Find Academic Supervisors

Carol F. SawyerView profile

Associate Professor

• Geomorphology
• Mountain Geography
• Periglacial Geomorphology
• +4 more

Dr. Carol Sawyer is an Associate Professor of Geography in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of South Alabama, College of Arts and Sciences. Based in ELSB 136 with office hours on Mondays (12:30-1:30, 3-4), Tuesdays (2-4), and Thursdays (2-4), she specializes in geomorphological research within mountain and periglacial environments across the Western U.S. Her educational background includes: B.Sc. in Geography from Montana State University-Bozeman M.Sc. in Geography from Southwest Texas State University Ph.D. in Geography from Texas State University Dr. Sawyer's research centers on geomorphology, mountain geography, and periglacial processes, examining how landscapes respond to climate change, natural disturbances, and human impacts. She investigates mass wasting phenomena like debris flows and avalanches, alpine treeline dynamics, and micro-scale geomorphic adjustments, with recent fieldwork in Washington's Olympic Mountains. Her methodological expertise includes dendrogeomorphology, zoogeomorphology, and innovative techniques like webcam monitoring and historical postcard analysis. Publications from 2003-2012 reveal consistent focus on mountain geomorphology, particularly snow avalanche reconstruction using tree-ring analysis and zoogeomorphic impacts on landscapes. Key thematic threads include periglacial processes, disturbance ecology in alpine zones, and novel approaches for documenting environmental change through historical records and real-time monitoring systems. Dr. Sawyer actively mentors undergraduate students in field and laboratory research, teaching courses including Mountain Geography (GEO 317), Natural Hazards (GEO 405), and Research Methods (GEO 435). Her collaborative work with David R. Butler and others demonstrates strong interdisciplinary engagement across geography, ecology, and earth sciences.

Francesco BregoliView profile

Researcher

• Environmental Engineering
• Civil Engineering
• River Morphodynamics
• +7 more

Francesco Bregoli is a researcher affiliated with IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, where he coordinates the River Morphodynamics Course and collaborates on projects involving river engineering, geomorphology, and water quality. His work combines field studies, computational modeling, and remote sensing techniques. Previously, he held postdoctoral positions at ICRA Girona and Radboud University, and obtained a PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Barcelona, Spain). He has also worked in consultancy and research roles across Italy, Spain, Colombia, the Netherlands, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Bhutan. Education: MSc in Environmental Engineering from the University of Florence; PhD from Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya. His research focuses on natural hazards (floods, landslides, debris flows, tsunamis) and human-induced challenges like pharmaceutical pollution exacerbated by population growth and climate change. He has contributed to five major EU Horizon 2020 projects, emphasizing interdisciplinary approaches to river systems and environmental sustainability. His work in Tanzania’s Mara Wetland highlights historical morphological changes and contemporary sediment management issues. Key tools include Delft3D software, GIS-based models like GLOBAL-FATE, and large-eddy simulations for studying river dynamics. His publications from 2020–2025 reflect a sustained focus on river morphodynamics, sediment transport in vegetated channels, pharmaceutical pollution mitigation strategies, and climate adaptation in river ecosystems. Notable studies include modeling energy transfer from landslides to water bodies and analyzing ibuprofen exposure in European rivers using cost-effective methods. Scientific Awards: COFUND Marie-Curie Individual Fellowship. In advising and grants, he has coordinated international research teams and leveraged EU funding to address global water challenges. His work bridges academic research with practical applications in environmental policy and engineering, particularly in developing regions. Collaborations span institutions like UNESCO-IHE, Radboud University, and ICRA Girona, though no specific lab affiliations are explicitly mentioned. Research contributions include developing the TXT-tool for debris flow hazard assessment and advancing understanding of wetland dynamics through satellite image analysis. Current efforts prioritize river response to climate shifts and sustainable water management solutions.

