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ESTHER KRUPP
01- A
FILM SERIES +
EVENT GRAPHICS
In partnership with Katra Film Series, brand identity for a new film series was developed.
01- A
FILM SERIES +
EVENT GRAPHICS
In partnership with Katra Film Series, brand identity for a new film series was developed.
01- A
FILM SERIES +
EVENT GRAPHICS
In partnership with Katra Film Series, brand identity for a new film series was developed.
WAVE GUARD
RESEARCH + MAP DISPLAYS + PRODUCT DESIGN
02 - A
EMERGENCY ENERGY GENERATION
In partnership with Brown University's Engineering & Sociology departments, I conducted a research sprint focused on emergency energy generation in flood-prone zones, emphasizing advancements in wave energy renewable technologies. Leveraging GIS (Geographic Information Systems), I developed methods to analyze integration strategies and assess societal needs for resilient energy solutions in emergencies.
BROWN
UNIVERSITY
ENGINEERING
Brown University's Engineering Department focuses on interdisciplinary research and education, integrating principles from various engineering fields to address complex problems. The department emphasizes practical applications of engineering concepts, such as energy systems, product design, and computational analysis, to develop solutions for global challenges. With a commitment to innovation and collaboration, the department supports research efforts aimed at creating impactful, real-world outcomes.
BROWN
UNIVERISTY
SOCIOLOGY
Brown University's Sociology Department explores the social structures and dynamics that shape human behavior and societal outcomes. Through qualitative and quantitative research methods, the department examines issues like community development and the intersections of technology and society. With a focus on critical analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration, the department supports research that seeks to understand and address social challenges in local & global contexts.
GEOGRAPHIC
INFORMATION SYSTEMS
INSTITUTE
Brown University's Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Institute focuses on the application of spatial analysis and mapping technologies to address environmental, social, and scientific challenges. The institute provides resources and expertise in GIS tools and methodologies, enabling interdisciplinary research on topics. With a commitment to advancing geospatial literacy, the institute supports projects that integrate spatial data to inform decision-making and drive impactful interdisciplinary solutions.
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02 - B
FLOOD RESPONSE STRATEGIES
The emergency energy generation research focused on addressing the critical challenges of providing reliable power in flood zones, where traditional energy infrastructure is often compromised. In these high-risk areas, power outages during floods can exacerbate the impacts of the disaster, hindering response efforts and recovery. The research identified the need for resilient, sustainable energy solutions that could withstand flooding and be quickly deployed in emergencies.
EMERGENCY SERVICES
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02 - C
WAVE-POWERED
RENEWABLE ENERGY GENERATION
Wave-powered renewable energy generation harnesses the natural movement of ocean waves to produce clean, sustainable power. This technology captures the kinetic energy from waves and converts it into electricity, offering a reliable and renewable energy source for coastal regions. Wave energy systems have the potential to complement other renewable sources like wind and solar, providing consistent power even when conditions are less favorable for other technologies. As an emerging field, wave energy promises to play a key role in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting the transition to a more sustainable energy future.
OFF-SHORE OPTIONS
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02 - D
ASSOCIATED
TECHNOLOGIES +
ENGINEERING
Associated technologies and engineering play a crucial role in the development and optimization of wave-powered renewable energy generation systems. These technologies include advanced materials, sensors, power conversion systems, and data analytics tools that enhance the efficiency and reliability of wave energy devices. Engineering solutions focus on improving the durability and performance of these systems in harsh marine environments, ensuring long-term sustainability and minimal environmental impact. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and innovative engineering practices, wave energy systems are becoming more feasible and scalable, paving the way for broader adoption of renewable energy solutions.
LONG-RANGE RENEWABLE ENERGY SOLUTIONS
WIND TURBINE BASE INFRASTRUCTURE
02 - E
GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS INSTITUTE BROWN UNIVERSITY
The decision to partner with the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Institute at Brown University was driven by the need to incorporate advanced spatial analysis and mapping tools into the research process. The GIS Institute's expertise in GIS technologies provides critical resources for analyzing complex environmental and societal challenges. This collaboration enables access to cutting-edge methodologies that enhance data accuracy and visualization, allowing for more informed decision-making. By integrating GIS capabilities, the research can better assess flood-prone areas, optimize energy generation solutions, and develop more effective, data-driven strategies for addressing pressing issues such as renewable energy deployment in vulnerable regions.
