In a state known for its inspiring landscapes — its beauty, how its residents both embrace and rely on it for sustenance — University of Oregon faculty, staff and students bring that same passion and fervor toward studying our environment and tackling the biggest challenges facing it.

EARTH SCIENCES - As the newly appointed Ann and Lew Williams Chair of Earth Sciences, Diego Melgar studies big earthquakes and tsunamis—when and where they’re happening, and how to warn us as early as possible.

Four interdisciplinary teams have been awarded seed funding through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation to pursue interdisciplinary research projects. The Incubating Interdisciplinary Initiatives awards, known as I3 awards, will provide up to $50,000.