Luke Woodfill | 2026 I.S. Symposium
Name: Luke Woodfill
Title: Changing Cities for a Changing Climate: Mitigating Localized Flood Risk Through Small-Scale Green Infrastructure in 黑料社, Ohio
Majors: Environmental Geoscience; Urban Studies
Advisor: Meagen Pollock
As climate change intensifies, cities are becoming increasingly vulnerable to frequent flooding events. Large-scale efforts to mitigate flooding are often delayed or stopped by bureaucratic challenges, meaning it is essential to explore localized solutions. This paper examines the role of small-scale green infrastructure (GI) in mitigating urban flood risk. It explores how small-scale GI can effectively manage stormwater and enhance urban resilience. GI strategies like rain gardens, bioswales, green roofs, and permeable pavements can absorb stormwater, reduce runoff, and increase infiltration. By integrating the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) with the “Prepared Cities” theoretical framework, this study evaluates how land use patterns influence flood risk and identifies which GI interventions are most effective for small-basin environments. The research addresses a critical gap in hydrologic modeling for smaller, data-limited U.S. cities, providing a methodological foundation for optimizing GI implementation. Ultimately, this work establishes a framework for evaluating the extent to which site-scale GI can mitigate localized flood risk and support long-term urban sustainability in a changing climate.
Posted in Symposium 2026 on May 1, 2026.
