Join CREST in Welcoming New RENEW Scholars, Paniz Peiravani and Chaw Nandar
CREST Faculty affiliate and Professor of Civil Engineering at CCNY, Dr. Naresh Devineni and the team welcomed the first cohort of research scholars, Paniz Peiravani and Chaw Nandar, on the Reaching a New Energy Sciences Workforce (RENEW) project. Paniz is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Earth System Science & Environmental Engineering at the City College of New York (CCNY) while Chaw is an incoming junior majoring in Civil Engineering at CCNY. CREST Faculty Affiliate, Dr. Yingli Tiang serves as Paniz’s primary mentor in addition to Dr. Devineni.
On the RENEW project, Paniz is working on the flood risk analysis component. The focus is on converting radar rainfall data (2001-2024) into spatial maps using image processing techniques. The goal is to identify repeating spatial and temporal patterns in rainfall that could help predict future flood conditions. Chaw is conducting data-driven analysis on the relationship between extreme rainfall events and urban flood occurrences in Greater New York. She uses real flood reports from The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and rainfall data to better understand how extreme weather contributes to urban flooding.
Paniz was inspired to join the RENEW project because of its interdisciplinary approach and use of advanced technologies to address pressing environmental challenges that will prepare her for future workforce in this cutting edge field. For Chaw, the project holds personal significance. Back home in Myanmar, Chaw witnessed how floods and poor infrastructure impacted people’s lives. After moving to New York and beginning her studies in Civil Engineering, she sought opportunities to apply her knowledge to real-world challenges. The RENEW project will offer her the platform to do so. Additionally, the impactful work of Dr. Devineni played a key role in inspiring her to join the team.
Paniz’s academic and research interests lie at the intersection of Electrical, Computer and Environmental Engineering fields. She believes that the RENEW project will provide her with a strong pathway to future workforce through hands-on experience in applying machine learning to environmental challenges. She said, “I am developing expertise in data processing, model development, and interdisciplinary collaboration, skills that are important for my academic and professional growth.” For Chaw, the project offers a chance to build foundational skills critical to her future career such as working with data, understanding complex infrastructure systems, and assessing the broader impacts of engineering decisions. “I want to pursue a career in project management and this experience will help me understand how to balance detailed technical work with big-picture planning,” said Chaw.
Paniz and Chaw are grateful for their faculty mentors’ support and guidance. Reflecting on their experience, Paniz shared, “I am learning how to approach complex environmental challenges with a data-driven mindset and understand the importance of asking the right research questions and thinking critically about data quality and interpretation.” Chaw added, “I am developing and honing my skills on how to break down problems efficiently and convey my ideas effectively. Chaw also appreciates the diversity within the research team and the opportunity to collaborate across disciplines. “This experience will make me more confident as a student scholar and a future engineer,” she said.
Both Paniz and Chaw have unique skills; Paniz with her computer science expertise and Chaw with her engineering mindset, they contribute positively to the project by bridging Artificial Intelligence and engineering perspectives. I am excited to work with both of them over the next couple of years during their training phase and I am confident they will have a successful research and training experience, said Dr. Devineni
