Tali Neesham-McTiernan

Ph.D. Student
tali
talimctiernan@arizona.edu
Research Areas
Agrivoltaics
Climate change adaptation
GIS
As a PhD candidate in the School of Geography, Development, and Environment, I investigate agrivoltaic systems (the integration of solar panels with agriculture) as a comprehensive climate adaptation strategy for semi-arid regions such as the southwestern United States. My dissertation examines how the unique microclimate created by agrivoltaics, characterized by reduced air temperatures, decreased evapotranspiration, and increased soil moisture, can address the compound challenges of rising temperatures and water scarcity.
 

My research encompasses three interconnected studies: First, I employ spatial multi-criteria decision analysis to identify optimal locations for agrivoltaic deployment across the Southwest under current and projected climate conditions through 2080. Second, I quantify how agrivoltaic systems mitigate heat stress for agricultural workers by developing predictive models of thermal conditions and conducting semi-structured interviews with farmworkers to understand their lived experiences. Third, I investigate how the modified microclimate of agrivoltaic systems influences crop nutrient quality, analyzing both macro and micronutrient concentrations in various crops.

By combining GIS techniques, microclimate analysis, mathematical modeling, laboratory methods, and in-depth interviews, my research aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of how agrivoltaics can simultaneously support agricultural productivity, protect worker health, and maintain food quality in the face of climate change.