The Collaborative Network
EcoCARE unites a transdisciplinary team of scientists, practitioners, policy experts, and stakeholders from Rhode Island and Louisiana to develop innovative methods in AI-enhanced modeling, wetland valuation, molecular biomonitoring, and restoration financing. By synthesizing research outcomes for translational decision support, we facilitate a robust ecosystem for sustainable coastal wetland management and innovative restoration strategies.
Core Research Team
Ying Zhang
Principal Investigator, Lead
Professor
University of rhode island
Xiaochen Zhao
Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor, Research
Louisiana State University
Hui Zhou
Co-Principal Investigator
Assistant professor
University of rhode island
George Xue
Co-Principal Investigator
Professor
Louisiana State University
Erin Peck
Co-Principal Investigator
Assistant professor
University of rhode island
John White
Co-Principal Investigator
Professor
Louisiana State University
Kenny Raposa
Co-Principal Investigator
Research Coordinator
NBNERR, RI DEM
Scott Hemmerling
Co-Principal Investigator
Associate Professor
LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans
Julia Wyman
Co-Principal Investigator
Adjunct Professor of Law
Roger Williams University
Zhengchen (John) Zang
Co-Principal Investigator
Assistant Professor
Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium
James Pahl
Task co-lead, wetland monitoring & management
Senior Coastal Resources Scientist
Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority of Louisiana
Jaclyn Witterschein
Task co-lead, Community engagement
Marine Research Specialist
URI Coastal Institute
Emi Uchida
Task co-lead, Wetland economics
Professor
University of rhode island
Michael Pürrer
Task co-lead, AI modeling
Adjunct Assistant Professor
University of rhode island
Heather McInnis
External evaluator
The Implementation Group
Hongchao Zhang
Task co-lead, mathematical modeling
Professor
Louisiana State University
Kris Lewis
Task co-lead, EwE modeling
assistant Professor
University of rhode island
