Professor Gerd Masselink is a leading authority on coastal geomorphology at the University of Plymouth, specifically in the School of Biological and Marine Sciences. He heads the Coastal Processes Research Group (CPRG), the largest such group in the UK, specializing in extreme storm impacts, climate change adaptation, and coastal management. His work spans global research, including coral reef islands, sediment dynamics, and beach hazard mitigation. He holds a PhD from Sydney University and has over 25 years of field and numerical modeling expertise, with 150+ publications (h-index 68). Current projects include the EA-funded 'Making Space for Sand' and UKRI's ARISE project on atoll resilience. He co-founded CMAR consultancy and authored textbooks like Introduction to Coastal Processes and Geomorphology . Research focuses on extreme storms' coastal effects, including erosion, flooding, and dune dynamics. He supervises 25+ PhD students and collaborates internationally on rip current forecasting, sediment budgets, and climate adaptation strategies. His work informs coastal policy and safety, such as RNLI beach hazard research and UK National Marine Park initiatives.
Aaron Maxwell is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geography at West Virginia University (WVU). He serves as the principal investigator of West Virginia View, a member of AmericaView, and director of the WV GIS Technical Center. His research focuses on spatial predictive modeling, geohazard mapping, machine/deep learning applications in remote sensing, and thematic map accuracy assessment. He holds degrees from Alderson Broaddus University (B.S. in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science) and WVU (M.S. and Ph.D. in Geology), with a GIS Professional (GISP) certification. Education: Bachelor of Science in Biology, Chemistry, and Environmental Science – Alderson Broaddus University Master of Science in Geology – West Virginia University Doctor of Philosophy in Geology – West Virginia University Research Interests: Dr. Maxwell’s work emphasizes computational methods to extract insights from geospatial data. Key areas include: Deep learning for geomorphic feature extraction (e.g., LIDAR-based semantic segmentation) Machine learning applications in forest fuel load estimation and slope failure modeling Best practices for assessing deep learning outputs in remote sensing Synthetic data generation for predictive modeling Community flood resiliency and participatory GIS Publications: His recent work highlights advancements in geospatial deep learning (e.g., the geodl R package), accuracy assessment metrics for imbalanced datasets, and modeling post-mining landscape evolution. Articles often blend theoretical frameworks with applied case studies across environmental and geotechnical domains. Grants & Funding: Supported by NSF (CAREER Award) and AmericaView, his work trains students and develops open-source geospatial tools. Current projects include synthetic forest stand modeling and flood resiliency initiatives. Labs & Teams: Leads WV View, fostering remote sensing education and data sharing. Collaborates on geospatial workforce development and open-source software initiatives (e.g., GIScience courses, ArcGIS Pro labs).
Ramon Arrowsmith is a Professor at Arizona State University's School of Earth and Space Exploration (SESE). His research focuses on earthquake geology, tectonic geomorphology, and active faulting, with a particular emphasis on leveraging high-resolution topography through initiatives like OpenTopography. He has over 35 years of experience in paleoseismology, geomorphic mapping, and fault zone analysis. Arrowsmith has held administrative roles such as Deputy Director of SESE and associate directorships in graduate studies and geological sciences departments. His work integrates remote sensing, lidar technology, and robotics to address geological hazards and landscape evolution. Key projects include the QUAKES mission for topographic data collection and the development of low-cost seismic tools like ShakeBot. His research spans global regions, including the San Andreas Fault, Pamir-Tien Shan collision zone, and volcanic fields in Arizona and Mexico. Arrowsmith's recent publications highlight advancements in fault slip modeling, seismic hazard assessment, and open-access geospatial data platforms. His contributions to education include courses on field geology and computational methods in earth sciences. Collaborations with international teams and interdisciplinary projects underscore his commitment to advancing geoscience through innovation and accessibility.