Gretchen GettelView profile

Researcher

• Aquatic Ecosystems
• Biogeochemistry
• Water Quality Management
• +3 more

Gretchen Gettel is a researcher affiliated with IHE Delft Institute for Water Education, focusing on aquatic ecosystems and biogeochemical processes. Previously, she served as a Research Scientist at the University of New Hampshire’s Water Systems Analysis Group and held postdoctoral roles in natural resources research. She holds a Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry from Cornell University, alongside degrees from the University of Minnesota and Boston University. Her research explores dissolved organic carbon quality, denitrification dynamics, and the impacts of land use on freshwater systems. She has conducted fieldwork across arctic, temperate, and tropical regions, investigating nitrogen fixation in lakes, fish distribution effects on food webs, and eutrophication’s role in marine ecosystems. Key themes include greenhouse gas emissions from tropical rivers, agricultural impacts on water quality, and the interplay between hydrology and ecosystem services. Gettel’s publications emphasize spatial and temporal patterns of GHG fluxes, leveraging remote sensing and machine learning for upscaling data. Her work spans diverse landscapes—from German catchments to East African highlands—highlighting global biogeochemical cycles and climate mitigation strategies. She advocates for sustainable water management through interdisciplinary approaches. Teaching expertise includes undergraduate and graduate courses on aquatic ecosystems, watershed management, and limnology. Her contributions bridge academic research with practical applications in resource governance and policy alignment for sustainable development in river basins.

Zhaohui ChiView profile

Lecturer

• Remote Sensing Applications
• Geospatial Image Processing
• Glacier Dynamics Modeling
• +3 more

Zhaohui Chi is a Lecturer at Texas A&M University's Department of Geography. Her research focuses on integrating remote sensing techniques with geospatial analysis to monitor environmental changes, particularly in glacial dynamics, coastal zones, and land cover transitions. She holds a Ph.D. in Geography from Texas A&M University (2012), an M.S. in GIS from Sun Yat-Sen University (2007), and a B.S. in Geography from Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology (2004). Her research interests emphasize passive microwave remote sensing applications in geosciences, including glacier modeling, SAR imagery analysis, and environmental monitoring systems. Recent work includes studies on debris-covered glaciers in High Mountain Asia and Antarctic ice dynamics. Key publications span geomorphology, glaciology, and remote sensing, with a focus on numerical modeling, satellite data integration, and automated geospatial processing methods. Her work often addresses climate change impacts on cryosphere systems. Awards: SWAAG Student Paper Competition (2011), NASA RADARSAT-1 Data Approval (2010), and multiple grants in geospatial research. She has contributed to projects such as shoreline mapping (NASA-funded) and riparian assessments for Texas state agencies. Her technical expertise bridges field observations with advanced remote sensing analytics.

Tim RalphView profile

Associate Professor

• Fluvial Geomorphology
• Dryland Hydrology
• Sediment Transport
• +2 more

Dr. Tim Ralph is an Associate Professor in the School of Natural Sciences at Macquarie University, where he leads research in the Smart Green Cities Research Centre. His expertise centers on geomorphology of rivers and wetlands in dryland environments. Research encompasses: Fluvial landform evolution and sediment dynamics Wetland responses to hydrological variability Impacts of climate change on dryland river systems Sediment tracing and contaminant transport Field research spans Australia's Murray-Darling Basin, Botswana's Okavango Delta, Egyptian Nile systems, and arid regions of the USA. Recent publications address floodplain wetland morphodynamics, paleohydrological reconstruction, and post-fire sediment impacts. Awards include the 2017 BHERT Award for collaborative research impact. Current projects include IAEA Regional Cooperative Agreement on agro-contaminant assessment and Natural Flood Management initiatives. Supervises 12+ doctoral candidates investigating floodplain ecology, sediment transport, and indigenous land management practices.

Annegret LarsenView profile

Assistant Professor

• Human-Landscape Interaction
• Ecosystem Services
• Rewilding
• +5 more

Dr. Annegret Larsen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil Geography and Landscape at Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands). She holds a PhD in Physical Geography and Geoarchaeology from the University of Kiel (Germany) and a degree in education. Her research focuses on human-landscape interaction, rewilding, ecosystem services, and resilient landscapes. She has held academic positions at institutions including the University of Manchester (UK), Université de Lausanne (Switzerland), University of Brisbane (Australia), and University of Kiel. Her current research emphasizes understanding environmental feedbacks and processes critical for sustainable land management. A key project involves using ancient DNA from river sediments to reconstruct pre-human river conditions, supported by an NWO-Vidi grant. She teaches integrative courses such as Fundamentals of Landscapes and Geology and Landscapes of the World , leveraging her educational background. Dr. Larsen leads projects like 'Burrowing Animals as Actors of Landscape Change' and 'Save the Tiger! Save the Grasslands! Save the Water!', exploring biotic influences on geomorphology and conservation strategies. Her work bridges disciplines, addressing climate change, land-use impacts, and biodiversity restoration through transdisciplinary approaches. Her teaching and research emphasize field-based methodologies, including UAV applications and sediment modeling. She collaborates internationally, contributing to policy-relevant studies on peatland restoration and EU Nature Restoration Law frameworks.

