Katherine Lininger

Katherine Lininger is an Associate Professor of Geography at the University of Colorado, specializing in fluvial geomorphology and ecogeomorphology. Her research focuses on river and floodplain dynamics, particularly interactions between geomorphic processes and ecological systems, including carbon cycling and coupled natural-human systems. She holds a PhD in Earth Sciences from Colorado State University (2018).

Her research interests include the influence of river processes on organic carbon storage in floodplains and large wood, sub-Arctic/Arctic river dynamics, and the effects of human alterations on river corridors. Methodologically, she employs fieldwork, statistical modeling, and remote sensing. She advises four graduate students (Virgil Alfred, Taylor Johaneman, Lauren Thomas, Josie Welsh) and teaches courses such as 'Earth Surface Processes' and 'Fluvial Geomorphology.'

Recent publications highlight her work on carbon sequestration in restored rivers, logjam habitats for salmon, and sedimentation in beaver ponds. She co-leads the RIVerine Ecogeomorphology Research (RIVER) Lab, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to fluvial systems.

Key themes in her work include climate change impacts on river corridors, resilience of floodplain ecosystems, and equitable fieldwork practices for early-career researchers. Her research spans diverse environments from Alaskan boreal streams to Colorado semi-arid rivers and tropical systems in Brazil.