We are proud to recognize Fatemeh Afghah, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering in Clemson University College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences, for her outstanding contributions to wildfire monitoring. As one of the six recipients of the 2025 STRP funding grants, Dr. Afghah is utilizing the award to advance PyroTwin, a project focused on wildfire monitoring technology.
In collaboration with her former Master’s student, Michael Marinaccio, Dr. Afghah has demonstrated that artificial intelligence can estimate heat intensity using standard RGB (red-green-blue) images. By training AI models on paired RGB and thermal data from prescribed burns, the team has found a cost-effective alternative to expensive thermal sensors and drone usage. While high-end thermal cameras are still the most accurate option, this innovative AI-driven approach provides an accessible option when such equipment is unavailable.
This research is part of a broader Clemson University initiative supported by NASA – National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s FireSense program, using unmanned aerial systems to better monitor and detect wildfires. Read more about Fatemeh’s team and their research below.