Find Academic Supervisors

David MohrigView profile

Professor

• Sedimentary Geology
• Stratigraphy
• Geomorphology
• +4 more

David Mohrig is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin, holding the Peter T. Flawn Centennial Chair in Geology. His research focuses on sedimentary deposits, transport processes, and the evolution of terrestrial and submarine landscapes. He employs laboratory experiments, field studies, and remote sensing to investigate channel formation, sediment dynamics, and subsurface deposits. Research Interests: Sedimentary Geology and Stratigraphy Geomorphology of Rivers, Deltas, and Coastlines Submarine Channels and Sediment-Gravity Currents Basin Analysis and Seismic Interpretation Key Contributions: Mohrig’s work integrates experimental methods with field observations to understand sediment transport mechanisms and their preservation in geological records. His research group has advanced understanding of fluvial and submarine processes, including deltaic deposits on Mars and coastal dynamics on Earth. Advising & Grants: Mohrig has advised numerous doctoral, master’s, and undergraduate students. He acknowledges support from grants like the IHS Markit Educational Grant for geoscience software. His lab facilities include state-of-the-art flumes and wind tunnels for sediment dynamics studies. Labs/Teams: The Mohrig Research Group uses specialized facilities such as the Deep Tank and 2D Wind Tunnel to simulate sediment transport and depositional processes. Collaborations span geology, engineering, and planetary science.

James BlinkhornView profile

Researcher

• Palaeolithic Archaeology
• Human Evolution
• Paleoanthropology
• +5 more

Dr. James Blinkhorn serves as Fieldwork Director of the aWARE Project within the Pan African Evolution Research Group at the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History in Jena, Germany. His research spans across West Africa and South Asia, with fieldwork conducted in Benin, Côte d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, India, and Sri Lanka, focusing on Stone Age sites in diverse ecological settings from rainforests to deserts. Dr. Blinkhorn's research interests center on Palaeolithic archaeology, human evolution, and environmental influences on hominin dispersals. His work examines how early humans adapted to varied landscapes, from the tropical rainforests of Sri Lanka to the arid environments of the Thar Desert. He has made significant contributions to understanding microlith technology, hafting origins, and the relationship between environmental change and cultural innovation during the Late Pleistocene. His publication record reveals a strong focus on comparative studies of Stone Age technologies across Africa and South Asia. A notable trend in his recent work involves examining how environmental variability shaped human technological adaptations across different ecological zones, particularly investigating the relationship between monsoon dynamics and hominin occupation patterns. His research frequently employs interdisciplinary approaches, combining lithic analysis with paleoenvironmental reconstruction to understand human behavioral plasticity. Dr. Blinkhorn actively collaborates with researchers across multiple institutions, including Griffith University, University College London, and The Australian National University. His field-based research spans multiple continents, with particular emphasis on West Africa's role in human evolutionary history and South Asia's importance as a corridor for human dispersals. As Fieldwork Director of the aWARE Project, he leads a substantial research program examining Stone Age sites across four West African countries. His work has contributed to identifying the oldest Middle Stone Age occupation of coastal West Africa and documenting technological continuity in West African archaeological records that challenges simple models of human evolution.

Peter N. AdamsView profile

Professor

• Coastal Geomorphology
• Dune Restoration
• Storm Impact Modeling
• +2 more

Dr. Peter Adams is Professor of Coastal Geomorphology at the University of Florida, leading research on surface processes and landform evolution from seconds to millennial timescales. His UF Geomorphology Lab combines field instrumentation with computational modeling to study coastal dynamics, dune resilience, and storm impacts. Current projects focus on optimizing dune restoration strategies for rapidly eroding coastlines and developing remote sensing techniques using surf-cameras. His work at NASA-Kennedy Space Center quantifies storm-driven morphological changes, contributing to improved coastal management frameworks.