Summer Rupper is a Professor at the School of Environment, Society & Sustainability at the University of Utah, where she has held her position since July 2019. Her research focuses on understanding the interactions between climate, glaciers, and water resources, with particular emphasis on high mountain regions including High Mountain Asia, the Himalayas, and polar regions. She leads multiple research projects examining glacier dynamics, hydrological processes, and climate change impacts on water security for downstream populations. BS in Geology from Brigham Young University (2001) MS in Geology from University of Washington (2004) PhD in Earth and Space Sciences from University of Washington (2007) Professor Rupper's research spans physical geography, environmental geoscience, and climate change science, with specific expertise in glaciology, hydrology, and atmospheric sciences. Her work integrates field measurements, remote sensing, and numerical modeling to understand glacier dynamics, snow processes, and water resource availability in mountainous regions. She has particular expertise in High Mountain Asia, where glaciers provide critical water resources for over a billion people. Her research addresses fundamental questions about glacier response to climate change, hydrological partitioning, and the implications for water security in vulnerable regions. Her recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on understanding glacier dynamics, hydrological processes, and climate interactions in mountainous regions. The work spans multiple methodologies including remote sensing analysis, numerical modeling, statistical approaches, and field-based measurements. Key themes include glacier melt contributions to river systems, precipitation patterns in complex terrain, snow density modeling, and the impacts of climate change on water resources in High Mountain Asia and polar regions. Her research often integrates multiple data sources and approaches to address complex questions about cryospheric processes and their societal implications. Superior Research Award (2024, CSBS, University of Utah) G.K. Gilbert Award for Excellence in Geomorphic Research (2022) Outstanding Utah Higher Education Science Teacher (2021) Top Researcher Award, Celebrate U showcase (2017) Antarctic Service Medal (2010, USAF) Professor Rupper actively mentors graduate students through thesis research courses at both the PhD and Master's levels, as well as individual projects. She has secured significant research funding from multiple federal agencies including NSF, NASA, and USAID, with current projects examining climatic controls on Antarctic ice sheets, glacier dynamics in High Mountain Asia, and historical glacier changes. Her collaborative work extends across international boundaries, working with scientists in Pakistan, Bhutan, and other regions to address shared water security challenges. She also engages in community outreach through workshops with school districts and science teacher associations to communicate climate science to broader audiences. Professor Rupper participates in multiple collaborative research teams including the NASA High Mountain Asia Team (HiMAT), where she contributes expertise in glacier dynamics and hydrology. She serves on several scientific committees including the NSF Ice Core Facility Sample Allocation Committee and the American Geophysical Union Cryosphere Section Fellows Committee. Her research often involves interdisciplinary teams combining expertise in glaciology, hydrology, remote sensing, and climate modeling to address complex questions about mountain water systems under changing climate conditions.
Catherine Badgley is a Professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of Michigan. She serves as a Research Scientist at the Museum of Paleontology and the Residential College, with a career spanning over four decades since joining as a Michigan Fellow in 1982. Her work bridges paleoecology, biogeography, and sustainable agriculture, focusing on biodiversity responses to global change across deep time scales. Ph.D. in Geology from Yale (1982) MFS from Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies (1974) B.A. in Geology from Radcliffe College (Harvard) Her research integrates four major themes: Paleoecology: Quantitative analysis of fossil assemblages, taphonomy, and Cenozoic mammal community dynamics Climate Change: Using mammal databases to link modern ecological patterns with paleoclimatic inference Spatiotemporal Biodiversity: Tracking mammal-plant co-evolution since the Last Glacial Maximum using isotopic and morphological proxies Agricultural Sustainability: Pioneering studies demonstrating organic agriculture's capacity to meet global food demands Recent publications reveal trends combining 4D geodynamic modeling , C3/C4 vegetation transitions , and functional morphology across Neogene records in Pakistan, Spain, and North America. Her fieldwork spans the Siwalik sequence, Mojave Desert, and Great Basin regions. She leads the NSF-funded NARLEE (North American Rodent Landscapes Evolution & Ecology) Research Coordination Network and teaches courses like EEB 318/319 on Food Systems and EEB 445 Biogeography, featuring immersive fieldwork and interdisciplinary analysis of agricultural impacts on biodiversity.
Prof. Suzanne J.M.H. Hulscher is a Full Professor in Water Systems at the University of Twente, specializing in fluvial and coastal morphodynamics. Her research focuses on flood risk management, sediment dynamics, and climate adaptation. She has contributed to over 845 publications and supervised 55 research projects, including Vera van Bergeijk's PhD work on overtopping flows. Key achievements include the Simon Stevin Meester award (2016) and multiple best paper awards. Her work addresses UN Sustainable Development Goals through studies on saltwater intrusion, dike breach modeling, and nature-based solutions. Research highlights include hydraulic model calibration, estuarine sand wave dynamics, and vegetation effects on hydrodynamics. She actively contributes to editorial roles (CivilEng Journal) and policy advisory bodies (Wetenschappelijke Raad). Her interdisciplinary efforts bridge engineering, ecology, and climate science. Research areas: Coastal morphology, river dynamics, environmental hydraulics Key collaborations: 4TU.Centre for Research Data, IAHR, Netherlands Academy of Engineering Grants: Not explicitly listed, but extensive publications imply significant funding Her lab focuses on combining field data with numerical modeling for real-world applications like flood dashboard development and machine learning-based prediction systems. Current projects explore climate change impacts on engineered estuaries and distributive justice in climate policy.
