Tyler O'Neal, Staff Editor

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Woolpert has appointed Carl Lucas as its Chief Information Officer. Lucas will be responsible for driving the development, integration, and security of IT initiatives that are vital for expanding Woolpert's global presence in architecture, engineering, and geospatial operations, as well as advancing the firm’s innovative artificial intelligence technologies. Working closely with Woolpert's leadership team, Lucas aims to strengthen the organization's cybersecurity resilience, improve overall IT effectiveness, streamline IT integration processes for newly acquired companies, and enhance a comprehensive AI program designed to support the firm’s corporate services, internal IT infrastructure, generative AI capabilities, and operational needs.

With over thirty years of global IT experience, including a decade in the geospatial industry, Lucas brings extensive expertise in developing and implementing IT strategies across a variety of tech startups, Fortune 500 companies, and equity-backed enterprises. His strategic leadership has consistently driven technological innovation and operational efficiency in various organizational environments.

Expressing his excitement about the role, Lucas stated, "I am honored to embark on this transformative journey with Woolpert at such a pivotal moment in the company's development. My goal is to lead progressive global IT initiatives and pioneering AI solutions that align with Woolpert's strategic vision, ultimately delivering enhanced value to both customers and employees."

Before joining Woolpert, Lucas served as the Vice President of Information Technology at NV5, where he focused on enhancing technological capabilities and scalability within the geospatial solutions division. His responsibilities included overseeing global technology infrastructure, operational processes, cloud services, and IT security measures.

Neil Churman, President of Woolpert, praised Lucas's appointment, stating, "Carl's adept leadership in guiding technology-driven entities through innovative growth phases makes him an exceptional fit to facilitate Woolpert's expanding global enterprise. His deep industry knowledge, strategic insight, and focus on innovation position him ideally to help us unify, secure, and grow our operations. We are genuinely pleased and privileged to welcome him to our esteemed team."

Lucas holds a bachelor's degree in astrophysics from the University of Rochester and has further enhanced his credentials with professional certificates in Management and Leadership from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Stanford University. Working from Woolpert's office in the St. Pete Innovation District in St. Petersburg, Florida, Lucas is set to make significant contributions to the firm's strategic technological goals, positioning Woolpert at the forefront of advancement in architecture, engineering, geospatial operations, and artificial intelligence.

The appointment of Carl Lucas emphasizes Woolpert's commitment to developing a robust, forward-thinking IT infrastructure to navigate the evolving landscape of global architecture, engineering, geospatial technologies, and AI innovation, highlighting the critical interplay between technological expertise and strategic vision in driving sustainable growth within the organization and the wider industry.

In a world characterized by turmoil and unpredictability, businesses face the challenge of setting prices that successfully balance profitability and consumer appeal. The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has been viewed as a potential game-changer in this area, offering a promising solution to help navigate uncertain times. However, recent global disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, have revealed the limitations of traditional AI models to adapt to drastic changes.

A new development emerges from this landscape thanks to the work of UC Riverside School of Business professors Mingyu "Max" Joo and Hai Che, along with collaborators from Baruch College and Ohio State University. They have created an innovative deep-learning model that combines historical sales data with economic demand theory. This breakthrough has the potential to transform how businesses understand and predict consumer behavior, especially during challenging times.

The essence of their research highlights a significant shift in perspective. Traditionally, AI models relied solely on historical sales data, often neglecting the complexities of consumer behavior during unforeseen events. Joo and Che's model integrates fundamental principles of economic theory, creating a new paradigm for pricing predictions.

Through the application of economic theory, the researchers have successfully quantified the unpredictable nature of consumer behavior during extraordinary circumstances—a challenge that has long confounded conventional AI models. By analyzing the interactions between external influences like pandemics or economic shocks and pricing strategies, their model offers hope for businesses navigating uncertain terrains.

The past year has underscored the weaknesses of traditional AI models, and this breakthrough serves as a timely reminder of the value that diverse perspectives bring. The combination of AI and economic theory not only provides a clearer understanding of consumer behavior but also showcases the transformative potential of interdisciplinary collaboration.

Validation of their model during the COVID-19 pandemic highlights its resilience. While conventional AI models struggled under immense disruptions, Joo and Che's approach demonstrated exceptional accuracy, significantly reducing generalization errors. This development paves the way for a new era in pricing predictions.

This work offers a compelling glimpse into a future where advanced AI techniques and established economic principles converge to form a robust and adaptable framework.

In an era marked by uncertainty, these advancements highlight AI's transformative potential when combined with diverse perspectives. They pave the way for a future in which businesses can confidently navigate uncharted waters with insight and expertise.

