top of page
  • LinkedIn

GCSE INNOVATION LABS · UNITED STATE

Eastern Fire
Network

Strengthening wildfire preparedness and resilience in the eastern U.S. through integrated research, prediction, and community-focused solutions.

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Dr. Erica Smithwick

Senior Fellow · GCSE

REGION

  • Eastern United States

LAB OVERVIEW

Wildfire Risk in the
Eastern United States

EFNet addresses the growing risk of wildfires in the eastern United States, where changing climate conditions and land-use patterns are increasing exposure but research and preparedness systems remain limited.

The network brings together researchers and practitioners across disciplines to develop predictive wildfire models, assess community vulnerability, and understand health impacts from smoke exposure. It also trains graduate students through immersive, transdisciplinary programs that connect research to real-world decision-making.

Predictive Wildfire Models

Developing models that forecast wildfire risk under changing climate and land-use conditions across the eastern U.S.

Community Vulnerability

Assessing which communities face the greatest wildfire exposure and preparedness gaps across the region.

Smoke & Health Impacts

Understanding public health consequences of wildfire smoke exposure for eastern U.S. populations.

NETWORK ACTIVITIES

Predictive wildfire modeling

Community vulnerability assessment

Smoke exposure & health research

Graduate student training

TRAINING APPROACH

Immersive, transdisciplinary programs

Research connected to real-world decision-making

COLLABORATING INSTITUTIONS

Network Partners

UNIVERSITY

Penn State University

UNIVERSITY

Columbia University

UNIVERSITY

University of Florida

INSTITUTE

Cary Institute

NETWORK LEAD

Global Council for Science and the Environment

GET INVOLVED

Interested in this lab or similar work?

Explore membership, partnership opportunities, or learn about GCSE's Senior Fellows Program to lead your own Innovation Lab

The Connection Newsletter

I am a
student
professional

SUBCRIBE TO THE CONNECTION

1100 H Street, Suite G-101 Washington, DC, 20005, USA

© 2026 GCSE · 501(c)(3) Nonprofit

bottom of page