College of Arts & Sciences

arts&sciences

Alums are shown the sample collector on the CAS roof. When it rains, the collector opens; researchers test samples every week to measure the chemistry of precipitation.

Rooftop Science

Measuring urban climate change—from the top of CAS

By Andrew Thurston | Photos by Kristyn Ulanday

In August 2016, a group of alumni was given exclusive access to some of the best views in Boston—and the expertise of CAS faculty. During Rooftop Science: Studying Urban Climate Change, BU researchers showed alums how they measure the city’s atmospheric nitrogen pollution. Associate Professor of Biology Pamela Templer, Associate Professor of Earth & Environment Lucy Hutyra, and PhD biology student Stephen Decina (GRS’20) organized the event, which was open to all alumni and cost just $10 to join.

“I really enjoy doing outreach work here at BU and off campus,” says Templer. “I think it’s a great way to share the results of our academic research with the public, both to inform them of our findings and to learn from them what they think is important and lacking in our general understanding.” View upcoming alumni education events.

Check out forthcoming alumni events, including those in your area, on the BU Alumni Association website.