SMesh: Radio Sensor Networks to Support Fire Management

Pioneering environmental monitoring systems using radio-powered air sensors to monitor prescribed burns in real-time.

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About the Project
Cutting-Edge Technology

Deploying a network of low-cost, low-power environmental sensors connected via radio to monitor fire and smoke during controlled burns.

Environmental Impact

Providing real-time and forecasted data to land managers to optimize prescribed burns and minimize smoke exposure.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Working with local communities and government agencies to ensure the system meets their needs.

The Science Behind It
1
Sensor Deployment

Strategically placing sensors in the field to capture comprehensive environmental data including smoke, temperature, relative humidity, and wind.

2
Radio Communication

Leveraging low-power radio technology to transmit sensor readings in real-time.

3
Advanced Machine Learning

Applying machine learning algorithms to transform raw sensor data into actionable insights to support prescribed fire, community health, and ecosystem management.

Our Innovative Approach
Customized Sensors

Designing specialized environmental sensors tailored to the needs of prescribed fire monitoring.

Scalable Network

Developing a modular, expandable network to cover large areas and diverse landscapes.

User-Friendly Interface

Creating intuitive data visualization and reporting tools for land managers and policymakers.

Partnerships

Collaborating with multiple departments, local communities, and government agencies.

Current Stage
Building and testing at Stanford's Lab64

The team is working at Lab64 to build a modular design of the sensor suite that allows for easy installation and adjustment in various terrain, from dense forests to open grasslands.

Field testing in Northern California

The team has conducted field testing and pilot deployments of the sensor network in several Northern California locations, gathering valuable data and feedback from land managers.

Upcoming Milestones
1
Field Testing

Testing the sensor suites in additional regions for data collection and research.

2
Data Integration

Integrating sensor data with environmental models for comprehensive analysis.

3
Stakeholder Engagement

Strengthening partnerships with land managers, policymakers, and community groups.

Meet the SMesh Team
Jessica Yu, PhD

Lead Investigator, Environmental Health

Lisa Fung

Computer Science

Daniel Neamati, MS

Aerospace Engineering

Victor Hunyh

Electrical Engineering

Evan Twarog, BEng

Electrical Engineering

Karl Toepperwien, PhD

Atmospheric Science

Ashley Raigosa

Computer Science

Hannah Watkins

Mechanical Engineering

Quyen Thu Vo

Computer Science

Micha David Rand

Electrical Engineering

Catherine Fisher

Mechanical Engineering

Henry Wang

Data Science

SMesh Network of Support
Stanford Workshop and Field Participants
  • Jack Low, Computer Science
  • Anh Ho, Electrical Engineering
  • Bryan Liu, Computer Science
  • Guilherme Simioni Bonfim, Computer Science
  • Marcarious Amoah, Mechanical Engineering
  • Jack Rokous, Mechanical Engineering
  • Adam Young, Computer Science
  • Joshua Dong, Computer Science
  • Aditi Bashkar, Computer Science
  • Rohan Lingam, Electrical Engineering
  • Esmee Cowing, Computer Science
  • Jack Goler, Atmospheric Science
  • Philippe Roberge, Earth System Science
  • Hugo Budd, Civil Engineering
External Contributing Members
  • Kirby Fung, Hardware Design
  • Benjamin Dourthe, Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence
  • Srikanth Samy, LLM and Chat Interface
Mentors and Friends of SMesh
  • Pete Mahowald, Adjunct Lecturer in Electrical Engineering, Lead Technical Advisor
  • John Pauly, Electrical Engineeirng
  • Chris Field, Climate Science
  • Qiao Kang, Environmental Engineering
  • Michael Wara, Climate and Energy Policy Program
  • Mike Maastrandrea, Climate and Energy Policy Program
  • Deborah Sivas, Environmental & Natural Resources Law & Policy Program
  • David Leeson, Electrical Engineering
Opportunities to Get Involved
1
Volunteer

Join our team of scientists, engineers, and environmental enthusiasts and help build sensors and deploy the sensor network in the field.

2
Collaborate

Partner with us to integrate the system into your land management or research activities.

3
Donate

Support the project's expansion and ongoing operations through financial contributions.

Student Opportunities
Our Collaborators
Stanford University Climate and Energy Policy Program
Stanford University Radio Club
Stanford University Sustainability Accelerator
Stanford University Land Use and Environmental Planning
Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve 'Ootchamin 'Ooyakma
Central Coast Prescribed Burn Association
NOAA Fire Weather Testbed
CAL FIRE
Pepperwood Preserve
NSF NCAR Computational and Information Systems Laboratory
UCAR Cooperative Program for Operational Meteorology, Education, and Training
Desert Research Institute