TREVES LI

University of California, Berkeley, PhD Civil Engineering

EREF Scholar 2025

Quantifying the Impact of Landfill Waste and Cover Conditions on Methane Emissions through Robot-Enabled Remotely Sensed and Geophysical Data

Landfills are one of the largest sources of methane, and reducing methane emissions is a critical part of environmental stewardship. However, current methods of monitoring methane in landfills often provide only a partial picture, as they tend to measure emissions at the surface, treating them as simple point sources. This overlooks the complex conditions below ground that actually drive how and where methane escapes. My research focuses on this hidden subsurface environment comprised of the soil, moisture, cracks, and other conditions that determine how methane migrates upward into the atmosphere. By combining advanced sensing technologies, including infrared cameras, and electromagnetic induction, my aim is to detect irregularities underground that flag where methane may most likely be released. These data are then paired with machine learning models to predict future emission hotspots with greater accuracy than current methods allow. If we can identify exactly where methane is escaping and why, landfill operators can design smarter cover systems, develop more targeted mitigation strategies, and ultimately, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from landfills. 

Biography

Treves obtained his Bachelor of Engineering, specializing in Mining Engineering, from the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia. His professional experience working as a geotechnical engineer in underground mines in the Australian Outback and in Central Alaska. In 2025, he completed his Master’s in Geosystems Engineering from UC Berkeley, and is continuing his research as a PhD student. He is involved with high school outreach programs in the East Bay, and is on the board of the Geoengineering Student Society at Berkeley