Luke RendellView profile

Professor

• Marine Mammal Behavior
• Cultural Evolution
• Social Learning
• +4 more

Luke Rendell is a Professor in Biology at the University of St Andrews, where he holds multiple affiliations including the Scottish Ocean Institute, Sea Mammal Research Unit, Centre for Biological Diversity, Centre for Social Learning and Cognitive Evolution, and the Institute of Behavioural and Neural Sciences. His academic title of Reader (equivalent to Professor in the US system) reflects his senior status within the university. Dr. Rendell's research program centers on the evolution of learning, behavior, and communication in marine mammals. He has conducted extensive work on sperm whale society and ecology, demonstrating how long-lasting social groups use distinctive vocal dialects that appear culturally transmitted. His research spans culture in whales and dolphins, learning in archerfish, human social learning, and evolutionary modeling. Through the East Coast Marine Mammal Acoustic Study (ECOMMAS), he deploys passive listening buoys along the Scottish coastline to monitor windfarm impacts on marine mammals. His recent publications reveal a strong focus on cetacean culture, vocal communication, and conservation. His work increasingly integrates machine learning with traditional bioacoustics to analyze whale communication patterns. There's a clear trend toward examining the conservation implications of cultural transmission in marine mammals, particularly how cultural knowledge affects population resilience to environmental changes. Supervised 9 PhD students to completion since 2009 Principal Investigator on multiple research grants from Scottish Funding Council, Leverhulme Trust, and NERC Co-author of the influential book "The Cultural Lives of Whales and Dolphins" Dr. Rendell maintains active science communication efforts through projects like "Sea Symphonies" that blend marine science with artistic expression. His work contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life below water and biodiversity conservation.

Tiffany Roberts BriggsView profile

Associate Professor

• Coastal Geomorphology
• Beach Morphodynamics
• Sedimentology
• +5 more

Tiffany Roberts Briggs serves as Chair and Associate Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Florida Atlantic University. Her academic foundation includes a Ph.D. (2012), M.S. (2008), and B.S. in Environmental Science with Honors (2006), all from the University of South Florida. Her research centers on coastal geomorphology and sedimentology , with critical focus on beach-dune-nearshore system responses to natural events like hurricanes and anthropogenic interventions including coastal engineering. Key specialties include beach morphology evolution, microplastics in coastal sediments, sea turtle habitat characterization, and coastal resilience strategies. Current projects involve Hurricane Ian impact analysis, regional sediment management, and decadal-scale inlet dynamics. Teaching portfolio spans undergraduate and graduate courses including Physical Geology, Coastal and Marine Science, Shore Erosion & Protection, and specialized topics in beach morphodynamics. She actively mentors graduate students through directed research courses and supervises thesis work evident in her co-authored publications with student researchers. Briggs directs research at the Coastal Studies Lab and leads field investigations across Southeast Florida coastlines. Her work integrates advanced methodologies including LiDAR, aerial imagery, and GIS modeling for coastal change assessment. Recent publications reveal strong collaboration with agencies like USACE and NOAA, particularly in post-hurricane damage evaluation and community resilience planning.

• Coastal hydrodynamics
• Sediment transport
• Morphological changes
• +4 more

Suzana Ilic is a Senior Lecturer at the Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, specializing in coastal processes and management. Her research focuses on understanding coastal hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and morphological changes along coastlines. She develops practical tools for coastal managers to predict future changes, addressing complex challenges of coastal structures' influence on natural systems including shoreline evolution, water quality, and habitat preservation. Dr. Ilic's research interests center on coastal hydrodynamics and sediment transport processes, with emphasis on developing predictive tools for coastal management. Her work aligns with major environmental initiatives including the Foresight programme on coastal flooding and erosion, Water Framework directives, and offshore sustainable energy development. She employs integrated methodologies combining field monitoring, numerical modeling, and community engagement to address contemporary coastal challenges. Her recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on coastal morphodynamics, with increasing attention to interdisciplinary approaches connecting physical processes with social dimensions of coastal management. The research spans multiple geographical contexts including the UK's Holderness coast and Morecambe Bay, as well as international sites like Croatia, reflecting her global perspective on coastal challenges. Dr. Ilic actively supervises PhD students including Juan Montalvan Lume and leads significant research projects such as NERCOUTE Inclusive Natural Environment Futures (2025-2026) and Adaptation Pathways (2025-2026). Her professional engagement extends to the North West Regional Flood and Coastal Committee and various workshops, demonstrating her commitment to translating research into practical coastal management solutions.

