[Enviro-lunch] TODAY: Yu Zeng and Samuel Araya

[Jing Yan]

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Hello Everyone,
Please join us for two talks TODAY 4/26 by Yu Zeng and Samuel Araya, 12-1pm in Room SE2-302.

The Fastest-Spinning Animal in the World - omnidirectional strikes in flat spiders

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Abstract:
Many ambush predators attack prey using rapid strikes, but these strikes are typically only anteriorly directed. However, a predator may attack laterally and posteriorly oriented prey if it can couple the strikes with rapid body reorientation. I will show that the flattie spiders attack prey throughout their entire peripheral range using rapid strikes. These spiders ambush with radially oriented, long, laterigrade legs in a ready-to-fire status. I will present how these legs are used to generate by far the fastest turning movements in legged animals.

Relevant links:
https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/found-fastest-spinning-spider-flattie
https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/02/spinning-selenopidae-spider-hunts-prey-spd/

Bio:
Dr. Zeng is currently a postdoc in Liu Lab of Physics department. He received his PhD from Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley, where he worked with Robert Dudley and David Wake. His researches incorporate biomechanics with organismal biology to address the evolution of forms and functions.



Prediction of Soil Moisture at High Spatial Resolution Using Machine Learning and Remote Sensing from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

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Abstract:
We used machine learning techniques to interpret soil moisture across a small watershed at the Merced Grassland and Vernal Pools Reserve, CA from multi-spectral images and high-resolution terrain models collected by unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) remote sensing. In addition to developing model to predict high-resolution soil moisture maps, we identify important meteorological and topographic variables that influence soil moisture dynamics at the watershed scales. This research shows the possibility of using UAV to monitor soil moisture in rangeland environments. The findings will be useful in informing watershed management.
In my presentation, I will give a general description of my research and discuss the preliminary findings.

Bio:
Samuel is a Ph.D. candidate with Prof. Teamrat Ghezzehei at the UC Merced. His dissertation work includes using machine learning, field, and laboratory experiments to study the role of soil structure on soil hydraulic properties. Samuel has a master's degree in soil biogeochemistry from UC Merced and a bachelor's degree in soil science from the University of Asmara.




When: Apr., 26 Thursday, 12pm - 1pm

Where: SE2-302

Coffee and treats will be provided, please bring your own mugs.

We look forward to seeing you,

Nate & Jing

Organizers for Spring 2018: Nate Bogie and Jing Yan
Faculty coordinator: Asmeret Asefaw Berhe


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