The 2025 Bhakta Rath Research Award has been bestowed upon Michigan Technological University’s Pengfei Xue and his Ph.D. student, Miraj B. Kayastha, for their pioneering work in modelling regional climate change systems, with a specific focus on the Great Lakes. This annual award, recognizing exceptional scientific and technological research, underscores the growing importance of understanding and predicting climate change impacts on critical water systems.
Xue and Kayastha’s research delves into the intricate interactions between water, air, ice, land, and life across large regional Earth systems. Their advanced computer models aim to unravel how these interconnected systems respond to both natural variability and human-driven disturbances. “Our work centers on developing advanced computer models to understand and predict how these interconnected systems respond to both natural variability and human-driven disturbances,” Xue explained. This work is particularly timely, as the Great Lakes region grapples with record warm temperatures, rapid changes in water levels, and increased runoff pollution and flooding, according to the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
The implications of their research extend far beyond academia. The insights gleaned from these models can offer more predictable and reliable information for professionals in water infrastructure, natural resources, energy production, and other related fields. “Our research aims to understand how the Great Lakes and their regional climate might evolve in the future, with a particular focus on changes in water levels and devastating lake-effect snowstorms,” Kayastha noted. “This work supports Great Lakes coastal communities by providing critical insights into future climate impacts and helps policymakers and stakeholders develop strategies to build climate resilience.”
The collaboration between Xue and Kayastha, spanning over five years, highlights the importance of mentorship and specialized expertise in driving impactful research. Kayastha was drawn to Michigan Tech by Xue’s expansive knowledge in Earth system modeling and the university’s leadership in Great Lakes research. “I was particularly inspired by the opportunity to work with Xue on modeling and projecting the future of the Great Lakes and its regional climate — work aimed at generating actionable insights for the public and decision-makers,” Kayastha said. “Given my strong interest in water and climate systems, Michigan Tech was a natural choice.”
The mining industry, which relies heavily on water resources for various processes, stands to benefit significantly from this research. Accurate predictions of water levels and climate patterns can inform better water management strategies, ensuring sustainable operations and minimizing environmental impacts. Moreover, understanding the potential for increased runoff pollution and flooding can help mining companies prepare for and mitigate these risks, safeguarding both their operations and the surrounding ecosystems.
As climate change continues to exert its influence on the Great Lakes, the work of Xue and Kayastha becomes increasingly vital. Their research not only sheds light on the potential future of the Great Lakes but also equips communities, policymakers, and industries with the tools needed to adapt and build resilience. In an era where climate change is reshaping our world, such proactive and insightful research is invaluable, offering a beacon of hope and a roadmap for navigating the challenges ahead.