Southeast Texas Urban Integrated Field Laboratory
Equitable Solutions for Communities Caught between Floods and Air Pollution
About Us
Southeast Texas Urban Integrated Field Lab (SETx-UIFL) is one of four Urban Integrated Field Laboratories awarded in the Fall 2022 by the Biological and Environmental Research Program, Office of Science, U.S. Department of Energy. The Southeast Texas region, or the Beaumont-Port Arthur area, represent urban conditions and challenges similar to other Gulf Coast communities with industrial facilities, and population change with fewer resources available than larger cities.
Our Mission
Our mission is to better understand current and future impacts from flooding and air pollution in Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast region using measurements, modeling, and community experiences and to co-develop applicable and equitable adaptation strategies with local partners.
Our Team
SETX-UIFL team led by the University of Texas at Austin comprises members from Lamar University, Texas A&M University, Prairie View A&M University, and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. We integrate expertise in hydrology, climate science, biogeochemistry, sociology, urban planning, and engineering with localized community knowledge.
Participating Institutions
“Understanding the risks of climate change and extreme weather means understanding the direct and indirect effects on people, their homes, their businesses, and the communities they live in.“
Jennifer Granholm
U.S. Secretary of Energy
News
- Davon Chargois wins Engagement Award
Davon Chargois, grant manager for SETx-UIFL, received an award from Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce for his innovative approaches to creating collaborative engagements between the SETx-UIFL, the Greater Port Arthur Chamber of Commerce, and the Southeast Texas Community. - A Look at the SETx-UIFL 2024 Annual Meeting
Dr. Maestre, Nov 26th 2025 (published) The SouthEast Texas Urban Integrated Field Laboratory (SETx-UIFL) hosted its 2024 Annual Meeting in Beaumont, Texas, from November 17-19. The event brought together nearly 70 researchers, students, stakeholders, and community leaders to present the project advances and discuss solutions to the environmental issues in the Beaumont and Port Arthur area, including air pollution, flooding, and their intersection with equity. - Highlights from the 2024 Urban Integrated Field Laboratory Principal Investigators Meeting
By Dr. Maestre, November 17th 2024 (published) The 2024 Principal Investigators Meeting, hosted by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), took place on October 27-28 in Rockville, MD, bringing together nearly 100 researchers from the four Urban Integrated Field Laboratories (UIFLs) funded by the DOE. Over two days, participants engaged in dynamic discussions on climate projections, hydrology, air quality, equitable decision-making, and more. - 2024 Urban Integrated Field Laboratory Principal Investigators Meeting
By Dr. Maestre, October 25th 2024 (published) As climate change continues to pose significant challenges worldwide, experts and researchers from the Urban Integrated Field Laboratory (UIFL) funding program (DOE) are convening for the 2024 Principal Investigators Meeting that will take place in Rockville, MD on October 27-28th. This U.S. Department of Energy hosted event aims to create a platform to cultivate and maintain vital cooperation among researchers from various fields and across research centers. - SETx-UIFL Summer Institute 2024
The SETX-UIFL Summer Institute 2024 took place from May 14-16 in Beaumont, Texas, hosted by Lamar University. This exciting event brought together over 30 researchers and students from various fields.