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Q&A with Krupali Uplekar Krusche

This interview explores Krusche's path through the U.S. immigration system to becoming a successful researcher, the projects she's now leading, and her groundbreaking work in digital documentation and climate change mitigation.
 

Krupali Uplekar Krusche's journey from Mumbai, India, to becoming an influential figure at the University of Notre Dame highlights a remarkable career dedicated to the fields of urban and architectural design with a focus on climate studies and digital documentation. With an educational background that spans continents and disciplines, Krusche has served as a faculty member at Notre Dame for 18 years, contributing significantly as the founder and director of the Digital Historical Architectural Research and Material Analysis (DHARMA) and the Development and Advancement of Resilient Cities Alliance (DVARCA) research teams. Her work encompasses the digital documentation of World Heritage Sites and tackling urban challenges posed by climate change. 

Can you tell us about your educational and professional background?
 

I was born and brought up in India. At the age of 18 years, I came to the United States to attend a summer program organized by the Prince of Wales’ Institute. It was at that time that I learned about the University of Notre Dame and its faculty connected with the overall principles of good cities and architecture. I went back to India and finished my undergraduate education and then lived five years in Germany studying my Masters and Ph.D. At the age of 26, the dean of the School of Architecture at Notre Dame found me and asked me to come join as a faculty member.

Today, I have served the school for 18 years including being the youngest tenured faculty member in the history of the school, if not the entire University (at the age of 33), and at various times as the director of its world-renowned Rome Studies Program, and as the associate dean for research and curriculum.

Today, I have stepped away from many of the administrative duties to once again concentrate on my research and serve as the director of DHARMA (Digital Historic Architecture and Material Analysis) and the director of DVARCA (Development and Advancement of Resilient Cities Alliance) research teams. I teach urban and architectural design and my expertise is in climate studies and digital documentation. 

In 2007, I founded and directed DHARMA Lab specializing in 3D documentation of World Heritage Sites using advanced mapping techniques. This includes the digital documentation of Taj Mahal in partnership with the Archeological Survey of India (ASI), the world renowned Roman Forum in partnership with the Soprintendenza Speciale per i Beni Archeologici di Roma (now known as P.AR.Co), Ministry of Heritage and Culture and the Archaeological Service, Rome and the Belvedere at the Vatican in collaboration with the Chief Architect at the Vatican Museums and the Sovrintendenza Beni Architettonici. These projects were initiated under the four-year agreement with the World Heritage Center of UNESCO. Over the years I have written multiple papers, conference proceedings and books through this research. A 3D Exhibit and International Conference, 'The Digital Future of World Heritage' was conducted in partnership with the United States Embassy to Italy, NASA, UNESCO and the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage in 2014. A drawing exhibit of the ongoing work of the Vatican was set up at the Villino Stroganoff, titled “New drawings of the Vatican Belvedere,” in collaboration with the Vatican and Bibliotheca Hertziana, Rome in 2018. Last year at the Immers-Expo 2023, Oxford X-Reality Hub, Digital Hub of Jesus College, Oxford University, exhibited the 3D experience of the Roman Forum of our work. 

"Q&A with Krupali Uplekar Krusche"
The Roman Forum view, city square in ancient Rome, Italy

The first of the two books on The Forum have been published recently titled, From Pen to Pixel Studies of the Roman Forum and the Digital Future of World Heritage , L'Erma di Bretschneider. I also have a book titled Rediscovering the Hindu Temple: The Sacred Architecture and Urbanism of India, Cambridge Scholars Press, fall 2012.

Beyond DHARMA Lab I am also the director of DVARCA Lab. DVARCA is a team of scientists and researchers tackling issues related to climate change, including sea level rise as it relates to regional and urban design interventions. This research brings together scientists that are examining incremental changes in sea level rise with practitioners who are planning and building transformative cities to build more resilient cities that can act as net zero, positive green contributors in reduction of carbon emission and heat island effects on the climate. The latest project involves consulting with the Mumbai Government to examine climate concerns for the city of Mumbai and the Mumbai Port Trust for the redevelopment of the eastern waterfront of Mumbai, India.

What inspired you to pursue a career in research, and how did you get interested in your current field of study?
 

I was inspired to pursue a career in research by a combination of intellectual curiosity and a desire to contribute to the advancement of knowledge. From a young age, I exhibited a keen interest in understanding the world around me, which led me to question the underlying principles of various phenomena including use of advanced technologies to map nature and man-made world. This innate curiosity eventually evolved into a strong passion for scientific inquiry and a deep appreciation for the value of research in expanding our collective understanding of human capacities in building a better world.

I was inspired to pursue a career in research by a combination of intellectual curiosity and a desire to contribute to the advancement of knowledge.

