Publications | Qianle (Bill) Chen - Academic CV

Satellite Measurements of Evapotranspiration Predict Plant Water Stress

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Abstract

This project tests whether NASA ECOSTRESS evapotranspiration (ET) can track plant water status across species and sites. ECOSTRESS ET was paired with PSInet predawn and midday leaf water potentials within seven days. Lower ET aligned with more negative water potentials, with significant correlations for 9 of 26 species at midday and 7 of 28 at predawn. Effect sizes varied by functional traits and site, suggesting that ECOSTRESS ET provides a scalable, non-invasive indicator of plant drought stress that complements field measurements and management decisions.

Poster Presentation

This research was presented at the 2025 NASA ECOSTRESS Annual Science Team Meeting.
Highlighting the integration of satellite-derived evapotranspiration data with field-measured leaf water potentials to assess drought stress at a global scale.
The poster summarizes cross-species analyses showing significant relationships between ECOSTRESS-derived evapotranspiration and plant water potential.

Poster presented at the NASA ECOSTRESS Annual Science Team Meeting — demonstrating ECOSTRESS evapotranspiration as a global-scale indicator of plant drought stress.

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GIS - Southern France Wildfire

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 +0000

NASA’s ECOSTRESS Wildfire Observation Featured on NASA Homepage

For over a month, NASA highlighted this ECOSTRESS product on its public homepage to recognize its value in real-time wildfire monitoring and international emergency response.

On August 6, 2025, the ECOSTRESS (ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station) instrument acquired high-resolution thermal imagery of an active wildfire front in the Aude department of southern France. The imagery showed land surface temperatures during a peak growth phase of the fire, with values ranging from elevated background temperatures to very hot active-fire pixels.

Because ECOSTRESS can measure land surface temperature and plant stress from the International Space Station, these data were shared as a critical reference layer for the France Fire Department and regional incident teams. The product supported:

Rapid assessment of where the fire was hottest
Better understanding of fire behavior across mixed terrain
Communication of fireline location and severity to decision makers
Broader demonstration of space-based thermal data for disaster management

This feature also illustrated ECOSTRESS’s broader mission: using thermal imaging to track water stress, agricultural impacts, urban heat, and extreme events from space.

Why It Was Recognized

Placed on the NASA homepage for >1 month as an example of actionable Earth-observing science

Demonstrated ISS-based thermal sensing for an ongoing emergency, not just retrospective science

Created in collaboration with NASA JPL, ECOSTRESS science team, and a student contributor from Arnold O. Beckman High School

Research Image

ECOSTRESS thermal map of the August 6, 2025 southern France wildfire, featured on the NASA homepage for over a month and used by France Fire Department as a situational layer. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ECOSTRESS.

GIS – Portugal Wildfires 2025

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Portugal Wildfires – July 29, 2025

NASA’s ECOSTRESS (ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station) recorded thermal anomalies during the 2025 Portugal wildfires.
The dataset shows land surface temperatures exceeding 111°C (242°F) across multiple fronts in the northern region. These measurements provided key insights into fire intensity, spread, and local impacts, supporting environmental monitoring and emergency response.

This visualization was produced in collaboration with Dr. Joshua Fisher (Chapman University), and has been published in the NASA ECOSTRESS Gallery for public access.

Research Image

ECOSTRESS thermal imagery showing multiple active fire zones in Portugal on July 29, 2025. Visualization published on NASA ECOSTRESS Gallery. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ECOSTRESS.

Credits

Created in collaboration with:

Bill Chen (Arnold O. Beckman High School)
Dr. Joshua R. Fisher (Chapman University)

🌍
🛰️

GIS – Serabigões Wildfire, Northern Portugal 2025

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Serabigões Wildfire – July 29, 2025

NASA’s ECOSTRESS (ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station) recorded high-resolution thermal data of the Serabigões fire front in northern Portugal.
The thermal map captured land surface temperatures from 26.7°C (80°F) to 96.7°C (206°F), identifying multiple active burn zones during a critical afternoon period under extreme heat and dry conditions.

This segment of the Severe Fire Complex affected rural areas around Serabigões and surrounding hills, continuing through late July. The dataset supports fire behavior analysis, damage assessment, and emergency response coordination.

The visualization was created in collaboration with Dr. Joshua R. Fisher (Chapman University) and Bill Chen (Arnold O. Beckman High School) and has been published in the NASA ECOSTRESS Gallery.

Research Image

ECOSTRESS thermal imagery showing active fire zones near Serabigões, northern Portugal, on July 29, 2025. Published in NASA ECOSTRESS Gallery. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ECOSTRESS.