• Himalayan Archaeology
• Biocultural Heritage
• Climate Change and Heritage
• +3 more

Dr Hayley Saul is a Senior Research Fellow and Deputy Director of the Heritage for Global Challenges Research Centre at the University of York. She holds a PhD from the University of York (2012) and has held academic roles at Western Sydney University including Senior Lecturer in Heritage and Tourism, and Associate Dean positions. Her research focuses on Himalayan heritage, biocultural systems, and climate adaptation through transdisciplinary projects with Indigenous communities and NGOs like ICIMOD. Key initiatives include the Langtang Heritage Trail (post-earthquake cultural recovery) and studies on Himalayan culinary resilience and water heritage in Kathmandu. Saul is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and leads global research on mountain heritage and disaster survivance. Education: PhD in Archaeology (University of York, 2012); Postdoctoral Fellowships in Japan and Australia. Research themes emphasize culturally grounded solutions to climate challenges, integrating archaeology, anthropology, and environmental science. Recent grants include £120,000 for the Langtang Heritage Trail and ongoing Leverhulme funding. Collaborations span institutions in Nepal, Australia, and the UK. Research Highlights: Himalayan cuisine resilience, Kathmandu water governance, biocultural heritage preservation Grants: Over £150,000 in funded projects since 2015 Her publications analyze prehistoric culinary practices, heritage tourism impacts, and anti-colonial approaches to extractivism. Supervised PhD student Anoj Khanal (Liquid Landscapes project). Active in international networks like the Himalayan University Consortium and Human Occupation of Mountain Environments (HOME) Commission.

Smriti SafayaView profile

Research Fellow

• Environmental Education
• Citizen Science
• Environmental Psychology
• +3 more

Smriti Safaya is a Research Fellow at the Environmental Sustainability Academy, University of York, with a PhD in Education and Environment from York's Education Department and the Stockholm Environment Institute-York. Her work focuses on experiential science education, citizen science, and environmental behavior psychology. She investigates how youth environmental advocate identities develop through participatory science activities and how these influence pro-environmental actions, particularly in Asian and European contexts. Previously, she worked as an educator in Hong Kong international schools, designing curricula around geographic, environmental, and experiential learning. Her PhD research highlighted strong links between Hong Kong youth's nature experiences and pro-environmental behavior after school-based citizen science projects. She now conducts comparative studies to identify key factors driving youth environmental engagement globally. Her academic awards include the 2022 University of York Fellowship and the 2020 Science Communication Studentship. She has contributed to interdisciplinary research spanning education, environmental science, and geology, with notable work in citizen science participation barriers and pedagogical innovation. Publications reflect her dual focus on environmental education and geology, including studies on tectonic faulting in Tibet and the design of purpose-driven curricula. She actively promotes science communication through platforms like Medium, authoring articles on citizen science initiatives and climate change education strategies.

Michael P. LambView profile

Professor

• Geomorphology
• Planetary Surfaces
• Sedimentology
• +4 more

Michael P. Lamb is a Professor of Geology at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), affiliated with the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences. He holds a B.S. from the University of Minnesota (2001), M.S. from the University of Washington (2004), and Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley (2008). Since 2009, he has been at Caltech, advancing from Assistant Professor to his current rank. His research focuses on sedimentary and geomorphic processes shaping Earth, Mars, and Titan. Key areas include waterfall erosion, mountain stream dynamics, river terrace formation, and planetary surface evolution. Current projects involve Arctic river responses to climate change, delta dynamics under sea-level rise, and Martian fluvial history. Applications span environmental management, hazard mitigation, and planetary science. Leading the Lamb Surface Processes Group, his work integrates field measurements, remote sensing, topographic analysis, and modeling. Research themes include debris-flow mechanics, submarine canyon formation, and ancient Earth landscapes. The group collaborates on planetary surface interpretations, contributing to missions like Mars exploration. His lab addresses pressing issues such as carbon cycling in floodplains and the geologic record of Earth’s history. While no specific awards are listed, his contributions to geomorphology and planetary science are evident through active grants and collaborations.

