YINYU SUN

George Mason University, PhD Civil Engineering

EREF Scholar 2025

A Comprehensive Framework to Assess Potential Risks that Landfills Face Due to Climate Change

Across the US, thousands of landfills, many located near coastlines, face growing threats from climate change, including hurricanes, sea level rise, and erosion. These risks can lead to pollution, hazardous leaks, and costly cleanup efforts. Our project addresses this urgent issue by developing a comprehensive framework to identify which landfills are most at risk and how best to protect them. Using satellite data, climate modeling, and laboratory tests, we aim to provide tools that help communities and governments make informed decisions to prevent environmental damage. This work not only supports safe waste management in the US but also serves as a model for coastal regions around the world. 

Biography

Yinyu Sun is a PhD student in Civil Engineering at George Mason University, beginning in August 2024. Her doctoral research focuses on environmental geotechnics and landfill engineering, particularly on the theory and application of bentonite liners to improve impermeability and reduce contamination risks. She earned a Master of Engineering degree in Civil Engineering from Shanghai University in 2024, where her research explored the anti-seepage mechanism and performance of bentonite liners through both theoretical modeling and experimental studies. She completed her Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering at Henan University in 2021, where she gained hands-on experience in structural design, construction techniques, and BIM modeling. Her academic journey has evolved from studying structural and geotechnical engineering to pursuing sustainable solutions for waste management and environmental protection.