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.
Anne Meltzer is a Professor in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at Lehigh University, specializing in observational seismology with a focus on continental lithosphere evolution, solid earth-surface process interactions, and crustal/mantle deformation. Her work integrates field deployments of seismic arrays in active tectonic regions to study earth structure and earthquake dynamics. Her core research areas include Solid Earth Geophysics, Seismology, Tectonics, Geodynamics, and Natural Hazards. She employs earthquake-based imaging techniques alongside active source reflection seismology and ground penetrating radar to investigate near-surface environments, with applications spanning active tectonics, hydrology, and climate change impacts. Her methodology emphasizes collaborative international research to address seismic hazard mitigation in developing regions. Analysis of her 15 most recent publications (2020-2008) reveals concentrated expertise in subduction zone dynamics (particularly Ecuador's Pedernales earthquake sequence), intraplate seismicity in eastern North America, and continental margin processes. Key geographic foci include the Andes, Mid-Atlantic U.S., Mongolia, and the Tibetan Plateau, with recurring themes of seismic hazard assessment, lithospheric deformation, and innovative instrumentation deployment. Professor Meltzer teaches foundational and advanced courses including Natural Hazards (EES 027), Seismology (EES 201/407), and Tectonic Processes (EES 426), while maintaining active collaborations with global earth science institutions to advance observational seismology and risk reduction strategies.
Dr. Joel P. Johnson is an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at The University of Texas at Austin's Jackson School of Geosciences. His research focuses on quantifying active surface processes, including geomorphic feedbacks, landscape evolution, and sediment transport dynamics. He explores topics like lithologic controls on topography, tsunami deposit analysis, and morphodynamics in mountain rivers. His work integrates field studies, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling. Education: BS in Earth Sciences, PhD from MIT, postdoc at USGS. He teaches courses like Earth Wind and Fire, Geomorphology, and Professional Ethics in Geosciences. He co-leads the Jackson Scholars program, fostering student engagement and professional development. Research Themes: (1) Climatic and lithologic influences on landscape evolution, (2) Mountain river morphodynamics using smartrocks and flume experiments, (3) Tsunami and storm surge deposit analysis for hazard assessments. Key projects include Guadalupe Mountains lithology studies, Martian canyon comparisons, and Hawaii climate-erosion feedbacks. Advising: Supervises PhD/Master’s students and undergrad researchers (e.g., Grace Guryan, Morgan Carrington). Collaborates with institutions like Tulane University and Durham University. Publications span 20+ peer-reviewed articles since 2003, focusing on fluvial processes, sediment transport, and geomorphic modeling. Labs/Teams: Active in experimental flume research at UT, smartrock tracer technology development, and comparative planetology studies. His group emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to address Earth system challenges.
Jean-Philippe Avouac is the Earle C. Anthony Professor of Geology and Mechanical and Civil Engineering at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He is also the Associate Director of the Center for Autonomous Systems and Technologies and the former Director of the Tectonic Observatory (2004–2013). His academic career includes roles at the University of Cambridge (2018–2021) and leadership in geomechanics research. Avouac holds a M.E. from École Polytechnique (1987), a Ph.D. from Institut de Physique du Globe de Paris (1991), and a Habilitation (1992). His research focuses on crustal deformation, earthquake mechanics, and geomorphic processes, using field observations, geodetic measurements, and remote sensing. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed publications and pioneered geodetic imaging techniques. Key research areas include seismicity forecasting, fault dynamics, and subsurface engineering impacts. Awards include the AGU Fellow distinction and the Wolfson Merit Award. Avouac advises numerous PhD students and postdocs, directing labs like the Center for Geomechanics and Mitigation of Geohazards. His work spans tectonic processes in the Himalayas, induced seismicity, and planetary surface dynamics.
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.