• Geology
• Geomorphology
• Fluvial Systems
• +4 more

Harrison Martin is a Research Fellow in Geology, holding the position of Resnick Postdoctoral Scholar under the mentorship of Michael Lamb. His work focuses on fluvial geomorphology, avulsion dynamics, and sedimentary processes. He is affiliated with the Lamb group, whose website provides further details about his research activities. His research interests include the evolution of river systems, particularly the mechanisms driving avulsion events, fluvial fan morphology, and landscape response to catastrophic events such as dam failures. He employs advanced techniques like drone-based LiDAR and numerical modeling to study channel migration, sediment deposition, and topographic changes over time. Recent studies emphasize the interplay between geomorphic processes and environmental systems, including the impact of human interventions (e.g., dam failures) on fluvial dynamics. His work bridges theoretical models with field observations, contributing to understanding long-term sedimentary architecture and reservoir quality in oil sands regions. Key research trends include the development of frameworks for distinguishing river width maintenance mechanisms, quantifying landscape recovery post-disaster, and refining global geomorphic process domain maps. These studies highlight the interdisciplinary nature of his work, integrating geology, hydrology, and remote sensing. His contributions to the field are showcased through collaborations with the Lamb group, which focuses on alluvial landscape evolution and the application of novel methodologies to address unresolved questions in sedimentology and geomorphology.

Jennifer GiffordView profile

Associate Professor

• Tectonics
• Geochronology
• Detrital Zircon
• +2 more

Jennifer Gifford is an Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geological Engineering at the University of Mississippi. Her research investigates tectonic processes and crustal evolution using geochronology, geochemistry, and geologic mapping. Gifford specializes in detrital zircon provenance analysis to reconstruct ancient river systems and tectonic settings, with significant work on the origins of the Mississippi River system. Her research reconstructs paleodrainage patterns and sediment routing using U-Pb dating of detrital zircons from Cretaceous and Cenozoic sedimentary sequences. Gifford also studies Archean basement rocks of the Wyoming craton to understand Precambrian crustal evolution. She employs field mapping combined with petrographic and geochemical analyses to understand tectonic histories of regions including the Bighorn Mountains and Black Warrior Basin. Gifford has supervised multiple graduate students working on projects ranging from volcanic gravel analysis to structural mapping in Wyoming. Her work provides insights into regional tectonics, basin evolution, and landscape development across North America.

Erik LarsonView profile

Associate Professor

• Carbonate Sedimentology
• GIS Applications
• Karst Geology
• +4 more

Dr. Erik Larson is an Associate Professor of Geology at Shawnee State University's Department of Natural Sciences, part of the College of Arts and Sciences. He holds a Ph.D. in Earth and Atmospheric Science from Mississippi State University (2014) and a B.S. in Environmental Analysis from Unity College (2010). His research focuses on carbonate sedimentology, karst systems, GIS applications, and Quaternary geology, often involving undergraduate students in field-based projects. Dr. Larson teaches courses including Physical Geology, Climate Change, Sedimentary Rocks/Stratigraphy, and GIS. His work spans diverse regions such as the Bahamas, Michigan, and Ohio, emphasizing fieldwork, 3D modeling, and interdisciplinary approaches. He has received multiple awards, including the 2024 Board of Trustees Distinguished Teaching Award and the 2019 Young Scientist Award from the Geological Society of America's Karst Division. His research explores topics like carbonate dissolution rates, karst hydrology, and the integration of geospatial technologies. Collaborations include projects on Bahamas blue holes, Midwestern carbonate stratigraphy, and glacially influenced karst systems. Students actively contribute to every stage of his research, from design to publication. Education: Ph.D., Earth and Atmospheric Science, Mississippi State University (2014) B.S., Environmental Analysis, Unity College (2010) Key Research Themes: High-latitude karst systems Coastal geomorphology GIS applications in geoscience Carbonate island hydrogeology Dr. Larson’s work bridges academia and public engagement, such as using GIS to enhance community understanding of environmental issues. His publications span peer-reviewed journals like Carbonates and Evaporites and Geosciences , focusing on innovative field methods and geologic processes.

