas act as crucial indicators of worldwide climate alterations. Observing them is vital for informing policy and actions, yet the intricacies of the science can hinder effective communication of urgency to the general public and decision-makers alike.

Making complex information accessible is the foundation of Mahta Moghaddam, professor of electrical and computer engineering and vice dean for research at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. In her research, Moghaddam develops remote sensing technologies that can assess soil moisture and identify permafrost melt. As co-director of the President’s Working Group on Sustainability, she is also steering USC in transforming data into action.

We connected with Moghaddam to discuss how her research is enhancing our understanding of the planet and how she’s assisting USC in advancing its sustainability initiatives.

How do you describe your research to someone outside your area?

When I’m engaging with someone outside my field — perhaps at a dinner gathering or community function — I aim to keep it straightforward and relatable. I often say something like, “I’m a tech person collaborating with scientists to improve data collection so they can make more informed decisions.” That usually opens the door to a dialogue about how we employ technology to understand our surroundings. People are innately curious about satellites and drones, so I clarify that we use these instruments to track factors like soil moisture, vegetation health, and even wildfire threats. It’s all about converting complex signals into actionable insights.

What I truly aim to emphasize is that my work resides at the crossroads of engineering and environmental science. I create systems that gather data from difficult-to-reach locations — such as deep underground or high above in the atmosphere — and then interpret that data into insights that can assist farmers, firefighters, climate researchers, and policymakers. It’s not solely about the technology; it’s about crafting that technology to be meaningful and impactful in addressing real-world predicaments.

What entails your work in remote sensing?

We install radar devices on satellites, aircraft, and drones to investigate the environment — examining everything from soil and vegetation to urban areas and oceans. For instance, we evaluate water content in plants, which is crucial for assessing wildfire risks.

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Our objective is to supply information that assists agencies in forecasting and addressing environmental issues.

Where is your research headed next?

There are two primary avenues. Firstly, on the technological front, we’re developing multi-agent sensing: synchronized systems that collaborate across satellites, drones, and terrestrial sensors. For instance, if a ground sensor identifies a shift in permafrost, it can prompt drones and satellites to collect concentrated measurements. Artificial intelligence is crucial in managing all this information.

Secondly, enhanced interdisciplinary cooperation is necessary. We’re collaborating with social scientists, policy analysts, and health researchers to ensure that the data we gather leads to improved public policy and better human health.

What kind of advancements has USC made in sustainability?

USC has achieved notable progress in sustainability over the past few years, and it has been thrilling to be part of this evolution. Through the efforts of the President’s Working Group on Sustainability and backing from university leadership, we’ve executed concrete changes across campus operations. We’ve decreased greenhouse gas emissions by 43%, reduced water usage by 20%, and raised our waste diversion rate to 55%. One of the most obvious transformations has been the removal of single-use plastic bottles on campus, which has already stopped over 3 million bottles from entering the waste stream. These are quantifiable, impactful measures that demonstrate a strong institutional commitment to environmental stewardship.

How is USC incorporating sustainability into education and research?

We’re integrating sustainability into the academic and research framework of the university. Over 8,000 students are now enrolled in courses centered on sustainability, and we are continually broadening these offerings. We’ve also initiated a seed funding program to support high-risk, high-impact sustainability research, which has already produced promising outcomes. What’s particularly encouraging is that these initiatives are not solely top-down; they are propelled by a dedicated community of students, faculty, and staff eager to effect change. It’s a grassroots movement gaining traction, and we’re only at the beginning of this journey.

What’s your vision for sustainability at USC and beyond?

At USC, our vision for sustainability transcends merely minimizing harm; it’s about fostering conditions for both people and the planet to flourish. At USC Viterbi, sustainability is a fundamental pillar, and we’re weaving it into research, education, and campus life. We aim for our students to graduate not only as proficient engineers but as leaders who recognize the broader environmental and societal implications of their work.

Looking beyond USC, I foresee a future where sustainability is integrated into every facet of society, from public policy and industry to daily decision-making. Achieving this requires interdisciplinary collaboration, inclusive innovation, and a dedication to making science accessible and actionable. Ultimately, it’s about empowering individuals with the tools and understanding necessary to create a more resilient, equitable, and healthy world.