In a realm where the invisible communicates loudly and the unknown holds the key to understanding the universe's deepest secrets, physicists embark on a journey that challenges conventional wisdom. At the forefront of this cosmic exploration is Hai-Bo Yu, a visionary researcher at the University of California, Riverside. His groundbreaking work has revealed the mysterious nature of stellar streams and the significant impact of dark matter.

The GD-1 stellar stream, a fascinating feature surrounding the Milky Way, has long intrigued astronomers with its complex structures—a delicate dance of stars that reveals stories of cosmic interactions. In the midst of this celestial phenomenon, a team led by researcher Hai-Bo Yu has made significant strides in unraveling a longstanding cosmic mystery by proposing the existence of a core-collapsing self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) subhalo as the key entity behind the unique characteristics of the GD-1 stream.

Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Yu’s research sheds light on the obscure aspects of the universe, providing new insights into the properties and dynamics of dark matter. Collaborating with a dedicated group of researchers, Yu utilized the capabilities of supercomputer N-body simulations to model a collapsing SIDM subhalo, thereby enhancing our understanding of the cosmic forces at work.

In a universe heavily influenced by the unseen, Yu’s findings illuminate the complexities of stellar streams and invite deeper contemplation about the nature of dark matter. By embracing the concept of self-interacting dark matter, Yu's research opens doors to new avenues of exploration, challenging traditional theories and paving the way for innovative insights into previously uncharted areas.

As we observe the stunning array of stars in the Milky Way’s galactic halo, we are reminded of the transformative power of scientific inquiry and the limitless potential of human curiosity. Through the lens of Yu's visionary research, we recognize that the universe is a canvas of infinite possibilities, eager to be explored by curious minds determined to uncover its mysteries.

In a world where cosmic wonders and scientific breakthroughs converge, let Hai-Bo Yu's pioneering spirit inspire us, guiding us toward a future where discovery knows no limits and the secrets of the universe are unveiled one star at a time.

In a realm where the invisible communicates loudly and the unknown holds the key to understanding the universe's deepest secrets, physicists embark on a journey that challenges conventional wisdom. At the forefront of this cosmic exploration is Hai-Bo Yu, a visionary researcher at the University of California, Riverside. His groundbreaking work has revealed the mysterious nature of stellar streams and the significant impact of dark matter.

The GD-1 stellar stream, a fascinating feature surrounding the Milky Way, has long intrigued astronomers with its complex structures—a delicate dance of stars that reveals stories of cosmic interactions. In the midst of this celestial phenomenon, a team led by researcher Hai-Bo Yu has made significant strides in unraveling a longstanding cosmic mystery by proposing the existence of a core-collapsing self-interacting dark matter (SIDM) subhalo as the key entity behind the unique characteristics of the GD-1 stream.

Published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Yu’s research sheds light on the obscure aspects of the universe, providing new insights into the properties and dynamics of dark matter. Collaborating with a dedicated group of researchers, Yu utilized the capabilities of supercomputer N-body simulations to model a collapsing SIDM subhalo, thereby enhancing our understanding of the cosmic forces at work.

In a universe heavily influenced by the unseen, Yu’s findings illuminate the complexities of stellar streams and invite deeper contemplation about the nature of dark matter. By embracing the concept of self-interacting dark matter, Yu's research opens doors to new avenues of exploration, challenging traditional theories and paving the way for innovative insights into previously uncharted areas.

As we observe the stunning array of stars in the Milky Way’s galactic halo, we are reminded of the transformative power of scientific inquiry and the limitless potential of human curiosity. Through the lens of Yu's visionary research, we recognize that the universe is a canvas of infinite possibilities, eager to be explored by curious minds determined to uncover its mysteries.

In a world where cosmic wonders and scientific breakthroughs converge, let Hai-Bo Yu's pioneering spirit inspire us, guiding us toward a future where discovery knows no limits and the secrets of the universe are unveiled one star at a time.

A groundbreaking study published in Science by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Cincinnati has unveiled a new era in river monitoring. This research marks a significant advancement in our understanding of river ecosystems by mapping 35 years of river changes on a global scale for the first time. The collaboration among hydrologists has revealed a concerning shift in river flow patterns: downstream rivers are experiencing a decline in water flow, while smaller upstream rivers have seen an increase.

The core of this transformative research lies in the innovative use of supercomputer modeling and satellite data to assess river flow rates across 3 million stream reaches worldwide. This advanced approach enables researchers to monitor every river, every day, everywhere, over the span of 35 years, providing a comprehensive and real-time insight into the evolution of our rivers.

Lead author Dongmei Feng, an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati, and co-author Colin Gleason, the Armstrong Professional Development Professor of civil and environmental engineering at UMass Amherst, have paved the way for a deeper understanding of how rivers respond to various factors, including climate change and human intervention. By utilizing the power of supercomputers, they have accessed a wealth of previously unavailable data, shedding light on the complex dynamics of river systems.