Ian WalkerView profile

Professor

• Coastal Geomorphology
• Sediment Transport
• Aeolian Processes
• +5 more

Dr. Ian Walker is a Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He specializes in physical geography and geomorphology, with expertise in sediment transport, coastal and aeolian processes, environmental fluid dynamics, and dune ecosystem restoration. He holds a B.Sc. in Geography and Environmental Science from the University of Toronto and a Ph.D. in Geography from the University of Guelph, Canada. Prior to UCSB, he served as faculty at Arizona State University and the University of Victoria (Canada). His research focuses on coastal and desert environments, employing field and lab methods such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS), unmanned aerial systems (UAS), wind tunnel simulations, and computational fluid dynamics (CFD). Key projects include dust emissions mitigation at Oceano Dunes (collaborating with California Department of Parks) and invasive plant removal studies in Humboldt Bay. He has secured over $6M in research funding and advised over 40 students/post-docs. Education: B.Sc. (University of Toronto), Ph.D. (University of Guelph) Editorial Roles: Earth Surface Processes & Landforms , Annals of the American Association of Geographers , Journal of Coastal Research Professional Affiliations: Member of NASEM Scientific Advisory Panel for Owens Valley Dust Studies His articles emphasize coastal morphodynamics, restoration strategies, and climate change impacts. Notable work includes comparing UAS/TLS methods for geomorphic change detection and modeling airflow over dunes using CFD. He teaches courses on physical geography, geomorphology, and remote sensing. Grants and partnerships include collaborations with US Fish & Wildlife Service, NOAA, and state agencies. His lab focuses on integrating geospatial technologies with field experiments to address coastal sustainability challenges.

• Coastline evolution
• Geophysical prospecting
• Paleoenvironment
• +2 more

Mathé Vivien is a Lecturer and Researcher at La Rochelle University, Department of Earth Sciences. As Director of the Department, their research focuses on the evolution of anthropized coastal areas over millennia through geophysical prospecting (electrical, electromagnetic, magnetic) and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Key projects include studying ancient ports of Narbonne and megalithic sites of Carnac. Research interests span coastal geomorphology, archaeological geophysics, wetland paleoenvironments, and human-environment interactions. Methodological innovations in non-invasive prospecting techniques characterize their work, applied to Neolithic enclosures, Roman ports, and estuary evolution. Recent publications demonstrate consistent focus on Mediterranean and Atlantic coastal archaeology, with recurring themes of geophysical methodology validation, multi-proxy paleoenvironmental reconstruction, and spatial analysis of archaeological features. Collaborative international projects in Tunisia, Senegal, and Turkey highlight a transdisciplinary approach. Affiliations include leadership roles in ANR MONUMEN (Neolithic monumental architecture) and RAPSODIE (Celtic settlements) projects. Team collaborations involve ESTRAN research group and CNRS-INSU institute. No awards or student supervision details were documented.

Daniel HarrisView profile

Senior Lecturer

• Climate Change Impacts
• Coastal Morphodynamics
• Coral Reef Geomorphology
• +3 more

Dr Daniel Harris is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography at the School of the Environment, University of Queensland (UQ). His research focuses on coastal and coral reef morphodynamics, integrating physical processes like waves and tides with ecological and geological systems. Prior to UQ, he held positions at the University of Sydney and the Leibniz Center for Tropical Marine Ecology (ZMT). He leads The BeachLab, dedicated to developing tools for coastal resilience in a warming world. Research interests include coral reef structural complexity, coastal protection under climate change, and surf zone processes. His work combines field data, remote sensing (e.g., LiDAR, drones), and numerical modeling to address both fundamental and applied questions. Notable projects involve quantifying coral rubble mobility, analyzing Holocene reef evolution, and assessing shoreline change via satellite imagery. His expertise spans marine geoscience, physical oceanography, and environmental adaptation strategies. Publications emphasize coral reef dynamics, coastal geomorphology, and climate impacts. He collaborates with ecologists, geologists, and coastal engineers to advance interdisciplinary solutions. Teaching focuses on geography and marine science, reflecting his commitment to educating future researchers and practitioners. Key contributions include advancing methods for shoreline monitoring using Bayesian networks and Google Earth Engine. His research highlights the critical role of coral reefs in coastal protection, particularly under rising sea levels and extreme weather events. The BeachLab’s work bridges academic inquiry with practical management strategies for vulnerable coastal ecosystems.