Credits

Created in collaboration with:

Bill Chen (Arnold O. Beckman High School)
Dr. Joshua R. Fisher (Chapman University)

🌍
🛰️

The Little Tree That Could: An Illustrated Children's Book

Mon, 18 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000

About The Book

“The Little Tree That Could” is an illustrated children’s book that uses creative storytelling to inspire young readers to care about environmental protection and conservation. Written during my 11th grade year, this project combines my passion for environmental stewardship with the power of narrative to reach the next generation of environmental advocates.

Recognition & Impact

Barnes & Noble Recognition

The book has gained recognition from Barnes & Noble, one of the largest booksellers in the United States, affirming its quality and educational value in children’s environmental literature.

Environmental Impact: 500+ Trees Planted

What makes this project truly impactful is its direct contribution to environmental restoration:

100% of proceeds donated to
500+ trees funded through book sales
Global reach: Trees planted in deforested areas and urban zones worldwide
Climate action: Direct contribution to carbon sequestration and global warming mitigation
Ecosystem restoration: Supporting biodiversity and habitat regeneration

Real-World Change

Every book purchased doesn’t just educate—it actively contributes to reforestation efforts:

Deforested Areas: Restoring natural habitats destroyed by logging and agriculture
Urban Zones: Improving air quality and creating green spaces in cities
Carbon Offset: Each tree absorbs approximately 48 pounds of CO₂ per year
Biodiversity: Supporting wildlife habitats and ecological balance

The Story Behind the Story

Inspiration

As a high school student deeply passionate about environmental science and sustainability, I wanted to create something that could:

Reach young audiences at a formative age when environmental values are developing
Make abstract concepts tangible through relatable characters and narratives
Create measurable impact by directly funding reforestation
Demonstrate youth leadership in environmental advocacy

Creative Process

The creation of “The Little Tree That Could” involved:

Research: Understanding effective environmental education for children
Storytelling: Crafting an engaging narrative with memorable characters
Illustration Coordination: Working with artists to bring the story to visual life
Self-Publishing: Navigating the independent publishing process on Amazon
Impact Planning: Establishing the donation mechanism to One Tree Planted

Educational Value

The book serves multiple educational purposes:

For Children:

Environmental Awareness: Introduction to conservation concepts
Empowerment: Showing how individual actions matter
Connection to Nature: Fostering appreciation for trees and ecosystems
Problem-Solving: Demonstrating resilience and determination

For Educators & Parents:

Discussion Starter: Foundation for conversations about environmental responsibility
Values Education: Teaching care for the planet and future generations
Real-World Connection: Link between reading and tangible environmental action

Future Expansion

The success and impact of “The Little Tree That Could” have inspired plans for expansion:

Series Development

Currently working on:

Additional titles expanding the environmental storytelling universe
New characters and themes addressing different environmental challenges
Age-appropriate variations for different reading levels
Multilingual editions to reach global audiences

Educational Programs

Developing complementary educational initiatives:

Classroom curriculum guides for teachers
Interactive activities reinforcing environmental concepts
School presentation programs sharing the story behind the story
Tree planting events connecting readers to real-world action
Author visits to schools and libraries

Partnership Opportunities

Exploring collaborations with:

Environmental organizations for broader impact
Educational institutions for curriculum integration
Libraries and bookstores for community events
Schools for environmental literacy programs

Impact Metrics

Environmental Contributions

📚 Book Sales: Ongoing on Amazon
🌳 Trees Planted: 500+ and counting
🌍 Global Reach: Multiple countries and continents
♻️ Carbon Offset: Significant CO₂ absorption through funded plantings
🏆 Recognition: Barnes & Noble acknowledgment

Educational Reach

👧👦 Young Readers: Teaching environmental values
📖 Libraries: Available in school and public libraries
🎓 Classrooms: Used as educational resource
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families: Fostering parent-child environmental conversations

Why This Matters

“The Little Tree That Could” represents the intersection of:

Youth Leadership: Demonstrating that young people can create meaningful change
Creative Activism: Using art and storytelling for environmental advocacy
Measurable Impact: Direct, quantifiable contribution to global reforestation
Education: Reaching the next generation at a critical developmental stage
Systemic Thinking: Connecting individual action to global environmental challenges

Purchase & Support

Every purchase of “The Little Tree That Could” directly funds tree plantings through One Tree Planted:

📚 Available on Amazon:

When you buy this book, you’re not just reading a story—you’re planting trees, supporting reforestation, and teaching children that their actions can make a difference in protecting our planet.