This study's optimistic tone lies in its significant potential for informed decision-making and sustainable resource management. By identifying specific changes in river flow rates, communities worldwide can better prepare for disruptions in water supply, mitigate the impact of floods, and plan for future hydropower development. The data generated from this supercomputer modeling highlights the challenges we face and provides practical insights into how we can adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

Furthermore, this research highlights the critical role that advanced technology plays in addressing complex environmental issues. Integrating large-scale computation, modeling, data assimilation, remote sensing, and innovative geomorphic theory has allowed researchers to present a comprehensive view of global river landscapes. This optimistic outlook marks a new chapter in hydrological research, where supercomputers serve as powerful tools for transformation and progress.

As we embark on this journey of discovery and innovation, the hopeful spirit of this study fuels our collective efforts to safeguard our rivers, protect our ecosystems, and build a more sustainable future for generations to come. With supercomputer modeling leading the way, the possibilities are endless, and the potential for positive change is within reach.

The NASA Terrestrial Hydrology, Early Career Investigator, and Surface Water and Ocean Topography Programs supported this research.

Exploring material science has always been challenging, as complex calculations often demand significant computing power. However, a team of innovative researchers at Yale University has recently unveiled a groundbreaking approach that utilizes artificial intelligence to transform the calculation of electron structures in materials.

Understanding the electronic structure of materials is crucial for unlocking new possibilities and insights. Traditionally, density functional theory (DFT) has been widely used in this area. However, conventional methods can fall short when it comes to investigating excited-state properties—such as light interactions or electrical conductivity. This challenge inspired Professor Diana Qiu and her team to find a novel solution.

Focusing on electrons' wave function, which defines a particle's quantum state, the researchers set out to uncover the intricacies of material behavior. Using two-dimensional materials as their canvas, they employed a variational autoencoder (VAE), an AI-powered image processing tool, to create a dimensional representation of the wave function without human intervention.

"The wave function can be visualized as a probability spread over space, allowing us to condense significant amounts of data into a concise set of numbers that capture the essence of electron behavior," explained Professor Qiu, who led this transformative study. This new representation proved more accurate and significantly reduced computational time, enabling the exploration of a broader range of materials.

In a field where traditional methods could consume between 100,000 to a million CPU hours for calculations involving just three atoms, the VAE-assisted technique has reduced that timeframe to only one hour. This remarkable leap in computational efficiency accelerates research efforts and opens doors to discovering new materials with unique and desirable properties.

The strength of this approach lies in its ability to move beyond human intuition, paving the way for more precise and versatile material analysis. As Professor Qiu aptly states, "This method not only speeds up complicated calculations but also broadens our horizons in material discovery, offering a glimpse into the vast possibilities within the realm of electron structures."

Armed with this innovative methodology, Yale researchers are positioned to significantly impact material science, unraveling the complexities of electron structures and unlocking potential breakthroughs that could shape the future of technology and innovation.

To improve earthquake forecasting and gain insights into potential seismic activities, scientists have introduced a groundbreaking method that analyzes fault dynamics and enhances the accuracy of earthquake predictions. This innovative technique, detailed in a paper published in the journal Geology, explores the intricate details of past earthquake events, providing valuable information about the origins of quakes, their propagation patterns, and the geographical areas likely to experience significant seismic impacts.

At the core of this approach are advanced supercomputer modeling techniques that allow for a thorough analysis of fault activities, which ultimately helps in creating more precise earthquake scenarios for significant fault lines. By closely examining the subtle curved scratches left on fault surfaces after an earthquake—similar to the markings on a drag race track—researchers can determine the direction in which the earthquakes originated and how they moved toward specific locations.

The lead author of this groundbreaking study, UC Riverside geologist Nic Barth, explains the importance of these previously unnoticed curved scratch marks. Supercomputer modeling identified the shape of these curves relative to the earthquake's direction; the research establishes a solid foundation for determining the locations of prehistoric earthquakes. This understanding provides a pathway for forecasting future seismic events and improving hazard assessment strategies globally.

One of this study's key findings is its ability to reveal critical information about the origins and trajectories of earthquakes. This knowledge is vital for predicting potential initiation points of future seismic events and understanding their likely paths. Such insights are significant for earthquake-prone areas like California, where accurate forecasts can significantly reduce the impact of earthquakes.

The study also highlights the need to understand earthquake propagation and its implications. For example, researchers examine a large earthquake that starts near the Salton Sea on the San Andreas fault and propagates northward toward Los Angeles, demonstrating how different earthquake origins and directions can affect energy dispersion and impact intensity.

Furthermore, this research extends its focus to international fault lines, notably New Zealand's Alpine Fault, known for its seismic activities. By analyzing historical earthquake patterns and modeling potential scenarios, the study showcases the predictive power of this new technique in forecasting seismic behavior and informing preparedness measures in earthquake-prone regions worldwide.

