FSU researcher receives NASA grant to map extreme heat and protect public health

June 16, 2026 - 18:28

A research team from Florida State University's College of Social Sciences and Public Policy has secured a new NASA grant to tackle the growing danger of extreme heat. The funding will support a project aimed at creating detailed maps of heat exposure across urban areas, with the goal of helping cities and public health officials respond more effectively to dangerous temperature spikes.

The interdisciplinary group brings together experts in geography, urban planning, and public policy. Their work will focus on identifying "heat islands" -- neighborhoods that experience significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas due to a lack of tree cover, dense pavement, and building materials that trap heat. These areas often overlap with lower-income communities and communities of color, where residents may lack access to air conditioning or green spaces.

Using satellite data from NASA, the team will develop high-resolution models that show not just where it gets hottest, but also how that heat affects vulnerable populations. The researchers plan to produce tools that local governments can use to prioritize cooling centers, tree planting, and emergency response efforts during heat waves.

Extreme heat is already the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, killing more people each year than hurricanes or floods. As global temperatures continue to rise, the risk is expected to grow. The FSU team hopes their mapping project will provide a clear, data-driven blueprint for reducing heat-related illness and death, especially in the most at-risk communities.