Christine BakerView profile

Assistant Professor

• Coastal Engineering
• Wave Dynamics
• Climate Change Impacts on Coasts
• +6 more

Christine Baker is an Assistant Professor in Civil & Environmental Engineering at Stanford University , part of the School of Engineering . She leads the Environmental Fluid Mechanics Lab , focusing on coastal processes, wave dynamics, and climate change impacts. Her research explores nearshore currents, sediment transport, and coastal hazards like rip currents, using tools such as LiDAR, 3D modeling, and a custom wave tank (11m x 5m) to simulate multidirectional waves. Her work addresses how rising sea levels and extreme storms reshape coastlines, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to coastal ecosystems, public health, and infrastructure resilience. She collaborates with federal agencies like the Army Corps of Engineers to improve predictive models for coastal management. Dr. Baker prioritizes equitable student admission and fosters a lab environment centered on mental health and diversity. Key research themes include surfzone eddies, rip current dynamics, and dune erosion during storms. Her studies integrate field measurements (e.g., LiDAR for dune evolution) with experimental and numerical models to enhance understanding of coastal processes. Labs/Teams: Environmental Fluid Mechanics Lab (wave tank experiments) Future Work: Interdisciplinary projects on coastal ecosystems and public health impacts

• Data Assimilation
• Environmental Modeling
• Geophysical Fluid Dynamics
• +7 more

Dr. Polly Smith is a research-focused academic affiliated with the Department of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of Reading, within the School of Mathematical, Physical and Computational Sciences. She has been actively publishing since 2007, with a strong emphasis on data assimilation techniques applied to environmental and geophysical systems. Her research interests center on data assimilation , parameter estimation , and model predictability in complex dynamical systems. These include sea-ice models, fluvial inundation forecasting, morphodynamic modeling of coastal systems, and strongly coupled atmosphere-ocean models. Her work combines advanced numerical methods with real-world environmental data to improve forecasting accuracy and model reliability. The recent publications show a trend toward interdisciplinary applications, integrating satellite remote sensing, image-based monitoring, and hybrid variational-ensemble data assimilation methods. Her work spans climate science, hydrology, and coastal engineering, demonstrating a consistent focus on improving predictive capabilities in Earth system modeling. Scientific Awards: No awards explicitly mentioned in the provided text. Dr. Smith has collaborated extensively with leading researchers such as Sarah L. Dance, Nancy K. Nichols, and Andrew S. Lawless. While no formal students or advising roles are listed, her frequent first-author status and technical reports suggest a leadership role in research projects. There is no mention of specific grants, but her work aligns with major environmental modeling initiatives. She has contributed to both peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings, including the International Conference on Coastal Engineering. Dr. Smith's research is supported by the computational and mathematical infrastructure at the University of Reading. Her work is part of a larger effort in environmental prediction, likely involving collaborations within the university’s meteorology and climate research groups. While no dedicated lab is named, her research falls within the scope of data-driven environmental modeling teams at Reading.