BROWN UNIVERSITY
SPATIAL STRUCTURES
SOCIAL SCIENCES (S4)
Brown University's Spatial Structures Social Sciences (S4) initiative focuses on the intersection of spatial analysis and social science research. This interdisciplinary program integrates methodologies from geography, urban planning, sociology, and other social sciences to examine the spatial dimensions of societal issues. By utilizing advanced tools and techniques such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the initiative explores how physical environments shape social dynamics, behaviors, and outcomes.
S4 aims to provide innovative insights into topics like inequality, urban development, environmental justice, and public policy, fostering research that informs both academic inquiry and real-world solutions.
BROWN UNIVERSITY LIBRARY +
EARTHLAB
The Brown University Library and EarthLab collaborate to provide a comprehensive resource for research and innovation at the intersection of environmental science, data, and technology. EarthLab combines interdisciplinary expertise to tackle complex environmental challenges, offering access to data, tools, and collaborative spaces. With a focus on sustainability, climate science, and ecological research, this partnership supports projects that integrate data analysis, environmental modeling, and geospatial technologies. Together, the Library and EarthLab foster a dynamic research environment, promoting discovery, innovation, and practical solutions to pressing environmental issues.
BROWN UNIVERSITY
POPULATION STUDIES +
TRAINING CENTER
The Brown University Population Studies and Training Center is dedicated to advancing research and education in population science. The center focuses on studying demographic trends, population health, migration, and social inequality through interdisciplinary methods. By combining quantitative analysis, field research, and advanced modeling techniques, the center provides critical insights into population dynamics and their implications for public policy. It also offers training programs to equip scholars and practitioners with the tools needed to address complex global challenges related to population change, health disparities, and social well-being.
02 - F
GIS ANALYSIS 1:
COASTAL TOPOGRAPHY & RENEWABLE ENERGY POTENTIAL ON THE EAST COAST
The GIS analysis focused on mapping coastal topography and flood risks along the East Coast, revealing key insights into the potential for wave energy generation as a renewable energy source in flood-prone areas. By analyzing factors such as coastal elevation, flood vulnerability, and wave patterns, the study identified strategic locations where wave energy systems could be most effectively deployed. The findings highlighted areas with high flood risk that also offer favorable conditions for wave energy generation, supporting the feasibility of renewable energy planning in these regions. This analysis not only aids in pinpointing optimal zones for wave energy infrastructure but also contributes to broader efforts to integrate renewable energy solutions into coastal flood management strategies, ensuring both environmental resilience and energy security.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS: COASTAL TOPOGRAPHY
RENEWABLE ENERGY PLANNING AREAS
02 - G
GIS ANALYSIS 2: EMERGENCY ENERGY DEPLOYMENT FOR CRITICAL SOCIETY INFRASTRUCTURE
The second round of GIS analysis focused on identifying optimal areas for deploying emergency energy generation systems based on the location of critical infrastructure, including hospitals, law enforcement, ambulance services, and cellular towers. The research cross-referenced flood risk zones with the proximity of these essential services to ensure that emergency energy solutions could be efficiently deployed in areas where they are most needed during disasters. Additionally, the analysis incorporated socioeconomic data to factor in income levels, identifying vulnerable populations that may have limited access to backup power. This analysis highlighted areas where renewable energy generation, such as wave energy, could provide reliable and equitable support to essential services in the event of flooding or other emergencies, particularly in underserved and lower-income communities. The findings emphasize the importance of prioritizing energy solutions that ensure access to critical services during emergencies, regardless of socioeconomic status.
AREAS OF NEED FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY IN EMERGENCY
LOCATIONS OF FIRE STATIONS
02 - H
GIS ANALYSIS 3: EMERGENCY ENERGY DEPLOYMENT BASED ON LOCATIONS OF PUBLIC ELECTRIC TRANSMISSION LINES, SHORELINE ACCESS, AND MARINAS
The third round of GIS analysis focused on identifying strategic locations for deploying emergency energy generation systems, with a particular emphasis on areas near electric transmission lines and marinas. The research mapped the proximity of these key infrastructure points to navigational beacons and lights, critical for maritime safety and communication during emergencies. By integrating flood risk data with the locations of electric transmission networks, marina facilities, and public shoreline access the analysis identified potential areas where wave energy systems could be deployed to provide reliable backup power. Additionally, the socioeconomic profiles of surrounding communities, including income levels, were considered to ensure equitable access to emergency energy solutions. This analysis highlighted regions where renewable energy generation could both support critical infrastructure during emergencies and provide power to communities with limited resources, ensuring the resilience of maritime operations, local economies, and emergency response efforts in flood-prone coastal areas.