My interest evolved from both practical experience and scholarly inquiry. While pursuing my Ph.D., I was exposed to a diverse array of topics. It was during this period that I developed a deep interest in the digital investigation of mapping larger ancient or historic human settlements. I became captivated by the intricate challenges and unresolved mysteries in the field, realizing the opportunity for significant societal contributions through research in this domain. As I immersed myself further, the obstacles and possibilities for innovation not only piqued my intellectual curiosity but also resonated with my aspiration to effect substantial change. The convergence of these factors solidified my decision to pursue a career in research and led me to specialize in digital documentation of the most important sites in the world. After many years of generating specialization in the field, during the pandemic, I started exploring the question of the meaningful direct impact of my research in combating climate change which then led to the creation of DVARCA and my work with the design of resilient cities combating sea-level rise. Recognizing the urgency of climate change, an existential threat that requires immediate and concerted action from all sectors of society, I am committed to furthering our understanding, addressing pressing questions, and contributing to the body of knowledge that has the potential to improve our world. This commitment is driven by the realization that the window for effective action is narrowing rapidly, underscoring the critical need for innovative solutions that can be implemented at scale and with urgency.

Can you describe the research projects you are currently working on and how they contribute to your field?
 

As the director of the DVARCA Lab (Development and Advancement of Resilient Cities Alliance), I lead a team of scientists and researchers tackling issues related to climate change, including sea level rise as it relates to regional and urban design interventions. This research brings together scientists that are examining incremental changes in sea level rise with practitioners who are planning and building transformative cities to build more resilient cities that can act as net zero, positive green contributors in reduction of carbon emission and heat island effects on the climate. The research includes planning tools like assessing onsite responses to transformations throughout the year being recorded and included with studies done by NASA Sea Level Change Team (N-SLCT). These studies are used to create comprehensive urban planning solutions on a regional scale for the site through faculty expertise at Notre Dame. The resulting proposal is generally to the level of an individualized local community with impact on the ground and local interventions for it. Local and National government collaboration is valuable.

Long term goals of the projects include:

  • Conduct satellite analyses to assess NASA's projections of sea level rise for a specific city and evaluate the consequential impacts on its land mass. This research will provide critical data for strategic planning and resilience measures.

  • Implement strategies to reduce carbon emissions immediately. This includes promoting the use of eco-friendly construction materials and developing urban areas that encourage walking and the use of public transportation, thereby minimizing reliance on personal vehicles.

  • Upgrade the city's sewage and infrastructure systems to minimize runoff pollution. This effort should encompass the implementation of stringent regulations on industrial discharges to protect water quality and ecosystem health.

  • Enhance the region's groundwater reserves through innovative urban design that incorporates recharge techniques. Such methods will be vital in maintaining the area's water sustainability and ecological balance.

  •  Reestablish natural defenses against coastal erosion and flooding by reintroducing natural barriers like mangroves and coral reefs, which dissipate wave energy and reduce the impact on shorelines.

  • Design and construct coastal defenses, such as levees and sea walls, that incorporate green and blue infrastructure. These features should not only provide effective protection against sea level rise but also add aesthetic and ecological value to the urban landscape.

How did the U.S. immigration system help or hinder your efforts to establish your career here?
 

The U.S. immigration system has both helped and hindered my efforts to establish my career in this country. As a researcher at a reputable university, my path was well supported in the migration system, but I traveled a lot and during my time in Europe I had to come back often to ensure my Green Card was valid. The immigration system has provided opportunities for professional growth and employment, but it has also introduced challenges and uncertainties that can impact the trajectory of one's career. For a long time, until I received my citizenship, I couldn’t apply for major awards as they are only limited to citizens. Ultimately, the effectiveness of the immigration system in supporting career aspirations depends on a combination of individual circumstances and the prevailing immigration policies and regulations at the time.

What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishments so far in your research career?
 

My work mitigating sea level rise and other effects of climate change because this affects people all over the world and our future generations.

Can you talk about any collaborative projects you have worked on with colleagues from other countries?
 

I have worked with researchers from around the globe on solutions for sea-level rise to the urban and built environment as well as my work in the documentation of World Heritage Sites. Projects in both areas require a cross-cultural and multidisciplinary team of experts to address the problems and solutions.

What advice would you give to other immigrants who are pursuing careers in research or academia in the United States?
 

 You can overcome every obstacle. No one's journey will be the same as yours, so embrace it, love it, live it. Let your obstacles be your path to leadership. If no one is ready to change things for you, you lead the change you want to see.

What do you see as the future of research in your field, and how do you plan to contribute to its progress and advancement?
 

Climate is the biggest risk humanity is facing today. We need all hands on deck to make the impossible possible. All fields need to come and support highly advanced interdisciplinary research to make this work. We need to challenge the world to get out of their comfort zone and make relevant changes for reduction in carbon emissions and climate resilience to work. As technology continues to advance, so do the tools and methods available for documenting and preserving these invaluable cultural and natural landmarks.

Any final words?
 

I am truly honored to have been selected for the immigrant spotlight on research. Very often women, minorities and immigrants are seen as the ‘other.’ This recognition underscores the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the field of research, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share my experiences and insights as an immigrant in this domain.

The United States has historically been a land of immigrants, and I love the feeling of being part of contributors around me.

Being an immigrant has brought unique perspectives and challenges to my research journey, and I hope that my story can inspire and motivate others who may be facing similar circumstances. The United States has historically been a land of immigrants, and I love the feeling of being part of contributors around me. It is a testament to the idea that we are all here not because of the opportunity given but in spite of the adversity presented. Let your strength to contribute come from within and create significant advancement of knowledge and innovation.