Rubab Saher

Department:

Forestry and Natural Resources

Research:

Dr. Rubab Saher is an interdisciplinary researcher with a Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and three years of postdoctoral experience-two in hydrologic sciences at Desert Research Institute and one in groundwater-dependent ecology at the University of Arizona. Her expertise lies in hydrology, remote sensing, and urban climate, with a focus on sustainable urban landscapes, plant-water-atmosphere interactions, and climate adaptation strategies.

Dr. Saher is particularly interested in understanding the dynamics of urban vegetation and its role in mitigating urban heat and improving water use efficiency. Her doctoral research explored the interactions between landscape types, microclimate dynamics, and irrigation water requirements. She developed high-resolution simulations of mesic, oasis, and xeric landscapes in Tempe, Arizona, quantifying their impacts on air and surface temperatures, evapotranspiration, and wind patterns.

Currently, Dr. Saher is exploring cool-roof strategies in major cities to mitigate urban heat and leading a national-scale effort to identify groundwater-dependent ecosystems across the U.S. using remote sensing technology. She is eager to push the boundaries of urban hydrology, integrating drone technology to improve data quality and feasibility in urban sensing. Outside of work, Dr. Saher enjoys reading, taking long walks, traveling the globe, and discovering diverse cuisines and art. If not in the office, you’re likely to find her wandering a vibrant street, soaking in the local culture, and searching for the perfect coffee or a charming bookshop.

Contact:

Email: rsaher@purdue.edu