CEEM Research Spotlight: Anamika Sharif to Present Morningside Park Project at NYC Urban Field Station

Columbia University’s Civil Engineering and Engineering Mechanics (CEEM) community continues to play an active role in advancing research and dialogue around urban infrastructure and environmental equity. An upcoming Lunch and Learn hosted by the NYC Urban Field Station will feature Columbia civil engineering researcher Anamika Sharif, whose work reflects the program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary, community-focused solutions.

The NYC Urban Field Station is pleased to announce an upcoming IN PERSON Lunch and Learn presentation with Anamika Sharif, Civil Engineering Researcher at Columbia University. 

Please join us on Wednesday, April 29th, 12:00 - 1:00pm at the NYC Urban Field Station, Fort Totten Park, 431 Walter Reed Rd., Bayside, NY 11359.

Join remotely: https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/261460595048668?p=Hv9pznWFtvTDisyXS2

Meeting ID: 261 460 595 048 668

Passcode: Bg6vf6Am

 The Cliff’s Edge: Designing for Ecological Health and Democratic Space in Morningside Park

Morningside Park sits at the border of multiple communities—Morningside Heights, Harlem, and Columbia University—positioning it at the intersection of distinct cultural, academic, and socioeconomic landscapes. This borderland condition has shaped a complex history marked by spatial division, environmental inequity, and contested access. Constructed along a steep cliffside, the historic park’s topography and aging infrastructure now present significant technical and environmental challenges. The high energy gradient across the slope contributes to stormwater runoff and recurrent flooding, effectively turning portions of the park into a flood zone. The iconic pond, impaired by nutrient loading, is experiencing persistent algal blooms that degrade water quality and ecological health. This project frames Morningside Park as both a living lab and a democratic commons. By examining its hydrological systems, infrastructure constraints, and environmental justice implications, we aim to identify interventions that improve water quality, mitigate flooding, and strengthen the park’s function as an inclusive community space. The central question guiding this work is: how can we redesign and rehabilitate this landscape to better serve its social purpose while advancing environmental resilience and equity?

Speaker Bio: Anamika Sharif | Civil Engineering Researcher, Columbia University

Anamika is a graduating senior at the Fu Foundation School of Engineering and Applied Science, where she is pursuing a degree in civil engineering. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia, Anamika grew up witnessing the challenges posed by the built environment, including inequitable access to green spaces, food deserts, and environmental injustice. She is deeply committed to using her engineering background to address socio-economic disparities and promote equity through sustainable design. In New York, Anamika is actively engaged in research with the Morningside Park Pond Project, where she explores innovative ways to design sustainable stormwater infrastructure. Her work focuses on creating solutions that not only manage stormwater effectively but also enhance community resilience and environmental stewardship.