In the UK, a remarkable display of scientific ingenuity, researchers at Newcastle University have harnessed the power of supercomputers to simulate the complex future of coral reefs under rising global temperatures. Their findings offer hope and a stark reminder of the urgency to address climate change.

Using advanced climate models and coral reef data, the team explored how individual coral colonies, subjected to varying degrees of heat stress, might adapt to an increasingly inhospitable marine environment. Their work reveals a critical insight: while some corals exhibit a surprising resilience to heat stress, this variation alone is unlikely to outpace the effects of unabated global warming. According to lead researchers, even the hardiest corals face a grim future without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

The simulations also tested how selective breeding—akin to methods used in agriculture—could bolster corals' thermal tolerance. Though promising, these interventions provided only modest gains, which were insufficient to counteract the projected intensity of marine heat waves. "Selective breeding could be part of the solution, but it's not a silver bullet," emphasized Dr. James Guest, a key contributor to the study.

What sets this research apart is its reliance on cutting-edge computational tools. By processing vast coral responses to heat stress datasets, the supercomputers mapped potential survival scenarios with unprecedented precision. These models provide vital data to inform global conservation strategies and highlight the importance of swift, collective action on climate policies.

This initiative, supported by international collaborators, underscores a poignant reality: while science can illuminate pathways to resilience, it cannot replace the urgent need for global efforts to curb emissions. As Dr. Adriana Humanes aptly noted, "For coral reefs to survive, adaptation must be matched by immediate climate action."

The respected ASPRS Fellow, photogrammetrist, and remote sensing scientist will oversee and enhance Woolpert’s architecture, engineering, and geospatial technology portfolio.

Woolpert has hired Amar Nayegandhi, Global Head of Technology and Innovation, to help support the firm’s international growth strategy. Nayegandhi will work with Woolpert’s executive and operational leadership and will be responsible for aligning, optimizing, and expanding Woolpert’s technology portfolio across its globally integrated architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) platform.

Nayegandhi is an American Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ASPRS) Fellow, certified photogrammetrist, and remote sensing scientist with over 25 years of technology services experience and leadership in the AEG industry. Working with Woolpert’s leadership team, he will help assess and streamline operational delivery efficiencies, workflows, tools, and processes and lead the development of the firm’s global delivery model.

“I am most excited to support Woolpert’s expanding global footprint and commitment to offering innovative technology solutions to solve our clients’ complex challenges in the architecture, engineering, and geospatial industries,” Nayegandhi said. “Woolpert’s forward-thinking approach to technology, from developing advanced remote sensing capabilities to enabling AI-based solutions, along with our incredible team of subject matter experts, enables us to deliver products and services that are unique in the AEG industry. I look forward to contributing to our client’s success, both across the country and around the world.”

Before joining Woolpert, Nayegandhi served as senior vice president at Dewberry, leading the firm’s geospatial and technology services operating unit. He also managed federal coastal science and resource management contracts at Jacobs, where he developed algorithms and post-flight data processing software for government-owned research topographic and bathymetric airborne lidar remote sensors.

“Amar’s deep expertise in technology best practices and innovative delivery methods is the perfect match for our continuously growing global business,” Woolpert President Neil Churman said. “We expect Amar will help us further integrate our entire set of AEG solution offerings while linking our global tech portfolio across regions and continents. Our growth strategy centers on people, culture, and talent, and bringing a professional of Amar’s caliber to Woolpert exemplifies our focus on building a world-class team.”

Nayegandhi, who will be based out of Woolpert’s St. Petersburg, Fla. office, earned his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Mumbai and master’s degree in computer science and engineering from the University of South Florida. He is a former director of the ASPRS Lidar Division, co-edited the ASPRS DEM User’s Manual, and has authored over 65 book chapters, refereed journal publications, and reports supporting the work of the U.S. Geological Survey and other federal agencies.