Piret Plink-BjörklundView profile

Associate Professor

• Sedimentary Geology
• Geomorphology
• Climate Research
• +3 more

Piret Plink-Björklund is an Associate Professor in Geology and Geological Engineering at the Colorado School of Mines since 2006. She holds a Ph.D. in Geology from Göteborg University (1998), Fil.Lic. (1996), and M.Sc./B.Sc. degrees from Tartu University (1993). Her research focuses on linking sedimentary records with modern processes to improve interpretations of geomorphologic and climate dynamics. Key projects include the RioMAR Consortium on sediment transport and the Global Hydrology-Flood Analysis. Education: Ph.D. in Geology, Göteborg University, Sweden (1998) Fil.Lic. in Geology, Göteborg University, Sweden (1996) M.Sc./B.Sc. in Geology, Tartu University, Estonia (1993) Research interests emphasize sedimentary systems' response to climate variability, fluvial dynamics, and basin architecture. She investigates monsoon-driven river systems, tidal deltaic processes, and paleoclimate thresholds using integrated field, experimental, and theoretical approaches. Her work has been supported by the Swedish Research Council CAREER award (2005–2006). Notable contributions include studies on Froude-supercritical bedforms, latitudinal river controls, and basin-floor fan evolution. She advises multiple graduate students and collaborates internationally on sedimentology and diagenesis projects. Labs/Teams: Active in the RioMAR Consortium and collaborative projects with institutions like the University of Wyoming and Statoil Research Centre.

• Freshwater Ecology
• Aquatic Ecosystems
• Environmental Chemistry
• +7 more

Professor Mary Kelly-Quinn is a leading academic in aquatic ecology and environmental science at University College Dublin (UCD), where she serves as Head of the School of Biology and Environmental Science. Her research focuses on anthropogenic impacts on freshwater ecosystems, including land-use effects on water quality, peatland degradation, and biodiversity assessment. She has pioneered methods for evaluating macroinvertebrate communities and led initiatives to enhance environmental monitoring through citizen science. Her professional roles include Director of the Science Graduate School (2011-2014) and Director of Aquens Ltd, a campus company. She holds editorial roles in journals like Biodiversity and chairs the Irish Freshwater Sciences Association. Her awards include the D'Arcy Magee Beacon Fellowship (2021) and Newman Scholarship (1989-1992). Education: BSc, University College Dublin PhD, University College Dublin Research Interests: Assessment of eutrophication, siltation, and acidification impacts on aquatic biota; biological indicators for freshwater assessments; hydrochemical studies; ecology of small water bodies and fisheries biology, particularly salmonids. She leads the Freshwater Biodiversity, Ecology and Fisheries Research Group. Grants: HoS Research Support Scheme (UCD, 2017-2023) Leveraging Education to Advance Research in Citizen Science (2025-2026) Teaching: Coordinates modules like Water Quality Assessment and Environmental Sustainability , emphasizing student-centered learning and digital tools. Developed UCD's online Master's in Environmental Sustainability and a Certificate in Biological Identification. Labs/Teams: Leads the Freshwater Biodiversity Research Group and collaborates globally, including with Inland Fisheries Ireland and Operation Wallacea in Honduras.

• Geographic Information Science
• Remote Sensing
• Spatial Analysis
• +4 more

Nicholas Tate is an Associate Professor at the University of Leicester's School of Geography, Geology and the Environment. His work bridges Geographic Information Science (GIS), remote sensing, and spatial analysis with a focus on education innovation and environmental applications. He has contributed significantly to GIS education through textbooks like Teaching Geographic Information Science and Technology in Higher Education (2011) and Modelling Scale in Geographical Information Science (2001). His research explores urban form modeling via AI, spatial interpolation techniques, and geodemographic classification. Notable projects include radar interferometry for land displacement in the Swiss Alps, SAR-based forest mapping in the Congo Basin, and VGI analysis using fuzzy clustering. He has led international collaborations on GIS pedagogy during the pandemic, emphasizing resilient teaching strategies. Publications span Journal of Geography in Higher Education , Remote Sensing of Environment , and Climate . His work frequently addresses methodological rigor in spatial data analysis and interdisciplinary applications in ecology, hydrology, and urban policy. Recent trends focus on AI-driven geospatial modeling and crisis-responsive education frameworks. While no specific grants or awards are listed, his prolific publication record underscores sustained academic engagement. Collaborations with institutions globally highlight his role in advancing both theoretical GIScience and practical environmental monitoring.