Derek Martin

Dr. Derek Martin is an Associate Professor of Geography and Graduate Program Director in the Department of Geography and Planning at Appalachian State University. His work focuses on fluvial geomorphology, hydrology, and geospatial technologies, with research spanning diverse river systems from the Southern Appalachians to the tropical Andes.

Education:

• Ph.D., Geography, University of Tennessee, 2014
• M.S., Geospatial Science, Missouri State University, 2005
• B.S., Biology (Ecology Concentration), Lake Superior State University, 2002

Research Interests: Dr. Martin investigates river system dynamics, including large wood storage in coastal plain rivers, impacts of dam removal, Andean Amazon headwater geomorphology, and legacy contamination in mining regions. His fieldwork integrates advanced geospatial tools like UAV photogrammetry and SfM modeling.

Teaching & Outreach: He teaches courses in Physical Geography, Quantitative Methods, and leads study abroad programs to the Andes and Caribbean. Recent publications emphasize extreme flood impacts, paramo ecosystem dynamics, and watershed contaminant prioritization.

Advising & Grants: While specific advisees/grants aren’t listed, his work involves collaborative projects with graduate students on international river systems and disaster response modeling.