Riley is a second-year MA Geography student within the School of Earth, Environment, and Sustainability. Riley conducts research in Dr. Matthew Dannenberg’s  Ecoclimatology of Carbon and Water (ECH2O) lab and Dr. Susan Meerdink’s Lab for Observing and Quantifying Aquatic and Terrestrial Ecosystems (LOQATE). As an FAA Part 107 licensed drone pilot, Riley uses drone-based lidar and thermal infrared sensors to study the biogeophysical characteristics of restored prairie plants. Her current research focuses on monitoring seasonal and diurnal surface temperature patterns at Ashton Prairie Living Laboratory, a prairie restoration site on the University of Iowa campus. Her goal is to understand the mechanisms by which restored prairie plants result in relatively cooler local air and surface temperatures than unrestored grassy areas. Riley is also involved in drone survey applications for archaeology, using lidar and thermal infrared sensors to identify previously unknown manmade structures with recent trips to Italy and Portugal. Outside of research, Riley enjoys spending time with her husband Nick, gardening with Midwestern native plants, baking, and quilting.