In a time characterized by increased seismic risks and an emphasis on disaster readiness, employing advanced supercomputer modeling techniques to analyze earthquake dynamics offers a promising path forward in earthquake science. As researchers globally adopt this innovative approach to uncover the complex history of faults and refine seismic predictions, the potential to enhance earthquake preparedness and response mechanisms grows, providing hope for communities at risk from seismic events.

Overall, this new horizon of knowledge promises to transform our understanding of earthquake science, offering a powerful tool to improve our comprehension of seismic behavior and strengthen global resilience against the unpredictable forces of nature.

A groundbreaking study published in Science by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Cincinnati has unveiled a new era in river monitoring. This research marks a significant advancement in our understanding of river ecosystems by mapping 35 years of river changes on a global scale for the first time. The collaboration among hydrologists has revealed a concerning shift in river flow patterns: downstream rivers are experiencing a decline in water flow, while smaller upstream rivers have seen an increase.

The core of this transformative research lies in the innovative use of supercomputer modeling and satellite data to assess river flow rates across 3 million stream reaches worldwide. This advanced approach enables researchers to monitor every river, every day, everywhere, over the span of 35 years, providing a comprehensive and real-time insight into the evolution of our rivers.

Lead author Dongmei Feng, an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati, and co-author Colin Gleason, the Armstrong Professional Development Professor of civil and environmental engineering at UMass Amherst, have paved the way for a deeper understanding of how rivers respond to various factors, including climate change and human intervention. By utilizing the power of supercomputers, they have accessed a wealth of previously unavailable data, shedding light on the complex dynamics of river systems.

This study's optimistic tone lies in its significant potential for informed decision-making and sustainable resource management. By identifying specific changes in river flow rates, communities worldwide can better prepare for disruptions in water supply, mitigate the impact of floods, and plan for future hydropower development. The data generated from this supercomputer modeling highlights the challenges we face and provides practical insights into how we can adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

Furthermore, this research highlights the critical role that advanced technology plays in addressing complex environmental issues. Integrating large-scale computation, modeling, data assimilation, remote sensing, and innovative geomorphic theory has allowed researchers to present a comprehensive view of global river landscapes. This optimistic outlook marks a new chapter in hydrological research, where supercomputers serve as powerful tools for transformation and progress.

As we embark on this journey of discovery and innovation, the hopeful spirit of this study fuels our collective efforts to safeguard our rivers, protect our ecosystems, and build a more sustainable future for generations to come. With supercomputer modeling leading the way, the possibilities are endless, and the potential for positive change is within reach.

The NASA Terrestrial Hydrology, Early Career Investigator, and Surface Water and Ocean Topography Programs supported this research.

A groundbreaking study published in Science by researchers from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and the University of Cincinnati has unveiled a new era in river monitoring. This research marks a significant advancement in our understanding of river ecosystems by mapping 35 years of river changes on a global scale for the first time. The collaboration among hydrologists has revealed a concerning shift in river flow patterns: downstream rivers are experiencing a decline in water flow, while smaller upstream rivers have seen an increase.

The core of this transformative research lies in the innovative use of supercomputer modeling and satellite data to assess river flow rates across 3 million stream reaches worldwide. This advanced approach enables researchers to monitor every river, every day, everywhere, over the span of 35 years, providing a comprehensive and real-time insight into the evolution of our rivers.

Lead author Dongmei Feng, an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati, and co-author Colin Gleason, the Armstrong Professional Development Professor of civil and environmental engineering at UMass Amherst, have paved the way for a deeper understanding of how rivers respond to various factors, including climate change and human intervention. By utilizing the power of supercomputers, they have accessed a wealth of previously unavailable data, shedding light on the complex dynamics of river systems.

This study's optimistic tone lies in its significant potential for informed decision-making and sustainable resource management. By identifying specific changes in river flow rates, communities worldwide can better prepare for disruptions in water supply, mitigate the impact of floods, and plan for future hydropower development. The data generated from this supercomputer modeling highlights the challenges we face and provides practical insights into how we can adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

Furthermore, this research highlights the critical role that advanced technology plays in addressing complex environmental issues. Integrating large-scale computation, modeling, data assimilation, remote sensing, and innovative geomorphic theory has allowed researchers to present a comprehensive view of global river landscapes. This optimistic outlook marks a new chapter in hydrological research, where supercomputers serve as powerful tools for transformation and progress.

As we embark on this journey of discovery and innovation, the hopeful spirit of this study fuels our collective efforts to safeguard our rivers, protect our ecosystems, and build a more sustainable future for generations to come. With supercomputer modeling leading the way, the possibilities are endless, and the potential for positive change is within reach.

The NASA Terrestrial Hydrology, Early Career Investigator, and Surface Water and Ocean Topography Programs supported this research.