Website: https://cee.engr.uconn.edu/people/cerrai-diego

What motivated you to join CLEAN EARTH?

We live in a unique period, in which the world realized that we cannot keep using resources that the Earth gives us, without thinking about the implications that our actions have on future generation. Whatever we use today, may not be available in the future, or may worsen the state of our planet in the future. There is the need of a change of direction in our actions, not only as individuals, but also as people who live on the same planet. This change is not effortless. We need to study, understand and plan what are the best solutions that allow us to transition towards a more sustainable future.

What aspect of your research do you find most valuable for the people and communities?

A significant portion of my research focuses on electric grid resilience, and on the prediction of the impact of storms on the grid. For me, it is fundamental to advance this research, because it allows utilities and people to be better prepared for the impact of storms, and also it allows utilities and state to find the best solutions to minimize storms impact, while at the same time protecting the environment.