
Dr. Reza Khanbilvardi
NOAA Chair Professor of Civil Engineering, CCNY
It is my great pleasure to welcome you to the City University of New York Remote Sensing Earth System Institute, widely known as CUNY CREST. Whether you are a student, researcher, educator, partner, or a curious visitor, we are thrilled to have you engage with our dynamic and impactful community.
CUNY CREST stands at the intersection of science, innovation, and service. Our mission is to advance Earth system sciences, remote sensing, and environmental resilience through cutting-edge research, education, and workforce development. We are deeply committed to addressing some of the most urgent societal challenges of our time, from climate change and extreme weather to water management and environmental challenges. Our vision is a future where science empowers sustainable solutions in our communities, both locally and globally.
What sets CREST apart is not only the depth and breadth of our research but also our collaborative spirit. As a hub for interdisciplinary partnerships, we bring together leading scientists, faculty, and students from across the CUNY system and beyond, working with government agencies like NOAA, NASA, US Department of Energy, industry leaders, and community organizations. Our strength lies in our ability to blend scientific excellence with inclusive engagement and real-world impact.
At our core, CREST is about people. We take pride in fostering an inclusive, and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds thrive, where collaboration fuels innovation, and where education is a pathway to opportunity. We are especially committed to training the next generation of STEM leaders who will carry forward the mission of building a more resilient and sustainable planet.
Looking ahead, we are expanding our research frontiers, strengthening partnerships, and scaling our education and workforce development programs. As the climate crisis accelerates and technological change reshapes the world, CREST is poised to lead with integrity, curiosity, and purpose.
I invite you to explore our website, learn about our work, and consider how you can be a part of our journey. Whether you are interested in collaborating on research, mentoring students, joining our programs, or supporting our mission, there is a place for you at CREST. Together, we can turn knowledge into action and build a future that is smarter, safer, and more sustainable for all.
Contact: khanbilvardi@ccny.cuny.edu