Awards & Recognition

🏆 Barnes & Noble Recognition - Acknowledged for quality children’s environmental literature

🌳 Environmental Impact - 500+ trees funded through proceeds

📈 Growing Movement - Expanding series and educational programs

Note

This project demonstrates how creative expression can drive real environmental change. Through storytelling, we can inspire the next generation of environmental stewards while making a tangible impact on global reforestation efforts.

Get Involved

Interested in supporting this initiative?

Purchase the book:
Request author visits for schools and libraries
Share the story with young readers in your life
Follow the expansion of the series and educational programs

Together, we can plant seeds of environmental awareness—one story, one tree, one reader at a time. 🌱

GIS – Airport Fire, Southern California 2024

Sun, 15 Sep 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Airport Fire – September 15, 2024

NASA’s ECOSTRESS (ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station) recorded thermal imagery of the Airport Fire during its active expansion across Orange and Riverside Counties, Southern California.
At 1:03 AM PST, ECOSTRESS detected land surface temperatures from 62°F (17°C) in unburned regions to 177°F (77°C) in active burn zones, highlighting two intense fire clusters moving under Santa Ana wind conditions.

The Airport Fire ignited on September 9, 2024, due to equipment use during vegetation clearance, and spread rapidly through rugged terrain and dry vegetation. It was fully contained on October 5, 2024, after burning more than 23,526 acres (9,521 ha). ECOSTRESS data provided valuable insights into fire spread, intensity patterns, and thermal behavior for post-event analysis.

This visualization was created by Bill Chen (Arnold O. Beckman High School) in collaboration with Dr. Joshua R. Fisher (Chapman University) and has been published in NASA’s ECOSTRESS Gallery.

Research Image

ECOSTRESS thermal map of the Airport Fire across Orange and Riverside Counties, California, on September 15, 2024. Published in NASA ECOSTRESS Gallery. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ECOSTRESS.

Credits

Created in collaboration with:

Bill Chen (Arnold O. Beckman High School)
Dr. Joshua R. Fisher (Chapman University)

🌍
🛰️

GIS – Silverado Fire, Southern California 2020

Thu, 29 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Silverado Fire – October 29, 2020

NASA’s ECOSTRESS (ECOsystem Spaceborne Thermal Radiometer Experiment on Space Station) captured high-resolution land surface temperature data of the Silverado Fire across Orange County, California.
At 6:21 PM PST, ECOSTRESS recorded temperatures ranging from 68°F (20°C) in unaffected terrain to 176°F (80°C) in the most intense fire zones, revealing multiple high-temperature cores and the fire’s spread through canyon foothills under Santa Ana wind conditions.

The Silverado Fire began on October 26, 2020, and was fully contained by November 7 after burning more than 12,466 acres (5,046 ha). ECOSTRESS imagery provided valuable insight for emergency coordination and scientific analysis of fire behavior, drought stress, and post-fire recovery.

The visualization was created by Bill Chen (Arnold O. Beckman High School) in collaboration with Dr. Joshua R. Fisher (Chapman University) and has been published in NASA’s ECOSTRESS Gallery.

Research Image

ECOSTRESS thermal map of the Silverado Fire in Orange County, California, on October 29, 2020. Published in NASA ECOSTRESS Gallery. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / ECOSTRESS.

Credits

Created in collaboration with:

Bill Chen (Arnold O. Beckman High School)
Dr. Joshua R. Fisher (Chapman University)

🌍
🛰️

Publications | Qianle (Bill) Chen - Academic CV

Satellite Measurements of Evapotranspiration Predict Plant Water Stress

Abstract

Poster Presentation

Download

GIS - Southern France Wildfire

NASA’s ECOSTRESS Wildfire Observation Featured on NASA Homepage

Research Image

GIS – Portugal Wildfires 2025

Portugal Wildfires – July 29, 2025

Research Image

Credits

Related Links

GIS – Serabigões Wildfire, Northern Portugal 2025

Serabigões Wildfire – July 29, 2025

Research Image

Credits

Related Links

The Little Tree That Could: An Illustrated Children's Book

About The Book

Recognition & Impact

Barnes & Noble Recognition

Environmental Impact: 500+ Trees Planted

Real-World Change

The Story Behind the Story

Inspiration

Creative Process

Educational Value

For Children:

For Educators & Parents:

Future Expansion

Series Development

Educational Programs

Partnership Opportunities

Impact Metrics

Environmental Contributions

Educational Reach

Why This Matters

Purchase & Support

Awards & Recognition

Get Involved

GIS – Airport Fire, Southern California 2024

Airport Fire – September 15, 2024

Research Image

Credits

Related Links

GIS – Silverado Fire, Southern California 2020

Silverado Fire – October 29, 2020

Research Image

Credits

Related Links