Arthur Trembanis is a Professor at the School of Marine Science & Policy at the University of Delaware , where he conducts interdisciplinary research in coastal and marine geoscience. His work bridges oceanography, sediment dynamics, and autonomous systems, with a focus on understanding coastal morphodynamics, hydrodynamics, and seafloor mapping. Coastal & Estuarine Morphodynamics Sediment Transport Modeling Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) Seafloor Mapping & Geoacoustics Trembanis leads the Coastal Sediments, Hydrodynamics, and Engineering Lab (CSHEL) , which explores the intersection of marine technology and environmental science. His recent publications highlight advancements in AI-driven seafloor mapping, autonomous survey platforms, and coastal response to extreme weather. He is also active in open-source tools for geological feature detection and educational outreach. The 15 most recent papers reflect trends in machine learning for coastal geology (e.g., AI for Carolina Bay detection), autonomous robotics in marine surveys, and storm impact analysis on coastal systems. Key subfields include LiDAR processing, bedform dynamics, and multi-platform data integration for environmental monitoring. Fulbright Fellowship (University of Sydney) SERDP Project MR20-1480 (Munition mobility in estuarine environments) Follow his work via the CSHEL website , Instagram , or YouTube for fieldwork and lab updates.
Gary O'Brien is a Lecturer in the Department of Geology at Utah State University. His research focuses on geomorphology, geoscience education, and the interplay between fluvial processes and cultural heritage preservation. He has conducted extensive studies on river dynamics, sedimentary chronostratigraphy, and the application of geomorphic frameworks like the River Styles Framework in environmental management. His work often integrates field-based analysis with advanced geospatial techniques, addressing topics such as alluvial fan evolution, stream restoration planning, and the preservation of archaeological sites along rivers like the Colorado River in Grand Canyon National Park. Notable projects include assessments of cultural site erosion risks and the development of taxonomic systems for fluvial landforms. While no scientific awards are explicitly mentioned, his contributions span over two decades, with publications ranging from 1999 to 2021. His writings emphasize methodological comparisons in stream classification and the application of geomorphic insights to real-world conservation challenges. No formal advising relationships or grants are documented in the provided text.
Michael E. Oskin is a Professor and former Department Chair (2017-2021) in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at the University of California, Davis. He also serves as faculty director of the Lassen Field Station, part of the UC Natural Reserve System. His research focuses on structural geology, geomorphology, and active tectonics, particularly the interplay between earthquakes, surface processes, and landscape evolution. He specializes in using high-resolution topography and geochronological techniques to study deformation rates, fault mechanics, and tectonic processes in regions like California and the Tibetan Plateau. Education: B.S. in Geology/Engineering Geology, UC Los Angeles (1995) Ph.D. in Geology, California Institute of Technology (2002) Research Interests: His work addresses deformation rates linked to earthquakes, continental deformation mechanisms, and topographic responses to geologic structures. Techniques include field observations, cosmogenic dating, and lidar analysis to quantify processes like fault slip, erosion, and landscape evolution. Publications: Recent work includes studies on fault rupture dynamics (e.g., San Andreas and Ridgecrest earthquakes), geochronological modeling, and tectonic evolution in regions like the Tibetan Plateau. His research bridges structural geology with quantitative methods to advance understanding of active crustal processes. Awards: Recipient of the UC Davis Graduate Program Advising and Mentoring Award (2020). Advising & Grants: Mentor to over 20 graduate students, emphasizing collaborative research, fieldwork, and open science practices. Prioritizes student summer support and funding for field/analytical costs. Leads a lab focused on earthquake geology and hosts weekly reading groups. Labs/Teams: Oversees the Lassen Field Station, teaching the summer field course GEL 110A and conducting research in the region. Active in the UC Natural Reserve System and collaborates with international research groups.
Josh West is a Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Southern California (USC), affiliated with the USC Environmental Studies Program. His research focuses on the interplay between Earth's landscapes, water resources, and the carbon cycle, particularly in mountainous regions. He explores how tectonics, climate, and erosion shape topography, influence sediment and nutrient fluxes, and impact global biogeochemical cycles. Notable areas of study include Himalayan erosion dynamics, permafrost thaw effects, and the role of landslides in carbon cycle feedbacks. West leads a research group emphasizing equity and inclusion, mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. His work integrates field observations, geochemical analyses, and modeling to address questions about Earth's long-term habitability and environmental sustainability. Key contributions include studies on the 2021 Melamchi Flood, mercury mobilization in Arctic regions, and lithium isotope tracers for weathering processes.