Wendy R. EisnerView profile

Associate Professor

• Paleoecology
• Paleoclimatology
• Arctic System Science
• +5 more

Wendy R. Eisner is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Cincinnati, with affiliate appointments in the Environmental Studies Program and Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She has held academic positions at multiple institutions including The Ohio State University, University of Alaska Anchorage, and University of Utrecht. Dr. Eisner serves as Editor of Polar Geography and as Graduate Program Director for the Department of Geography at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Eisner earned her Doctor of Science in Geography from the University of Utrecht (1999), Doctorandus in Pre and Protohistory from the University of Amsterdam (1984), Kandidaats (M.A.) in Cultural Anthropology from the University of Leiden (1984), and Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Barnard College, Columbia University (1975). Her research focuses on Arctic system science, specifically examining paleoecology and paleoclimatology through the lens of both scientific and Indigenous knowledge systems. Dr. Eisner's work integrates traditional Iñupiat knowledge with Western scientific approaches to understand landscape evolution, climate change impacts, and human-environment interactions in the Arctic. Her research spans multiple disciplines including environmental science, geography, anthropology, and gender studies, with particular attention to how indigenous communities perceive and respond to environmental change. Dr. Eisner's recent publication portfolio demonstrates a strong emphasis on integrating Indigenous Knowledge with climate and geomorphic studies in Arctic Alaska, particularly through GIS applications and community-based research approaches. Her work increasingly focuses on documenting environmental, cultural, and social changes as observed by Iñupiat elders over their lifetimes, creating valuable cross-generational knowledge records. Best of Show, Baraga County Fair, Baraga Michigan Adult Embroidery blue ribbon (2010) Dr. Eisner has secured numerous significant research grants, primarily from the National Science Foundation, totaling over $2.5 million as Principal Investigator or Co-PI. Her major projects include "Connecting Indigenous Knowledge to Landscape Process Research" (NSF-BCS-0548846, $249,000), "Advanced End-to-End Cyberinfrastructure Installation" for the Barrow Global Climate Change Research Facility (ARC-0641623, $822,340), and "Changes in Lake Dynamics on the Arctic Coastal Plain" (ARC-0713813, $378,618). She has also served on the U.S. Civilian Research and Development Foundation panel for Geosciences. Dr. Eisner leads research teams focused on the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska, working collaboratively with Alaskan Native elders and communities. Her projects often involve interdisciplinary teams of geographers, environmental scientists, anthropologists, and indigenous knowledge holders to document landscape changes and develop integrated knowledge systems for understanding Arctic environmental dynamics.

• Coastal Geology
• Sedimentology
• Seismic Stratigraphy
• +4 more

Eric Chaumillon is a Professor at the University of La Rochelle and Head of the Coastal and Environmental Observatory (OLE), specializing in coastal geology and sediment dynamics. His research integrates very high resolution seismic stratigraphy , core sampling, geomorphological monitoring, and numerical modeling to study coastal environments. His research focuses on semi-closed coastal systems (estuaries, lagoons, river mouths, sandbanks) where high sedimentation rates preserve environmental change records spanning decades to millennia. Key projects include analyzing the Arçay Spit's evolution in the Vendée Atlantic coast and the Longe de Boyard sandbank within estuaries. His work addresses two primary objectives: (1) linking morphological evolution with hydrodynamic processes, and (2) deciphering sedimentary records of sea-level changes, climate shifts, storm-induced submersions, and anthropogenic impacts. Chaumillon's publication record demonstrates expertise in tsunami and storm deposit discrimination , coastal carbon sequestration , and historical bathymetric reconstruction . His research spans global sites including the Lesser Antilles, American Samoa, East African lakes, and French Atlantic coastlines, with methodological innovations like X-ray tomography for sediment fabric analysis. As Head of the Coastal and Environmental Observatory (OLE), he leads multidisciplinary research on coastal resilience and environmental change. His work integrates field observations, geophysical surveys, and numerical modeling to address contemporary challenges in coastal management and climate adaptation.

