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🌱Qianle (Bill) Chen
(he/him)
Research Assistant | Environmental Stewardship Advocate | High School Student
UCLA Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory Ecostress Division, CalTech
Professional Summary
Qianle (Bill) Chen is a Research Assistant at UCLA’s Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering, where he analyzes thermal satellite imagery to study wildfire progression and urban heat patterns. His work has been featured in NASA’s Caltech Jet Propulsion Lab ECOSTRESS gallery. As the founder and president of Harmony with Nature, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, he promotes environmental stewardship through educational workshops and sustainability initiatives on campus and in Orange County, engaging over 300 participants. Bill is also a PADI-certified Rescue Diver passionate about marine conservation and a dedicated musician who has performed at Disney Campus and Renée and Henry Segerstrom Concert Hall. He is committed to bridging science, environmental advocacy, and community engagement to create a more sustainable future.
Education
High School
Arnold O. Beckman High School
Dual Enrollment (College Coursework)
Irvine Valley College
Research Summer Program
California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science
Interests
Environmental Science & Sustainability
Climate Research & Wildfire Analysis
Urban Heat Patterns & Thermal Imaging
AI-based Decision Support Systems
Marine Conservation & Scuba Diving
Language & Cultural Learning
Music Performance (Euphonium & Tuba)
🌍 My Research & Work
I’m a Research Assistant at UCLA’s Joint Institute for Regional Earth System Science and Engineering, where I analyze thermal satellite imagery to study wildfire progression and urban heat patterns. My work has been featured in NASA’s Caltech Jet Propulsion Lab ECOSTRESS gallery.
I’m passionate about applying data science and remote sensing to environmental challenges. Currently, I’m coordinating a $1M research project with the Orange County Fire Department to develop AI-based decision-support models for wildfire response and resource allocation.
Through my nonprofit, Harmony with Nature, I bridge research and community action, promoting environmental stewardship through education and hands-on conservation initiatives. Let’s collaborate to create a more sustainable future! 🌱
Publications
GIS - Southern France Wildfire
ECOSTRESS wildfire thermal map from August 6, 2025, highlighted by NASA for over a month and used by the France Fire Department as an operational reference.
GIS – Portugal Wildfires 2025
ECOSTRESS thermal map showing wildfire fronts across northern Portugal, July 29, 2025 — published on NASA’s ECOSTRESS Gallery.
GIS – Serabigões Wildfire, Northern Portugal 2025
ECOSTRESS thermal map of the Serabigões wildfire, northern Portugal, recorded on July 29, 2025 — published in NASA’s ECOSTRESS Gallery.
The Little Tree That Could: An Illustrated Children's Book
An illustrated children's book fostering environmental protection, with all proceeds funding 500+ tree plantings globally through One Tree Planted. Recognized by Barnes & Noble.
Research Experience
Lingua Harmonia & UCLA Linguistics Research
Founded Lingua Harmonia and collaborated with UCLA faculty to study language diversity and promote linguistic inclusion.
🔬 UCLA Joint Science Researcher
Conducting cutting-edge research at UCLA, contributing to scientific advancement and innovation
Activities
UCLA COSMOS 2024 Summer Program
My experience at the UCLA COSMOS program exploring science and research
🌍 Yale Young Global Scholars
Speaker and Scholar at Yale Young Global Scholars - Solving Global Challenges
🎺 Wind Ensemble & Harmony Sounds Outreach
Founder and President of Harmony Sounds Outreach, 1st Chair Tuba in Wind Ensemble, and Low Brass Section Leader
PADI Marine Debris Clean-Up & Rescue Diving
Year-round underwater clean-up dives, 300+ lbs debris removed, plus American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/Lifeguard certifications.