CSWAC Members Timu Gallien and Isabella Arzeno-Soltero Environmental Work Highlighted
From Los Angeles Times | Read the Full Article Here
Beachgoers in Santa Monica may notice an unusual sight this month: waves tinted a bright pink! This color comes from a harmless, temporary dye that UCLA researchers and the Bay Foundation are releasing into the bay to study how water circulation affects pollution near the Santa Monica Pier, which is a spot that is consistently known as one of California’s most dirty beaches.
The experiment began Sept. 15 with the first of four dye releases. By tracking where the dye moves, scientists hope to understand how a long-damaged breakwater, built in the 1930s, still disrupts currents and traps pollution. Data will be collected using fluorescent sensors on boats and buoys throughout the bay.
While Monday’s release dispersed quickly, researchers say the dye’s fluorescence allows them to monitor circulation even after the color fades. More releases are planned later this month, including surface-level and deep-water drops.
Two members of UCLA’s Center for the Study of Women Advisory Committee (CSWAC) are leading the project. Timu Gallien, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, focuses on coastal hydrodynamics and how human infrastructure alters natural water systems. Isabella Arzeno-Soltero, assistant professor in the same department, studies water quality and urban coastal environments. Together, they bring engineering and environmental expertise to address one of Southern California’s most persistent beach pollution challenges.