Denis RadošView profile

Associate Professor

• Geomorphology
• Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
• Karst and Coastal Geography
• +4 more

Denis Radoš is Associate Professor in the Department of Geography at the University of Zadar, Croatia, and a researcher at the Center for Karst and Coastal Research. His core interests integrate geomorphology, GIS-based spatial analysis, climatology, and cultural-religious geography, with applied work on renewable-energy potential and heritage-oriented bird-watching tourism. Education & Institutional Roles PhD in Geography (University of Zadar) – thesis on topographic surface analysis for wind-potential assessment defended 12 September 2017. Faculty member, Department of Geography, University of Zadar. Research associate, Center for Karst and Coastal Research, University of Zadar. Research Interests Professor Radoš combines field-based geomorphological mapping with high-resolution GIS and remote-sensing techniques to investigate karst relief, coastal morphology, and micro-climatic variability along the eastern Adriatic. A parallel strand of work explores how religious practices and pilgrimage tourism shape landscapes, exemplified by his recent analyses of replicated Marian sanctuaries. He also evaluates landscape suitability for wind-energy installations and develops educational resources for sustainable bird-watching tourism on Balkan karst poljes. Publication Trends Across 90+ works, his output clusters into (1) detailed regional physical-geographical monographs (Kožino, Duvanjsko polje, Vjetrenica), (2) methodological GIS papers on digital terrain modelling and interpolation, (3) climatological profiles of Adriatic micro-regions, (4) cultural-geographical studies of sacred sites, and (5) applied renewable-energy assessments. Recent 2024-2025 publications continue to blend physical and human geography, emphasizing multi-scale spatial analysis. Research Support & Collaboration Principal investigator/participant in regional development and environmental assessment projects, including wind-farm feasibility studies (e.g., VE Danilo, Jelovača). Collaborates with international scholars from Utrecht University, UCL, UCLA, Stockholm University, and others, as reflected in co-authored studies. Utilized advanced GIS and wind-modelling software (WAsP, ANUDEM) supported by the Technical University of Denmark. Teaching & Supervision Offers courses in geomorphology, GIS, and regional geography, with individual consultations available by appointment. Mentors graduate theses and field-based student research, although specific advisee names are not provided in the available materials.

Ilya V. BuynevichView profile

Associate Professor

• Process Geomorphology
• Coastal Geology
• Ichnology
• +3 more

Dr. Ilya V. Buynevich is an Associate Professor and Undergraduate Advisor in Geology at Temple University's College of Science and Technology , Department of Earth and Environmental Science. He holds a PhD and BA from Boston University (2001 and 1994, respectively), and a Dipl. Program in Marine Geology from Odesa University, Ukraine (1989-1991). As a 2022-2023 Fulbright U.S. Scholar in Estonia, he focuses on coastal and marine geology, process geomorphology, and ichnology. His research integrates geophysical techniques like ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to study coastal barrier evolution, extreme events (storms, tsunamis), and paleoenvironmental reconstruction through animal traces (zoogeomorphology and ichnology). His teaching portfolio includes courses such as Physical Geology , Coastal Processes and Geomorphology , and Process Geomorphology . Awards include the Fulbright grant for research in Estonia. His work bridges geology, ecology, and archaeology, with applications in geoarchaeology and geoforensics. Education: PhD in Geology, Boston University, 2001 BA in Geology (Magna Cum Laude), Boston University, 1994 Diplom Program in Marine Geology, Odesa University, Ukraine, 1989–1991 Research Interests: Coastal geoarchaeology, zoogeomorphology (e.g., beaver, bison, and rodent impacts), aeolian sediment dynamics, and the geological signatures of extreme events. He employs multi-method approaches, including GPR imaging and sedimentological analysis, to explore coastal morphodynamics and paleoenvironments. Recent studies include storm impacts on Ukrainian and Bahamian coastlines, and the role of large animals in shaping landscapes. Awards: 2022–2023 Fulbright U.S. Scholar Award (Geology, Estonia) Advising & Grants: Oversees undergraduate advising in Geology. Research has been supported by grants focusing on coastal resilience, extreme event impacts, and interdisciplinary geoarchaeological studies. Collaborates internationally, including projects in Ukraine, Estonia, and the Bahamas. Labs/Teams: Directs research on coastal processes, ichnology, and zoogeomorphology. Engages in fieldwork and geophysical imaging projects globally, emphasizing applied solutions for coastal management and environmental conservation.