FACTOS FOR AREAS OF POTENTIAL DEPLOYMENT
BRIDGES + SHORE ACCESS POINTS
02 - I
GIS ANALYSIS FINAL: OPTIMIZING EMERGENCY ENERGY DEPLOYMENT
The final round of GIS analysis synthesized the findings from previous rounds to identify the most suitable areas for the deployment of emergency energy generation systems. By combining data on coastal topography, flood risk, locations of critical infrastructure (such as hospitals, law enforcement, and ambulance services), electric transmission lines, marinas, navigational beacons, and socioeconomic factors, the analysis pinpointed the areas most in need of reliable, renewable energy solutions during emergencies. Special attention was given to income levels, ensuring that vulnerable, lower-income communities with limited access to backup power were prioritized. The integrated findings revealed optimal locations where wave energy generation systems could provide resilient, decentralized power, supporting both essential services and local populations in flood-prone areas. This comprehensive analysis lays the groundwork for strategically deploying renewable energy solutions to enhance disaster preparedness and recovery efforts, particularly in high-risk, underserved regions.
AREAS OF DEPLOYMENT
02 - J
NEXT STEPS:
DESIGN & ENGINEERING OF WAVE ENERGY EMERGENCY DEVICES
The next steps involve the design and engineering of wave energy devices specifically tailored for emergency situations. The focus is on creating systems that are easy to deploy, transport, and adaptable to various environmental conditions, including different wave levels, water depths, coastal topographies, and local architectural features. A flexible, flat disk design has been explored, offering versatility and ease of deployment in a variety of settings. Several design prototypes are being considered, each with unique methods of attachment to accommodate different coastal configurations, from rocky shorelines to urban infrastructure. Additionally, modular battery pack systems are being explored to enhance the energy storage capabilities of the devices, ensuring that they can provide reliable power during extended emergencies. These devices are designed to be lightweight and compact for rapid deployment, while also ensuring efficient integration into existing disaster response efforts. The goal is to develop a renewable, resilient energy solution that can be easily transported, set up, and deployed to meet the critical energy needs of coastal communities in emergency situations.
EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT OFF COASTAL ARCHITECTURE
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EMERGENCY DEPLOYMENT OFF-SHORE
02 - K
COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDERS & AUTHORITIES FOR WAVE ENERGY EMERGENCY DEVICES
The deployment of wave energy emergency devices requires collaboration with key stakeholders, including local government agencies, emergency management teams, utility companies, and maritime authorities. These groups would coordinate the use of the devices during emergencies, ensuring their deployment in flood-prone areas and maintaining critical services such as power, communication, and navigation during disasters. Coastal municipalities, particularly those facing power outages and infrastructure damage, would directly benefit from these solutions, while environmental organizations and renewable energy advocates would promote their adoption for sustainable disaster response. By working together, these stakeholders ensure the effective integration of wave energy devices into existing infrastructure, providing resilient and scalable solutions for coastal communities in need.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT & EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT AUTHORITIES
This category includes municipal governments, local emergency management teams, and disaster relief agencies responsible for coordinating responses to natural disasters. Key agencies such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), American Red Cross, and local emergency management offices would oversee the deployment of wave energy devices in flood-prone regions. They ensure the devices' integration into existing emergency response plans, providing backup energy in critical situations when power outages occur during flooding or storms.
UTILITY COMPANIES & ENERGY PROVIDERS
- ON-SHORE &
OFF-SHORE
Local and regional utility companies, alongside energy regulators, would play an integral role. Stakeholders like National Grid, and Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) would be involved in assessing how to incorporate these renewable energy systems into existing infrastructure. These agencies would manage energy distribution, ensuring that wave energy systems can effectively supplement the grid during emergencies, providing vital power to affected areas when traditional energy sources are compromised.
MARITIME AUTHORITIES & COASTAL
INFRASTRUCTURE
MANAGERS
Maritime authorities, port management agencies, and coastal infrastructure managers are crucial. Agencies such as the U.S. Coast Guard, Port of New York and New Jersey, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are responsible for maintaining communication, navigation, and safety systems during storms or flooding. They ensure that the wave energy systems remain operational, supporting maritime operations and providing vital backup power in areas essential for coastal activities and disaster response.
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