Featured Post from University of Delaware

Empowering a reliable, cost-effective electricity grid today while paving the way for a renewable future

Jul 24, 2023

1 min

Extreme heat is stretching the United States' electricity infrastructure to maximum capacity, and the reported disjointedness of the country's three electric grids has made it more difficult to deliver wind and solar power as reinforcements.

Willett Kempton, professor of marine science and policy at the University of Delaware, led the development of a way to use electric car batteries to make grids more stable and resilient. Kempton advocates using electric storage through V2G technology to make electricity more reliable at a lower cost today and to enable the grid to use more renewable energy in the future.

Kempton, associate director of vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technology for UD's Center for Research in Wind (CReW), pioneered technology for vehicle-to-grid (V2G) vehicles, which are capable of absorbing excess energy when demand for power is low and returning some back to the electric grid when the demand for power is high.

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Willett Kempton

Professor, Marine Science and Policy

Prof. Kempton invented vehicle-to-grid power (V2G); he researches, publishes and lectures on offshore wind power and on electric vehicles.

Vehicle-to-Grid PowerOffshore Wind Policy

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Aug 10, 2026

1 min

Experts on earthquake response, community recovery and building safety

The shaking from a major earthquake may be over in minutes, but its consequences will last for years. University of Delaware experts can address emergency response, distributing aid, assessing damaged buildings, helping vulnerable communities and planning for long-term recovery. Their expertise is particularly relevant as communities across Latin America respond to major earthquakes, including the deadly magnitude 7.4 earthquake in Colombia. Tricia Wachtendorf, co-director of UD’s Disaster Research Center, offers expertise on how governments, nonprofits, emergency responders and community groups coordinate following a major disaster. Her research examines the role of spontaneous or “emergent” groups, humanitarian aid and donations, and how communities and organizations respond in the aftermath of disasters. Jennifer Trivedi, associate professor of anthropology and Disaster Research Center faculty member, specializes in disaster vulnerability and why some communities are more severely affected than others. She also addresses the long-term recovery needs and planning that emerge after the immediate crisis. Michael Chajes, professor of civil and environmental engineering, provides expertise on the structural damage caused by earthquakes, why some buildings collapse while others withstand the shaking and how engineers assess damaged structures and improve earthquake resilience. To arrange an interview with one of these experts, visit their profiles and click on the contact button. Interested reporters can also email MediaRelations@udel.edu.

Aug 5, 2026

1 min

Mapping the ancient world with underwater robotics

As audiences flock to theaters for Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, University of Delaware professor Art Trembanis is leading a real-life expedition to uncover one of ancient Greece's most important maritime landscapes. Trembanis, a professor in UD's School of Marine Science and Policy and an expert in seafloor mapping, marine robotics and underwater sensing technologies, recently led a team of students and researchers to the ancient harbor of Kenchreai, where they deployed autonomous underwater vehicles, advanced sonar systems and other cutting-edge mapping technologies to document a harbor that has remained hidden beneath the Mediterranean Sea for centuries. The expedition collected geospatial data that will allow researchers to reconstruct the ancient port in remarkable detail and ultimately create a "digital twin" of the site. The virtual model will enable archaeologists, engineers, students and the public to explore the harbor as if the water had been removed, preserving an invaluable piece of cultural heritage while advancing the use of marine technology in archaeology. Trembanis can discuss: Marine robotics and autonomous underwater vehicles Seafloor mapping and underwater imaging technologies The use of digital twins and 3D modeling to study underwater environments Advances in marine geospatial technology and ocean exploration Underwater archaeology and documenting submerged cultural heritage How engineering and marine science are transforming the study of oceans and ancient landscapes The role of emerging technologies in scientific discovery and education To arrange an interview with Trembanis, click on his profile or email mediarelations@udel.edu.

Jul 28, 2026

1 min

How Wildfires Impact Vulnerable Communities, Pets and Public Health Systems

Wildfires burning across the world, now in parts of France and Spain, are forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate. University of Delaware experts are available to discuss wildfire evacuations, vulnerable communities, animal rescue and the health effects of wildfire smoke exposure. Those experts, from UD’s Disaster Research Center, include: Sarah DeYoung Professor of sociology and criminal justice: • How people are forced to make split-second decisions involving horses, livestock and companion animals during fast-moving wildfires. • Why some owners must turn animals loose when evacuation time is limited. • Lessons from past disasters and animal rescue research. Jennifer Trivedi Assistant professor of anthropology: • The unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations during wildfires. • Complications surrounding evacuation decision-making and evacuation needs. • Long-term recovery following catastrophic disasters. Jennifer Horney Chair of UD’s Department of Epidemiology: • Health risks associated with wildfire smoke exposure, including respiratory infections. • How wildfire smoke and airborne pollutants affect population health. • The strain major wildfires can place on public health and health care systems. To arrange an interview with these experts, visit their profile page and click on the "contact" button. Interested journalists can also send an email to MediaRelations@udel.edu.