NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. — Rutgers University researchers Hugh Roarty and James Shope recently introduced students in the Rutgers 4-H STEM Ambassador Program to one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges: urban heat islands.
During an interactive STEM session, Roarty and Shope demonstrated how scientists use drones equipped with thermal sensors and other remote sensing technologies to measure surface temperatures and identify urban areas that retain significantly more heat than surrounding neighborhoods. Students learned how pavement, rooftops, and other built environments absorb and radiate heat, creating warmer conditions that can impact public health, energy use, and quality of life.
The hands-on program encouraged students to think like scientists as they explored thermal imagery, collected temperature measurements, and discussed why some communities experience greater heat exposure than others. Through these activities, students gained an understanding of how data collected from drones and thermal cameras can help city planners evaluate strategies such as increasing tree canopy, installing cool roofs, and expanding green infrastructure to reduce urban temperatures.
“Urban heat islands provide an excellent example of how science and technology can be used to solve real-world problems,” said Roarty. “By giving students the opportunity to collect and interpret their own data, they see firsthand how STEM skills can improve the communities where they live.”
Shope explained the principles of thermal remote sensing and how researchers combine aerial observations with ground-based measurements to better understand environmental processes. Students also learned how these technologies support climate resilience planning by identifying neighborhoods most vulnerable to extreme heat.
The Rutgers 4-H STEM Ambassador Program connects high school students with university researchers through hands-on learning experiences designed to build scientific curiosity, leadership, and confidence. By sharing their expertise, Roarty and Shope helped inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers while demonstrating how innovative technologies can be used to better understand and address the impacts of a changing environment.
